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Abu Dhabi: Residents applying for visas on Tuesday met the new regulations with mixed emotions.
Dozens of people scrutinised a board detailing the changes inside the visa and immigration office.
For some, the changes have made it easier to bring their loved ones to the UAE, while for others, the changes closed the door of opportunity.
The new visa regulations are intended to weed out those who are abusing the system, by increasing the cost of visas and implementing a more rigorous application process.
For Omar Al Hajad, a small-businessman from Syria living in the capital, the changes have caused difficulties. "The procedure has become more difficult and expensive. I am trying to bring in workers and I have to put down a significant amount as deposit," Al Hajad said.
Andy Stheth, a German national in the UAE on a visit visa, came to the department to renew his visa. "Now that there are no more visa runs, I can just come here and renew my visit visa for another two months," Stheth said.
Erwin Tauma, a Filipino resident of Abu Dhabi for the past two years, said the new procedures make it more difficult for him and his wife to bring their family members over.
Sitting in the typing office next to the visa department, Tauma said: "I can't believe how confusing this is. Not only that, but the prices have drastically increased. It's almost impossible for me and my wife to bring my sisters to visit. Now we have to pay Dh600 per person plus a Dh1,000 deposit."
Ayoub Shaikh, an Indian national who has been a resident of the UAE for ten years, welcomed the change as a step in the right direction.
"For me, this is much easier. I am applying to bring my mother. Now, I can bring her here under my name and have her stay here. I only have to pay a deposit," he said.
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