Since the new visa rules for Dubai came into force, at least 5-6 applications out of 100 are being rejected daily.

Dubai:

After the United Arab Emirates mandated stricter requirements for tourist visa applications for Dubai, Indians keen on visiting the Gulf city are reportedly witnessing an unprecedented rise in visa rejections. Earlier, almost 99 percent of Dubai visa applications were getting approved, but now even the most meticulously prepared requests are being rejected by the UAE authorities, as per a report by Times of India.

Recently, the emigration department of Dubai has tightened the requirements for tourist visas. It now requires travelers to present hotel booking documents with QR codes and a copy of their return tickets. For travelers staying with relatives, the latter must provide additional proof of accommodation.

Increase in Dubai Visa Rejections

According to the report, since the new visa rules for Dubai came into force, at least 5-6 applications out of 100 are being rejected daily.

"Earlier, the visa rejection percentage was only 1-2%. This was before the new rules came in. We are getting at least 5-6 rejections of visas daily against nearly 100 applications every day. When confirmed flight tickets and hotel stay details are attached, even then, visa applications are being rejected," said Nikhil Kumar, director of Passio Travels Pvt Ltd while speaking to TOI.

The move is creating uncertainty among travelers, who face financial losses not only on visa fees but also pre-booked flight tickets and hotel reservations.

"We are seeing unprecedented rejection rates (for tourist visa applications to Dubai). Earlier, almost 99 per cent of Dubai visa applications were approved. Now, we are experiencing rejections even for well-prepared travellers," said Rishikesh Pujari, director of Vihar Travels, according to the TOI report.

Even the most intricately prepared application, with all relevant documents such as confirmed hotel bookings and flight details, is being attacked with it, he said. "I had a family of four who made their most meticulous preparation. Even then, their visa application was rejected," he said.

Hasmukh Travels director Vijay Thakkar said TOI that two of their passengers had planned to stay with their relatives in Dubai, for whom the visa applications were recently rejected.

"While applying for the visa, we had attached all the relevant documents as per the new visa requirements. Yet, their applications were rejected. This resulted in significant monetary loss for the passengers, as they had spent nearly Rs 14,000 on visa fees, and ticket cancellation cost was another Rs 20,000 and more," he said.

Dubai New Visa Policy

There have recently been a new directive and requirements introduced by the UAE which include submission by applicants, while applying for visas, to present hotel reservation documents, as well as returning tickets at the emigration department website. This never was in the past only in cases when requested airport officers.

In addition, they are also made to produce proof that they have adequate financial resources to stay in the city. Applicants are made to ensure that at least AED 5,000 (approximately Rs 1.14 lakh) is maintained in credit or debit accounts for two months visa, and at least AED 3,000 for three months visa.