UAE tries to secure visas on arrival for Emiratis in 34 countries

Abu Dhabi: The UAE is working on securing visas on arrival for Emiratis in 34 countries, including the US, a senior foreign ministry official said on Tuesday.

This was in response to remarks by some Federal National Council (FNC) members calling for reciprocal treatment for Emiratis at American airports, the same way Americans are treated in the UAE.

One FNC member from Sharjah said Emiratis are searched, questioned and denied the right to speak to embassy officials.

Procedure review

Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been asked by the Cabinet to review its reciprocal visa procedures policy in view of the decision granting subjects of 34 countries visas on arrival at UAE ports. This decision has been in force since 2001."

The UAE is determined to get reciprocal visa treatment with these countries, he added. Admitting some Emiratis face difficulties in obtaining visas or receive inappropriate treatment at some ports, Dr Gargash said such complaints are decreasing.

He said of the 650 Emirati students who obtained visas to the US last year only eight students were refused entry due to lack of documents.