Insights: General
Cultural awareness, expat life and practical guides for anyone building a life or career in the Middle East.
Latest Articles
Oman working on new temporary work permits for expats
Oman’s government is planning to permit the recruitment of non-Omani workers under temporary employment licenses in specific specialised jobs for a set period of time. The specified professions include medical, academic, technical, consultancy, expertise and training, according to the Implementation Support and Follow-up Unit’s annual report. This amendment is being pursued as a measure to
UAE plans amnesty for visa violators
A general amnesty for foreign violators of the country’s residency laws will shortly be announced by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC), a senior official said on Monday. Ali Mohammad Bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Chairman of FAIC, said violators will have the option to either rectify their legal status through paying nominal fees,
June 28, 2018
Read more about UAE plans amnesty for visa violatorsOne-year visa extension for divorcees and widows
The UAE Cabinet has adopted a decision to extend the visas of widowed or divorced women residing in the UAE and their children for one year from the date of the divorce or the death of the spouse, as part of the legislative changes approved by the Cabinet. The decision grants widows and divorced women
Major changes in UAE visa rules
A new insurance scheme for workers’ guarantees has been introduced. The previous mandatory deposit of Dh3,000 per worker is now replaced by a new insurance scheme that cost only Dh60 annually per worker. The decisions were approved on Wednesday during a cabinet meeting chaired His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime
June 28, 2018
Read more about Major changes in UAE visa rulesKuwait to delay VAT implementation until 2021
Kuwait is set to delay its implementation of a regional 5 per cent value added tax until 2021, according to a parliamentary committee statement. An update on the National Assembly’s website from a budget and final accounts committee meeting on Monday appeared to confirm the timeline. “The committee noted that the value added tax will
Oman adds China, Iran, Russia to visa on arrival list
Oman has added passport holders from China, Iran and Russia to a list of countries that do not require a pre-entry tourist visa. The move follows the introduction of new visa rules in the sultanate in March including a new online application process. An official told Times of Oman that the countries join citizens from
Filipino embassy issues guidelines for hiring OFWs in Oman
In an advisory released by Embassy of the Philippines in Muscat, all Filipino workers should draw a minimum salary of OMR290 per month. The hiring advisory comes from the Philippine Overseas Labour Office at the office of the Labour Attache and will guide sponsors on the rights of all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the
Places in Dubai where rents have fallen most
Several communities in Dubai are known for their sky-high rents, especially those within the commercial centres and premium neighbourhoods that have plenty of amenities and perks to offer. But with rents still falling, more relief is in sight for thousands of tenants out there. According to JLL, year-on-year rents have now declined by 6.5 per
10-year residence visa in UAE for investors, doctors, specialists and top students
100% ownership for investors, 10-year residence for investors, professionals and families, plus top students. To further boost the UAE’s position as a primary destination for international investors and top talent from around the world, the Cabinet on Sunday has adopted a new system of entry visas for investors and professionals — providing them with a
Have a question about the Middle East?
Our advisors are available to discuss your business setup, immigration or relocation requirements across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.


