Indians face mass Dubai visa rejections after UAE imposes new rules
Indian tourists looking to visit Dubai are reportedly facing mass visa rejections after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) imposed stricter requirements for tourist visa applications.
Earlier, almost 99 per cent of the visa applications to Dubai used to be approved. But now, even the most well-prepared documents are being rejected, a Times of India report said.
The UAE recently introduced new and stringent requirements for tourists wanting to visit the Gulf city. Under these norms, tourists are required to present their hotel bookings details and return tickets. And for those staying with their relatives, proof of accommodation is also required by the latter.
In comparison to the previous visa rejection rate of 1-2 per cent, tourists are now getting at least 5-6 per cent rejections each day from nearly 100 applications daily.
“Even when confirmed flight tickets and hotel stay details are attached, the visa applications are being rejected,” Nikhil Kumar, director of Passio Travels Pvt Ltd, was quoted as saying by ToI.
“In cases where travellers are staying with relatives in Dubai and we attach mandatory documents like the host’s rental agreement, Emirates ID, residence visa copy and contact details, visas are getting rejected. In all of these cases, the clients have already paid for confirmed flight tickets and hotel bookings,” Kumar added.
The uncertainty amid the rising rejections has also led to travelers facing financial losses as they are losing money on not just visa fees, but also pre-booked flight tickets and hotel bookings.
