The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced several immigration and residency updates while reinforcing ongoing national workforce policies. Recent changes include the introduction of new visit visa categories, amendments to entry and residency permit processes, and the launch of a unified digital platform for domestic worker visa management. The UAE has also expanded its Golden Visa programme to recognise Waqf (charitable endowment) donors.
In parallel, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has issued a reminder for private-sector employers to meet their Emiratisation targets by 31 December 2025, ahead of penalty enforcement in 2026 for companies that have not met their targets.
Introduction of New Visit Visa Categories and Entry Permit Amendments
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has introduced four new visit visa categories aligned with the UAE’s economic, cultural, and tourism priorities:
Additional ICP updates include:
These new visa categories and permit amendments reflect the UAE’s strategy of differentiating visitor types more distinctly, supporting priority sectors, and standardising residency pathways. The refinements to family sponsorship and humanitarian permits also show an effort to balance openness with more structured eligibility criteria.
Domestic Workers – Launch of the “Work in UAE” Digital Platform
The UAE has rolled out Work in UAE, a unified digital platform for issuing, renewing, and cancelling domestic worker visas. The system consolidates Emirates ID registration, medical examinations, and fee payments into a single online workflow.
The platform aims to:
Household sponsors and employers should prepare to transition to this platform as it becomes the standard processing route.
Golden Visa Expansion – New Waqf Donor Category
The Golden Visa programme has been expanded to include individuals who contribute to Waqf (charitable endowment) and other humanitarian initiatives. Eligible donors who provide verifiable support to registered projects may obtain a 10-year renewable residence permit and sponsor family members independently of employment. This expansion broadens long-term residency pathways and reinforces the UAE’s emphasis on philanthropy and social impact.
Emiratisation Targets – Compliance Reminder for 2025
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has reiterated that private-sector employers must meet their 2025 Emiratisation obligations by 31 December 2025, ahead of penalty enforcement beginning 1 January 2026. Although the policy framework is established, the renewed reminder underscores ongoing scrutiny and increased data verification across government systems.
Key requirements include:
Given the heightened oversight, employers should ensure that data reported through Nafis is accurate, and that Emirati employees occupy genuine, skilled, and sustainably employed positions consistent with their job titles and contractual terms.
The UAE has announced updates to the Nafis Award for the 2025–2026 cycle, building on the rapid growth of Emirati participation in the private sector. The latest cycle shifts focus from meeting Emiratisation numbers to strengthening the quality and sustainability of roles, with new evaluation criteria and a dedicated category for education professionals.
These developments highlight the importance of proactive immigration planning and accurate workforce reporting. Employers should:
The evolution of digital platforms and regulatory frameworks creates a more structured and transparent environment for compliant employers. Businesses maintaining consistent records, accurate filings, and timely compliance will find processes more predictable and streamlined.
Our Vialto immigration team supports employers and individuals in navigating these updates. We can:
By preparing proactively and aligning processes with the latest requirements, companies can minimise risks, safeguard mobility, and ensure continued compliance across their UAE workforce.
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Anir Chatterji
EMEA Immigration Partner
Rekhia Simpson
Director, Middle East Immigration
Nasrine Abdi
Senior Manager, UAE Immigration
Remy Vinil
Senior Manager, UAE Immigration
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