UAE denies clampdown on tourist visas for workers

The UAE on Wednesday refuted media reports that claimed the country was banning tourist visas for unskilled, low-paid workers.

Major General Nasser Al Awadi Al Menhali, Assistant Undersecretary for Naturalisation and Residency, and Ports Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, slammed the reports which appeared on Tuesday, calling them "untrue" and from "unofficial and unreliable sources".

He said in comments published by state news agency WAM that departments across the country were processing visit visa transactions for would-be applicants "in consistence with standard procedures".

He added that any new procedures would be announced to the public beforehand and be posted on the Ministry's website.

On Tuesday, Arabian Business quoted UAE travel agents as saying they had heard nothing regarding claims that the government was tightening up on the issuing of tourism and conference visas to low paid workers.

It was reported that expatriates from certain countries, mainly in Asia, would be banned from getting tourist, visit or conference visas.

The policy was said to be designed to curb the number of low paid workers entering the country and partaking in begging and other activities which authorities want to clamp down on.