Fijians Kelepi Abariga and Joji Luita living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have welcomed the UAE Government’s decision to unveil its first multi-entry five-year tourist visa programme.

This was confirmed and announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, after its first Cabinet meeting held earlier this week.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said: “We approved today the new tourist visa system in the country, where the duration of the tourist visa would be five years, multi-entry for all nationalities as we receive more than 21 million tourists annually and our aim is to establish the country as a major global tourist destination.”

Whilst it is not clear if there will be a visa application fee as no other details have yet to be released, expatriates have also warmly welcomed the decision.

At present, tourists can visit the UAE with a free multiple entry visa for up to 90 days, from the date of entry.

Emirate national and staunch supporter of Fijian and fellow Pacific Island Communities and PACSA Chairman Ahmed of Al Ain, says the new policy will surely enable more Pacific Islanders to visit their families in the UAE and is glad that the presence of more Pacific Peoples will create a cultural balance amongst more than 200 nationalities who now call the United Arab Emirates their second home.

Mr Abariga said the Fiji Community, who reside in Lebanon, were as much elated as everyone else as they are frequent visitors to the UAE to watch the Emirates Airlines Dubai Rugby 7s.

The new visa policy, which will be introduced within the next four months, is aimed at further re-affirming the UAE as a “major global tourism destination and is also a part of the more ambitious plans to prepare the country for the next 50 years of its development”.

Mr Abariga said the decision by the UAE Government will also blend in well with the staging of the 2020 Expo from October 20th to April 10, 2021.

Feedback: rosi.doviverata@fijisun.com.fj