Surge in Dubai Visa Rejections Due to Stricter Rules

Dubai: The number of Dubai visa rejections has surged recently, with reports indicating a 62% increase in rejections, largely due to the UAE’s new and stricter visa regulations. According to a report by the visa processing platform Atlys, these changes aim to combat fraudulent visa applications.
The stricter regulations are particularly affecting countries like Pakistan, India, and others, where applicants are subjected to additional scrutiny, increasing the likelihood of visa denials. The main driving force behind these changes is the rising number of expatriates and workers traveling to Dubai for employment, prompting authorities to enforce tighter controls.
The Atlys report reveals that visa processing times are also experiencing delays, ranging from one and a half to two days, as UAE officials are becoming more cautious and requesting additional documentation from applicants.
The report further highlights that 71% of visa applications are being rejected due to incomplete or incorrect paperwork. Common reasons include failure to meet new requirements, submitting poor-quality passport photos, providing incorrect images, or not providing proof of return flights or hotel bookings.
Atlys CEO Mohak Nahta emphasized that these new visa rules, although challenging, offer an opportunity for travelers to adjust and better prepare their applications. He believes that despite the initial difficulty, these changes will ultimately make the travel process more efficient.