UAE denies ban on low-income Asian tourists

19 September 2012 05:25 pm - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A top UAE official denied today reports that the Gulf state had toughened visa rules for tourists from labour-exporting South Asians nations banning low-income visitors.

General Nasser al-Menhali, assistant undersecretary for Nationality and Residency at the interior ministry said no changes have been made to the existing law for visas, WAM state news agency reported.

"Any amendments or measures would be announced in advance," he said.

The Gulf News daily had reported yesterday that tourists from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Philippines would need to have a university degree to get a visa to the UAE.

It cited a senior immigration official saying that electricians, pipe fitters, masons, farmers, drivers, tailors and cleaners from those countries would not qualify.

"This would help significantly reduce the risk that individuals engaged in organised crime or the trafficking of persons could gain entry to the country," the official told Gulf News.

Tourist visas are usually arranged through hotels or airlines and travel agents.

Tourism grew rapidly in the UAE, especially in the glitzy emirate of Dubai, where the number of holidaymakers increased to 9.3 million in 2011, up 10 per cent from the previous year.

The UAE has millions of foreign workers, mostly from South Asian countries.

The expat-dominated population is estimated to have grown to around 8.2 million by the end of 2010, with UAE nationals making up only 11.47 per cent.

Related link
Asian workers need degree to visit UAE

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Comments - 11

Kaslana Wednesday, 19 September 2012 09:13 PM

But prostitutes and pedophiles are most welcome

smart Wednesday, 19 September 2012 11:17 PM

We must stop going to the UAE and even using their airline, let them suck the european/american asses and see how far they will go.......................maybe their shit is better than ours ??

Fair N Square Thursday, 20 September 2012 01:44 AM

Pay them better salaries and just not PEANUTS... then they will not be low income... they failed to state.. Domestic helpers who are abused,,,, Sadly slavery still exist in these places...

silva Thursday, 20 September 2012 04:29 AM

It is time our government stopped sendiing our workers to these culturally backward countries, specially women.

Normal Citizen Thursday, 20 September 2012 04:24 AM

We should reciprocate. Only give tourist visas to UAE nationals who are degree holders. Turn everyone else away at the airport.

Nodrog Thursday, 20 September 2012 04:38 AM

Discrimination and bigotry against the working class. Shame on the UAE.

Kapila Thursday, 20 September 2012 05:07 AM

Why have you done this! So many Sri Lankans are waiting to go to UAE and be slaves to Arabs. We understand that Arabs are more evolved than us so we are grateful for the opportunity to serve an Arab muslim.

ANTON Thursday, 20 September 2012 06:02 AM

This man has the qualifications of sri lankan politicians.

kumar Thursday, 20 September 2012 06:37 AM

Then it will a big loss to UAE. They would lose huge income by not visiting Sri Lanka!

Mohamed Thursday, 20 September 2012 05:28 PM

Can this same general tell us how many UAE citizens have Degrees. OK you can add even people with Pedegree.

OIl money has given Arabs lot of pride. Beware brothers, allah is testing you with easy wealth.

Lobo Friday, 21 September 2012 02:37 AM

Its not always about money sometimes you need to stand up to make a point, irrespective of the consequences..

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UAE denies ban on low-income Asian tourists

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