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GPSSA announces start of Shourak, an end-of-service continuation program

The General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) has announced that the service period continuation program, "Shourak", will come into effect starting on the 1st of July 2023. The program seeks to provide merging of previous and current employment periods in case of a career change to increase years of service without the need to incur any additional cost.
The General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) has announced that the service period continuation program, "Shourak", will come into effect starting on the 1st of July 2023. The program seeks to provide merging of previous and current employment periods in case of a career change to increase years of service without the need to incur any additional cost.
GPSSA’s Shourak program enables Emiratis’ transition between different sectors and ensure competitive, flexible and high-productivity human capital without interferences or challenges, providing a system that supports the “We the UAE 2031” vision which focuses on creating a forward-thinking, results-oriented government. Shourak is a reflection of the government's ability to adopt new and improved government concepts, policies and models that are more flexible and appropriate to today’s circumstances, empowering human capital with the aim of increasing the competitiveness of talents and capabilities and allowing the exchanges of expertise between different sectors of employment in light of the significant changes taking place in various sectors in the UAE at present.
UAE announces new visa fines for residents, tourists

UAE announces new visa fines for residents, tourists
The new policy ensures compliance with visa rules and encourages timely renewal. By checking the service fees for various visa applications, including issuance, extension, or cancellation, applicants can stay informed and avoid unnecessary delays or penalties.
Saudi Arabia has expanded the list of countries whose nationals are eligible for a Saudi eVisa or a visa on arrival.

The Saudi Tourism Authority announced that Saudi Arabia has expanded the list of countries whose nationals are eligible for a Saudi eVisa or a visa on arrival.
Now, nationals from 57 countries can apply for an eVisa ahead of their trip. However, they are also eligible to receive a visa on arrival. The multiple-entry tourist visa is issued for a year, and allows the holder to stay in the country for up to 90 days.
Through the visa, tourists can explore Saudi Arabia, visit friends and family, or perform Umrah (this visa excludes Hajj).
Who is eligible for Saudi eVisa and visa on arrival?
According to visitsaudi.com, these are the three categories of visitors that can apply for an eVisa online or get a visa on arrival:
1. Tourists from 57 eligible countries listed below.
2. Permanent residents of the United States, United Kingdom and European Union (EU).
3. Holders of tourist or business visas from the UK, US or Schengen Area.
4. GCC Residents
UAE residence can update visa data online & get automatic Emirates ID replacement

UAE residents who need to change any information on their visas are now able to do so with a few taps and clicks on online platforms. This online service has been confirmed by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP). Once a request for residence visa amendments is made, an application for Emirates ID replacement will also be created automatically.
Among the residence visa data that can be modified online are "personal information, profession, passport information, or nationality (in the event of obtaining a new nationality)". To complete the process, a Dh200 fee must be paid. In case an application is rejected due to insufficient details or any discrepancies, the payment will be refunded, according to the report.
U.S. Passport Holders Will Need a Visa to Travel to Europe in 2024

The EU will require U.S. citizens to get pre-approved before entering 30 European countries.
Starting in 2024, U.S. passport holders traveling to Europe will need to apply for authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before their visit.
While U.S. nationals currently enjoy visa-free access to most E.U. countries, this convenience will change once the new law is in effect. Similar to the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) process, ETIAS aims to enhance security and facilitate smoother entry for travelers.
To apply for an ETIAS, travelers can fill out the application form on the official ETIAS website or use the mobile application. The cost of applying is $7.79 , but some travelers may be exempt from paying this fee. Most ETIAS applications are processed within minutes. However, in some cases, the application might take longer.
Kuwait announces new mandatory entry rules for expats

The Kuwait Ports Authority (KPA) has recently introduced a new regulation mandating biometric fingerprinting for other Gulf nationals upon arrival in the country.
This requirement applies to those who had not undergone fingerprinting before travelling to Kuwait. The implementation of this new measure is dependent on the number of flights arriving at the airport. Officials will assess the influx of arrival flights to determine whether they can efficiently complete the fingerprinting process of passengers within a certain time frame.
If there is a significant number of arrivals, the passengers will be allowed to proceed without being fingerprinted.
The source further revealed that certain airlines already require both expats and Gulf nationals to undergo fingerprinting as part of their entry procedure. To facilitate this process, all entry points in the country are equipped with fingerprint devices, ensuring the completion of the procedure within a minute for each individual.
GCC insurance protection system in UAE

The UAE’s General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) launched a campaign to introduce an insurance protection extension system for the GCC nationals working in the UAE. The aim is to ensure GCC nationals receive an insurance protection extension system outside their borders in order to secure their present and future, and encourage the transfer of GCC labour amongst all GCC countries. According to the extension protection system, GCC nationals employed in UAE and registered with the GPSSA will receive their end-of-service and retirement pension in accordance with the pension law in their home country. The same insurance system extends to the insured’s beneficiaries and to those who were supported by the insured or pensioner during his/her lifetime.
Registration is mandatory for GCC nationals employed in UAE-based government and private sectors, including free zones as well as the hotel and tourism sector. the pension authority in the GCC individual’s workplace country in coordination with the pension authority in his/her home country, must register the employee and follow up on collecting his/her monthly contributions in accordance with the insurance protection system established in their countries to ensure that their contributions are paid in a manner that does not exceed the employer’s share that is determined in the workplace country.
The responsibility for paying the contributions on behalf of the GCC national rests with the employer, who must deduct a percentage from the insured alongside the percentage prescribed for him/her and ensure the amount is transferred every month to the designated pension system bank account in the insured’s home country.
The Authority said the employer and the insured are mandated to register. Failure to register and contribute on behalf of an insured may result in insurance evasion, which is considered punishable by law. The entity bears full responsibility for paying the additional amounts and fines due as a result of not registering, contributing or evening delaying payments, noting that they will not be exempt from registering retroactively.
The Sultanate of Oman has introduced sweeping changes to its labour law

Major reforms that were made under Royal Decree No. 53 of 2023 included extended leaves for parents, caregivers, and those who are sick. Part-time employment was introduced, and regulations were set in managing redundancies in the workplace. It was a landmark decision that both employers and staff have lauded, saying it would modernise rules and address key aspects of employment in the country.
Here are some of the highlights of Oman's new labour law:

New, extended leaves for both citizens and expats
These leave benefits are given to employees each year under the new law:
Working mothers will now get 98 days of paid maternity leave which covers the periods before and after a child's birth. They can also avail of unpaid leave for up to one year for child care. Once they get back to work, they are entitled to an hour for child care every day. Fathers can file paternity leave for seven days. Those who need to take care for a sick family member have the option to avail of a 15-day leave. Employees are entitled to 182 days of sick leave, with certain conditions applied. Full pay will be given for the first day until the 21st day; 75 per cent of salary for 22nd until 35th; 50 per cent for 36th until 70th; and 35 per cent for 71st until 182nd day. Fifteen days of study leave are granted to employees enrolled in schools, institutes, or universities. A female Muslim worker is entitled to 130 days of leave in case of her husband's death; and 14 days for a non-Muslim woman. Workers can be granted special leaves without pay.

Part-time work
The law now allows employees to temporarily work for another employer — a decision aimed at easing business operations and reducing recruitment costs.

Probation, appraisals
Employers may terminate an employee's contract if he/she fails to achieve performance and productivity goals. The worker shall be notified about areas of inefficiency and given no less than six months to address them. Business owners are also required to establish a performance appraisal system.

Omanisation
Expat employees can be terminated if an Omani worker is employed to replace them in the same position. This provision seeks to facilitate the process of 'Omanisation', according to the government.

Women's area
A dedicated rest space should be created in establishments with more than 25 female employees.

To learn more, please contact BVS Global Immigration Service Expert.
UAE announces significant changes to educational requirements

The UAE is making significant improvements in the way it recognizes certificates from universities from around the world. An updated system will eliminate conditions like the requirement for attesting degree certificates and allow degree certifications that can only be obtained online.
The new approach will significantly alter how people in the UAE apply for jobs and choose to enroll for education.
To replace the previous "University Qualification Equivalency" system, the Ministry of Education has launched its "University Certificates Recognition" method.
The provision relates to degrees granted by foreign higher education institutions (HEIs), which allow holders to pursue further education or apply for employment in the UAE.
With the aim of giving students greater flexibility in their academic and professional endeavors, streamlining the recognition process to be quick and easy, and ensuring efficiency across all of its services, the Ministry enhanced the previous University Qualification Equivalency system.
The updated system has removed a number of conditions and criteria that were present in the previous system.
These include the need for attesting previous degrees and complying with a minimum physical presence requirement of 30 days for master’s graduates and 168 days for bachelor’s graduates. It also eliminated other criteria and conditions like the credit transfer limits, and distance learning credit caps. Obtaining certificates entirely through distance learning (or e-learning) is also now permitted in the UAE. All programmes are subject to these updates, except certificates related to specialized professions, including:
Engineering
Medicine
Law

According to the new system, recognition criteria include the category of the HEI where the certificate was issued. In other words, the lower the rank of the HEI, the more conditions and requirements are applied to attain recognition. For example, for universities ranked from 1-200, it is enough to verify the validity of the certificate, and no other criteria or conditions are required for recognition, excluding certificates related to specialized professions.
Under the new system, certificates related to certain specializations and issued by foreign HEIs are immediately recognized once their validity is verified and if the university is accredited in case, it ranked 601 and above, without any additional conditions or criteria. This, in turn, enhances the efficiency of the overall recognition procedures.
UAE Unemployment Insurance Scheme registration deadline extended by three months

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) has extended the deadline for individuals employed before December 31, 2022, to subscribe to the Unemployment Insurance Scheme. They must now subscribe by September 30, 2023, instead of the previous deadline of June 30, 2023, allowing them additional time to complete the necessary steps. The MoHRE will impose fines on employees who fail to register with the Unemployment Insurance Scheme by October 1, 2023. Further, any individuals who began their employment on or after January 1, 2023, must subscribe to the Unemployment Insurance Scheme within four months of entering the United Arab Emirates on an employment entry permit or within four months of an in-country immigration status change.
Visitors to UAE can stay in the country up to 90 days

Visitors to the UAE can now come to the country on a three-month visa. The Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) said that people who want to visit the UAE for 90 days can make use of the opportunity by consulting with the travel agents who will help in issuing the 90-days visit visa. According to industry experts, this visa was introduced by the end of May 2023, allowing visitors to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days. The visa can be extendable within the country at an additional cost based on the service provider. The fee for a 90-day-visit visa varies depending on your issuing travel expert, with a starting price of Dh1,500 and can go up to Dh2,000, which can even be extended within the country.
Dubai Courts calls on UAE residents to update Emirates ID details

Dubai Courts has called on residents in the UAE to update their Emirates ID at the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. The authority took to Twitter to post the alert, letting customers know they can update their IDs via the link https://icp.gov.ae/service/@UAEICP. The post explained that residents updating their Emirates IDs makes it easier for Dubai Courts to reach them in the case of any legal proceedings.
UAE Tourists can now extend their stay from within the country

Tourists in the UAE on a 30 or 60 days visit visa can extend their stay within the country by another 30 days. The decision by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) grants visitors an additional 30 days to explore and enjoy the country’s diverse offerings.
The UAE has implemented several changes in its visa procedures since October last year, marking one of the largest residency and entry permit reforms by the ICP (Immigration and Citizenship Program). Since then, several developments have taken place in the visit visa system of the country.
As per the ICA website, individuals holding a visit visa of 30 or 60 days will now be eligible for an additional 30-day stay, and the maximum extension period for a visit visa holder is 120 days.
Grace period for visit visas scrapped in UAE

The Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security confirmed that there is no grace period for visit visas issued anywhere in the UAE. There is no grace period anymore. From the date of entry, the stay duration is as per the type of visa (30 days or 60 days). All emirates except Dubai had done away with the 10-day grace period for visit visas. The grace period only applied to visas issued in Dubai. From May 15, authorities in Dubai have also removed the grace period. This means a visitor or tourist must exit the country before their visas expire. Failing this, overstay fines will apply.
UAE residents apply for re-entry permit if they stay overseas for over 6 months

Hundreds of UAE residents whose visas got cancelled after staying outside the country for more than six months could return to the Emirates, thanks to a service launched earlier this year. In January, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) introduced a re-entry permit for such residents.
Previously, residents had to apply for a visit visa to return to the country if they stayed outside the UAE for over six months. Residents of all emirates, except Dubai, can apply for the service on the ICP website. However, the process is slightly different for those who hold Dubai-issued visas.
“It is a very straightforward process,” said Abdul Gafoor, general manager of Al Mas Businessmen Service. “We can do the process on the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs website of Dubai (GDRFA) and select the necessary option. They must provide a letter stating why they stayed outside the country.”
UAE launches service to renew Emirates ID card, passport from outside the country

The UAE has recently launched a service allowing individuals to renew their Emirates ID card and passport from outside the United Arab Emirates. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security has introduced this long-awaited change.
However, there is a crucial condition that individuals must meet to avail of this service—the applicant must personally apply for the transaction through the authority's dedicated smart application, ensuring that they are the rightful owner of the documents.
UAE visa fine exemption for Sudan Nationals

‘Crisis & Disaster Countries Visa’ grants Sudanese citizens one-year temporary residency, enabling them to seek refuge, rebuild lives, access necessary support.
Sudanese nationals who are stranded and are overstaying in the UAE need not worry about fines. In a significant development aimed at assisting Sudanese nationals affected by the ongoing crisis, a new visa category has been introduced by the UAE. The ‘Crisis & Disaster Countries Visa’ grants Sudanese citizens a one-year temporary residence permit, enabling them to seek refuge, rebuild their lives, and access necessary support in times of distress.
Entry Permits Required to enter Makkah for Expats

The General Directorate of Passports began receiving applications for issuing Makkah entry permits for residents of domestic workers and non Saudi family members, workers residing in establishments based in Makkah, seasonal work visa holders and contractors with those establishments registered in the Ajeer system during the Hajj season 1444 AH.
This service comes to facilitate beneficiaries, shorten time and save effort, as the Absher platform provides individuals with permits for domestic workers and non Saudi family members, and through the service of entry permits to Makkah in the electronic Muqeem portal for all establishments.
Five-year Green Visa for Expats in UAE

The UAE has introduced the five-year Green Visa as part of a framework of a set of new rules to attract skilled workers and investors from all over the world.
The move aims to enhance flexibility of the job market and to attract exceptional workers in all fields as the new 5-year Green Residence Visa will be focused on outstanding talents, skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs.
The Green Visa offers long-term residency and more benefits to visa holders and their families than the standard residence visa.
Benefits include the ability to sponsor sons up to the age of 25 and unmarried daughters, regardless of age. The Green Visa is valid for five years and offers a wide range of visa options for professionals, freelancers, investors and partners. Additionally, provide 6 months grace period to complete the renewal process if the visa is expired.
Currently, Green Visa Work Permit is still not active in Tasheel Portal. MoHRE informed the service is being developed in partnership with the concerned authorities for a green visa holder to apply for a work permit.
The Qatar Ministry has introduced the Hayya Platform for all types of travel visa request

With just a click of a button, travelers from across the world can apply for a travel visa to Qatar. Anyone wishing to travel to the State of Qatar for leisure or business meetings can now apply for visa via the Hayya Portal.

Below are the type of visas offered:
Tourist Visa
Visa with ETA (Visa holders of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and/or Schengen visa)
Visa for GCC Residents (Regardless of profession)

All need to do is simply visit www.hayya.qa and create a login account then simply select the type of visa and follow the steps to upload the required document for issuing the travel visa.
Contact our Global Visa team for more details at globalvisa@nikhi.in
Tourists from these 100 countries can enter Oman visa-free

Oman is offering tourists from over 100 countries to enter visa-free for up to 14 days. The move, aimed to boost the country's tourism industry, is designed to encourage more travelers to visit Oman. The country had announced visa-free entry for residents in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in October last year, provided a resident's visa in the GCC is valid for a period of no less than three months. The circular released by Oman Airports also noted that the granting of visas to restricted nationalities will only be applied after following the required policies.
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has published a list of countries whose nationals are eligible for this new policy.
Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macau, North Macedonia, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritania, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
New freelance work licenses will be available in the UAE for "all skill levels."

The UAE is set to introduce a flexible work permit that will allow people of all skills to take up freelance jobs in the country.
This new permit which is expected to be rolled out by the third quarter of 2023 enables freelancers to work within the country or from any part of the world.
This will attract different people with varied skill levels with businesses attracting and retaining a more diverse workforce. This workforce is both beneficial for employer and the employees as with such flexible work permits, talents won't have to be tied to employers and some employers feel that this is more economical for them because they don’t have to take risks and decide if they want to continue with an employee or not.
This will enhance productivity in the labour market increasing people’s value in the workforce.
Saudi Arabia is now considering a shortened workweek following the UAE

Saudi Arabia is considering a three-day weekend after the UAE implemented it last year, according to local media reports. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, in response to a tweet, said that it is studying the current work system through a periodic review to achieve increased job creation and raise the attractiveness of the market for local and international investments. It also explained that a draft of the work system had been put forward in a survey platform for public consultations.
Four nations are attempting to streamline procedures for holders of Indian passports.

Countries all over the world are working to make visa application process simpler for Indians.
Here are four countries that have announced schemes or intentions to make visa processes easier for Indians wishing to obtain entry permits:
United Kingdom
United States of America
Germany
Russia

These nations are introducing schemes to make it easier for Indian nationals to receive entry permits for both work and tourism purposes
Saudi Arabia relaxes visit visa rule for GCC residents, regardless of profession

The Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia announced on Thursday that all GCC residents can now apply for a visit visa to the Kingdom - irrespective of their professions.
Previously, there was a list of accepted professions, available to check on the ministry website, that GCC residents had to fall under in order to be allowed to apply.
According to the website, visitors can apply for and receive a multiple-entry visa for up to 90 days. This permit would be valid for a year and would allow the holder to perform Umrah, except during the Haj season. They can also apply for a single-entry visa for up to 30 days, which is valid for three months from the date of issuance.
The cost of an eVisa is SAR300 plus full health insurance fees.
The following are the eligibility requirements:
1. The applicant must be at least 18 years old. For children under 18, the guardian must apply first.
2. The applicant's passport must be valid for at least six months, and the applicant must have a residency ID from a GCC country valid for no less than three months.
3. Visa holders can perform Umrah anytime except during the Haj season
4. The applicant must complete separate visa applications for each member of their direct family, and must accompany the member while entering the Kingdom.
For more information and apply for a visa go to www.visa.visitsaudi.com
Earlier, it was announced that the Kingdom would allow travellers to get a 96-hour entry permit to the country along with their flight tickets. The holder is allowed to perform Haj and Umrah with this transit visa.
UAE, other GCC countries first to get UK’s new ETA scheme

Visitors to the United Kingdom from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, and Jordan, will be the first to benefit from the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.
The scheme will be expanded worldwide throughout 2024 and Qatari visitors will be the first to be able to apply for an ETA in October 2023, officials said.
By applying for an ETA in advance, visitors will benefit from smooth and efficient travel. The application process will be quick, light touch and entirely digital with most visitors applying via a mobile app and receiving a swift decision on their application.
The officials said that an ETA is not a visa, it does not permit entry into the UK, but authorises an individual to travel to the UK. On arrival, an individual will still need to obtain leave to enter, as per the process now, by seeing a Border Force Officer or using an eGate if eligible to do so.
Visitors from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates will need an ETA to travel to the UK from 22 February 2024, but can apply in advance from February 1, 2024. Before February 22, 2024, they will continue to require an EVW to travel to the UK.
The new scheme will entirely replace the current Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) Scheme which requires visitors to the UK from GCC states to pay a higher cost for a single-use visit.
Egypt offers citizenship to foreign investors

Egypt announced on offering citizenship to foreign investors willing to spend at least $250,000 in the country.
According to state newspaper Al Ahram, a decision by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli published in the official gazette, says the premier can now “grant Egyptian nationality” to applicants that meet one of four conditions.
Foreigners can either buy at least $300,000 of real estate in Egypt, invest $350,000 in the country, deposit $500,000 in an Egyptian bank account or “make a non-refundable $250,000 deposit in direct revenues in foreign currency into the state's public treasury”
Get birth certificate issued in UAE online in a day

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) on Thursday announced the launch of the digital service, aiming to streamline procedures and provide customers with efficient services. With this new Mohap service, residents can simply file a request and pay a nominal fee of Dh60 each for both birth and death certificates and both Emiratis and expatriates can now apply without having to visit any government office or typing centre. The new process, available online, is quick and hassle-free, with documents being issued within one working day.
90-day visit visa now available for UAE residents' family and friends

UAE residents planning to invite their friends or family to the country can apply for a 90-day single or multiple-entry visit visa through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP).
This service can be accessed by residents if they have a residence visa issued in the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah or Umm Al Quwain. The host is required to pay a refundable deposit of Dh1,000 for this visa.
UAE visa reforms: 15 services updated for residents, visitors, including a 30-day extension

UAE's Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), Customs and Ports Security on Wednesday announced the implementation of a new package of updates to improve the services provided to citizens, residents, and visitors through its smart services system. One of the key updates is the introduction of a one-time 30-day visa extension service for 90-day visit visas.
- Allowing the extension of visit visa of a relative or friend for single or multiple entries for a period of 30, 60, and 90 days in the individual’s accounts.
- Visit Visa Validity Extension in UAE
  
  After receiving travel visa, tourists and visitors to the UAE are required to enter the nation within a certain window of time. A 30-day visit visa, for instance, must be used to enter the UAE within 30 days of being issued. According to the most recent procedure, travelers must pay a charge to cancel their visa if they are unable to enter the UAE during the allotted time. As an alternative, individuals can pay a fee of Dh200 to extend their stay in the nation by two months.
- Russia's Mutual Visa Recognition Agreement with Belarus
  
  Russia and Belarus have signed Mutual Recognition of Visas and Other Matters Related to the Entry of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons into the Territories of the Member States of the Treaty on the Establishment of the Union State that will enter into force on 1 February 2023.
  The Agreement aims to create a legal framework for regulating the procedure for foreign citizens and stateless persons to cross the Russian-Belarusian border.
  Foreign nationals holding any permission to stay authorization (visa, temporary resident permit, permanent residence permit) issued by the government of Russia will also be permitted to reside in Belarus so long as the permissions granted under the authorization type remain valid and foreign nationals permitted to enter Russia visa-free will also be permitted to enter Belarus.
- Schengen visa application likely to be digitized
  
  UAE residents wishing to travel to Schengen countries may not have to wait for appointments, stand in a queue or submit their passports to process their visas in the near future. Travelers to the 27 EU countries may soon be able to apply for their visa online and plans to digitalise the process are underway.
- UAE announces amended Emiratization deadlines for private companies
  
  The UAE Cabinet has issued a decision, amending some provisions of the country’s Emiratization scheme in the private sector. The annual target is now divided by 1 per cent in the first six months and the other 1 per cent in the second half of the year.
  Private companies are still mandated to raise Emiratization rates by 2 per cent every year to reach 10 per cent by 2026. It is the procedure of the law's implementation that has been revised, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (Mohre)
  
  The ministry clarified what has and has not changed under the latest update:
  - There will be no new or additional commitments from companies. However, fines for non-compliance will start to be applied in July 2023 (this collection will include the remaining contributions from 2022).