visa application

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UAE: GCC residents can now apply online for UAE entry permits

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Expatriates who reside in GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) can now apply online for entry permits to visit UAE through Dubai. The service aims to expedite passenger movement at airports and relieve GCC residents of the hassle of waiting in queues for their visit visas, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs announced on Wednesday.

The online visa application system also features an online payment method which will help passengers avoid the long queues to pay visa fees. As of now, the online system is not compulsory but merely an option for those who would like to complete the visa issuance procedure before arriving to the country.

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Turkey: Mandatory online system implemented for visa applicants

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Foreign nationals filing Turkish visa applications at a consular post must now upload their application and supporting documents online through the Turkish electronic visa application system prior to submitting their visa application forms and supporting documents in person at a consular post. 

This system impacts the following visa types:

  • Assembly and Maintenance Service visas;
  • work visas for all nationals; and
  • business visitors who must acquire a consular visa.

This system does not impact electronic visas for nationals eligible for E-visas.

Applicants who experience difficulties using the online system can currently still apply solely at a consular post.

What This Means for Foreign Nationals

Consular visa applicants should be prepared to upload their application and supporting documents online prior to submitting hard copy documents to the consular post.

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Australia: New penalty system for visa payments now in effect

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A new criminal and civil penalty regime that was anticipated to come into effect by May 30, 2016 has been introduced earlier than expected and now makes it illegal for a sponsor to be paid by visa applicants for certain immigration events. The laws have also led to changes in nomination and visa criteria to facilitate the practical effect of the new system.

Effective December 14, 2015, visa nominators and applicants must certify whether or not they have engaged in any of the prescribed illegal conduct in relation to each visa application.

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Philippines: Longer work permit and visa application processing times

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The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is implementing internal changes that will likely delay work permit and visa application processing times.

Summary of Internal Changes

  • The BI will revert to the previous practice of issuing Orders of Approval/Denial (in addition to approving Consolidated General Application Forms).
  • Hearing schedules for visa applications will go through a raffle regardless of what is indicated in the receipts. The results will be final and will be posted outside hearing officers’ rooms.
  • Pending applications endorsed by the Visa and Special Permits Task Force will now be sent to the Board of Commissioners for appropriate action.

Commissioner Siegfred Mison remains the BI Chief Commissioner and letter requests should still be addressed to him.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

Employers and foreign workers should plan for longer work permit and visa application processing times in the near future.