All that you need to know about the new UAE visa reforms

Travelling to the UAE has become much simpler with the newest reforms made by the UAE government. Now you can take a luxurious trip to Dubai and the other Emirates in a more relaxed way, since the 60 days visa is finally here! The year 2022 saw a lot of changes being made to the visa reforms for the UAE as well as its residents. It is all about lesser working hours, extended stays for the investors and entrepreneurs coming to the UAE, and a lot more! Below, you can find out more about the 4 major reforms announced by the UAE government in 2022 that you should know about.

New Visa Schemes

A newly expanded golden visa program, a new 5-year green visa, multiple tourist visas, and an on-demand employment permit are among the many immigration changes introduced by the United Arab Emirates government in 2022. These can be considered the primary entry and exit visa changes in the history of the UAE.

Under these new reforms, investors and entrepreneurs worldwide can apply for a business visa without needing a sponsor or host. Furthermore, the new 5-year tourist visa does not require a sponsor anymore. It lets the visa holder stay in the UAE for 90 days, their stay can be extended for another 90 days. Temporary work visas have been introduced for foreign workers - those coming to work in the UAE on probation or project-based work.

Study/Training Visa: This visa type is for individuals or students who want to attend any educational course, training, or internship program. The student or training visa can be sponsored by academic and research institutions in the public and private sectors.

Family Visa: Formerly, parents could only sponsor their children under the age of 18 years. However, with the new reforms coming into effect, male children can now be sponsored for up to 25 years. Children having any kind of disabilities are also eligible to receive special rights. Furthermore, unmarried daughters can be supported by their parents indefinitely.

Work Visa: This is introduced for individuals searching for better job opportunities within the UAE. This visa does not require a sponsor or a host. It will be granted to individuals with a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent, recent graduates from the world's top 500 universities, and those who are recognized as first, second or third skill levels according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Green Visa: The green visa is issued to skilled workers, freelance workers, self-employed people, etc. This five-year visa lets its holders bring their families to the UAE without requiring a sponsor or an employer. Other requirements include a Bachelor's degree or equivalent and a minimum salary of AED 15,000.

Golden Visa: The UAE has announced a 10-year golden visa for many professionals and investors. This includes people investing "Dh2 million plus" in the real estate market, scientists, skilled workers, extraordinary students, talent-filled artists, and entrepreneurs.

Workers Reforms

No more stressing about lock-in periods with your employer contract! The United Arab Emirates government has abolished the 3-year cap on fixed-term employment contracts. Now it will allow the employer and employee to decide on the length of time they want to work together.

From October, the validity of the free local visa issued in the United Arab Emirates was reduced from 3 to 2 years. The grace period for leaving the country of UAE to have a residence visa cancelled has increased from 30 days to 60 to 180 days in most cases, depending on the type of visa.

From February 2022, workers can choose part-time work in addition to their primary job under the new labour law without requiring permission from their employer. They only need a part-time work permit and ensure they only work 144 hours every three weeks to avoid burnout and keep themselves healthy and safe.

Another great news is that now workers can change jobs more quickly because the new law prohibits employers from withholding workers' permits and forcing them to leave the country when the employment relationship ends. Instead, workers will be allowed to stay in the country and change their job. Employers will also be liable to make all the payments for recruitment costs without deducting any charges directly or indirectly from the employee's end.

4-Day Workweek

A good news for those who have always wished for their weekends to be longer! From January 1, 2022, the United Arab Emirates has shortened the work week and changed the weekend for the public sector. The work week has been changed from Monday to Thursday, with Friday being a half day. Official working hours are 7:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday to Thursday and noon on Fridays. However, Sharjah has shifted to just a 4-day work week from January 1, with Friday, Saturday and Sunday making up the new weekend.

Emiratisation Law

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has made it compulsory for firms that have 50 or more employees that 2% of the company's qualified employees must be Emiratis. This will increase by 2% annually, reaching 10% by 2026. If this target is not met, a penalty of AED 6,000 per month will be collected from January 2023 for every Emirati who has not been hired. This would cost a firm AED 72,000 per year. The fine will be increased by AED 1,000 per year. Additionally, the fee levied as a fine will be more for bigger firms with more than 100 or more employees.

These were the 4 new reforms the UAE government made in 2022. We would like to see more such reforms into general laws of the government that will take the economy of the UAE to the next level and make this country every investor's go-to choice of land for their investments!

About The Author

Robeena Brown is a travel blogger & destination expert living in UAE and works for local tourism companies like Arabiers. If you have been looking forward to touring Dubai, getting a visa, extending your stay, and exploring the city, you can follow her on social media.

How to plan a budget friendly trip to Manali

One of the most well-liked tourist spots in India is Manali. Everyone enjoys visiting Manali at least once in their lives. Whether on a lone quest for inner peace and adventure, a backpacking trip with your besties, or a honeymoon getaway with your significant other, Manali and its mountains will never cease to captivate you. The budget-friendly trip to Manali will ensure you get a taste of the area's well-known tourist attractions, and its friendliness will compel you to return. It is the most popular vacation spot for first-timers and regular tourists who frequently travel here use the Manali taxi service. Here is a budget-friendly travel itinerary for Manali.

Budget friendly travel option

By Bus: This is the least expensive and fastest way to get to Manali. The greatest time to take a bus is after 9 PM because you won't miss the light of day. An average state bus will only cost you Rs. 800, but you will have to make some compromises in terms of comfort. A Volvo luxury bus will cost you between Rs. 1200 and Rs. 1500 per person.

By Air: The closest airport to Manali, Kullu Manali Airport (Bhuntar), is reachable by direct flights at reasonable rates, and you can generally find discounts on flights. Since there aren't any commuting services like Ola and Uber in this area, you can rent a car in Manali when you get there to get to your accommodation.

By Rail: There is no direct rail that goes to Manali. Manali's closest railway station, Jogindernagar, connects the mountain town to several significant cities. You can also go to Manali by train from Chandigarh and Ambala. From the railheads, you can opt for either buses/taxi services in Manali.

Tips and tricks for an unforgettable budget trip to Manali!

Hostels staycation



When travelling on a budget to Manali, it is best to stay in hostels because hotel rates will be higher. You will get the opportunity to engage with other guests while staying at the hostel and be amazed by the cultural diversity and ethical standards. Any hostel stay would start at Rs. 250.

Food

To make your 3 to 4-day vacation to Manali on a budget more enticing and refreshing, you must try the local cuisine. You will pay INR 400 daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Check out these Manali specialities to awaken your taste buds: khatta, sidu, babru, trout, patande, bhey, aktori, and tudkiya bhat.

Rent a vehicle for travelling

One of the best options is to rent a bike because it is less expensive. Depending on the sort of bike, you'll pay anywhere from Rs. 600 to Rs. 1500 a day. Alternatively, you can pay between Rs. 1500 and 2500 per day OR about Rs. 400 for a one-way trip from Old Manali to New Manali from an affordable Manali taxi service (approximately 2 to 3 km).

Budget friendly tourist attractions for Manali trip

Mall Road



Manali's Mall Road is the busiest tourist destination for visitors to Himachal Pradesh and is frequently referred to as the city's centre. There is plenty to keep you busy for the day on Manali's Mall Road, which is well-known for its street shopping explorations and is bustling with a variety of activities.

Visit the Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple before continuing down the Mall road. It has the ideal fusion of architectural styles and vibrant tones to capture on camera. The main shrine's focal point is the Sakyamuni shrine. The Tibetan-style crafts on display are simply amazing, and they make the ideal gift that will fit the bill and not detract from your low-budget trip to Manali.

Winter Carnival

How about an affordable carnival? You're correct, of course! Winter Carnival is one of the best destinations for your inexpensive trip to Manali. Manali, one of the most exciting tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh, gets ready to ring in the new year with aplomb and celebrations each year around New Year's Eve.

Himachal Winter Carnival is the event's official name and is undoubtedly one of the most distinctive and exciting cultural experiences. The Manali Winter Carnival, the biggest tourism occasion in Himachal, promotes regional culture and winter activities to draw visitors during the slow winter season.

Old Manali

The tourist path crosses the Manalsu River bridge into Manali's "Old Manali" neighbourhood to see a different side of the town. The village's unusual charm will make you feel like you've entered another world. Visitors, especially lone travellers, who frequently praise the city as a place to unwind and relax. Old Manali is among the best places to visit on a limited-budget trip to Manali.

The Jogini Falls

Jogni Falls, another name for this magnificent cascade, is located 7.5 kilometres from Manali's bus terminal and 4 kilometres from Vashisht Temple. From the Vashisht temple, a 1.5-hour climb will take you to the waterfall. The entire stroll is gorgeous, offering breath taking vistas of Manali.

Solang Valley

Solang Valley is one of the incredible places to visit in Manali on a tight budget and is located between Beas Kund and Solang Village, 13 kilometres from Manali. The adventure activities in the Solang Valley, such as skiing, river rafting, and paragliding, are truly unique experiences.

Temple of Vashisht and Hot Springs

This 4,001-year-old temple, which lies 5 kilometres from Old Manali, is devoted to the ancient Indian sage Vashisht, who served as Ram and Lakshman's guru. This temple is well-known for its hot springs, which are revered and said to have healing effects on the skin. Both men and women have their own private, Turkish-style bathing cubicles.

Temple of Hidimba

Three kilometres from Old Manali, in the cedar-covered Dhun Giri Forest, you'll find a historic cave temple constructed in 1553. It is dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, a character in the Indian epic Mahabharata and the wife of Bhima. This temple is open every day from 8 AM to 6 PM, and there is no entrance fee.



Make sure to find a package deal for river rafting, bungee jumping, paragliding, and so on, rather than a single one if you're feeling adventurous or wish to try some of the sports. When compared to paying for individual sports, package deals give you more for a lower price. Manali's lush green valleys and adventure sports will elevate your mind and soul and are worth every penny.

Note: The pictures in this article are courtesy of wikipedia.org and have been borrowed under the Creative Commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.

9 Tips for Safe Low Budget Travel

Travel is a fantastic thing. It’s a great way to see more of the world, enjoy different cultures and experiences, and learn more about yourself and the world around you. But travel can be very expensive, and so it’s not something that we can all afford to do as much as we’d like to. The good news is that while you may not be able to go to the most popular or exotic destinations if you are on a tight budget, that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy travel, without taking risks to your safety to save money. Here are some of the best tips for safe, low-budget travel.

Avoid Peak Season

Peak season is a more expensive time to travel, no matter where you are going. Flights, accommodation, and even activities once you arrive are more expensive at specific times of the year. Peak times usually include school holidays, high summer, and Christmas. Traveling outside of these periods can be significantly cheaper, and even moving your trip forward or back a week can make a massive difference in the price.

Avoid Tourist Hotspots

Tourist hotspots are typically places that are popular with specific groups, especially families, or places with lots of well-known tourist attractions. Staying away from these is an easy way to save a fortune on everything from accommodation to eating out and getting around. Staying away from tourist attractions can also mean that you get a more authentic experience and a chance to enjoy the local culture because everything hasn’t been changed to suit tourists' needs and wants.

Do Your Research

Avoiding tourist hotpots is a fantastic way to save money. But, sometimes, the tourist hotspots are the safest areas. They tend to have good healthcare services, and plenty of help if you need it. If you are going to head outside of the most popular destinations, you need to prioritize your own safety. Before booking, do some research into the area, the accommodation, and anything else that you may need to stay safe, and don’t stay somewhere cheap if you are worried about safety.

Travel Light

Nowadays, when we book flights with budget airlines, hold luggage is rarely included. You might think that you are getting a great deal until you add luggage options. The best way to avoid these extra costs is to travel light, if possible, fitting everything that you need into a cabin bag.

Shop for the Best Deals

One of the best ways to save money on travel and related expenses is to look around for deals, instead of just buying the first thing that you see. Compare flights and accommodation, use cashback apps and services, and look online for things like luggage and accommodation. Never buy anything without looking for a deal, offer or discount first.

This is also true when you arrive at your destination. There will be many providers offering the same excursions, activities, and souvenirs. Make sure you shop around and compare prices, and don’t be scared to haggle a little.

Book in Advance

When it comes to booking accommodation, flights, or package deals, we can often make the biggest savings by booking last minute. But it’s still worth booking in advance, especially around Christmas and other times when there might be large sales. However, booking the activities that you want to do when you arrive is almost always cheaper if you can book them before you leave home.

Fly Midweek and at Night

The most popular and sought-after flights are at the weekend, during the day. Most people would rather avoid flying very early in the morning, or during the night if they can, and flying midweek can make booking time off work more difficult.

If you are in a position to fly during the week and don’t mind flying at night, this can be significantly cheaper. Just make sure you factor in travel to the airport, which can be more expensive during the night.

Cook Your Food

Eating out is a wonderful treat and one of the parts of travel that most of us enjoy the most. But heading to a local market and cooking your own food is cheaper, and a great way to learn more about local produce and learn a new recipe to take home.

Walk Everywhere

Another big expense can be traveling around when you arrive. Try to walk as much as you can, or if this isn’t possible, look at travel passes for local public transport.

Instead of seeing your budget as a setback, see it as an opportunity. When we travel on a budget, we often visit places we might not have thought of if money wasn’t a consideration. We meet more local people, we learn new skills, and often, we enjoy a more well-rounded experience. As long as you stay safe, traveling on a budget can be a glorious adventure.

How To Enjoy Your First Trip To Cozumel

It's usually a good idea to take a break every now and again. There’s no better way to unwind than to go on vacation. There are several places or destinations from which to pick. However, if you’re considering a trip to the Caribbean, Cozumel should be your first choice. It’s one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean Sea, located along the Mexican peninsula coast.

There’s a myriad of things to do in Cozumel. But, if you want the finest Cozumel experience, you must plan ahead of time. Planning ahead of time will guarantee that you don't miss out on the best that the island has to offer. That said, here’s how you can make your first trip to Cozumel a success.

1) Create A Travel Plan

Making a plan is essential since it simplifies everything. It gives your life structure and makes it easier to make informed decisions. Your plan should detail all the activities you want to do and the sites you want to visit. It should also include information on lodging, travel expenditures, and additional funds for items such as food and souvenirs.

Having a strategy in place helps you to create an accurate budget. This allows you to save enough money before the day comes. Before going there, give yourself time to research and become acquainted with the location. And may be book your fast ferry to Cozumel to ensure that you get the best deal. You may even hire a tour guide familiar with Cozumel to assist you. Also, don’t forget to create a comprehensive travel checklist to prepare for the trip.

2) Visit At The Right Time

Because Cozumel lies in the Caribbean, the weather is often pleasant all year. Cozumel's tropical weather makes it an ideal holiday location. However, due to seasonal variations, there are certain periods of the year when it is best to visit. Consider planning a trip to Cozumel between December and June, outside hurricane season.

3) Try Scuba Diving

Scuba diving probably isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. However, if you’re visiting Cozumel, you should probably include this on your bucket list. Stunning reefs surround the island. Most of these reefs are protected by the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park. As a result, you can be confident that these reefs are properly conserved and in excellent shape.

Diving is a fun activity that you can do all year. The diving experience will introduce you to various sea species, such as green turtles, seahorses, reef sharks, and nurse sharks. If it's your first-time diving, fret not. There's a good chance that you’ll be satisfied with your first diving experience.

4) Arrange Accommodation

In Cozumel, there are several accommodation options. There are also several Airbnb options available. If you book ahead of time, you may get some good discounts. Booking in advance will also provide you with peace of mind. Nonetheless, finding a location near the city center and close to the waterfront is recommended. This is perfect since you'll be close to most tourist hotspots.

5) Go To The Beach



Your visit to Cozumel will be incomplete unless you visit at least one of the beaches. The island has both public and private beaches. One standout location is Paradise Beach which is found on the west coast. This is a terrific spot to visit because it’s part of the Paradise beach club, which includes a variety of additional facilities. You may swim in the pool, visit the water park, or dine at their restaurant.

6) Walk The City Centre

When you arrive in Cozumel, take a stroll around the city center. It’s very easy to navigate because it’s quite small. Because of its proximity to the ferry dock, Benito Suarez Park is a popular tourist hotspot. Tourists come here to take photographs and enjoy the scenery. Also, don't forget to walk down 5Ta Avenida Norte. It's dotted with stores, cafés, and restaurants.

7) Visit Mayan Ruins

Consider visiting the Mayan ruins on the island if you love sightseeing. Despite their small size, they can demonstrate the island's historical significance. The ruins of the San Gervasio complex in Cozumel are nowhere near the size of sites like Chichen Itza. However, it does provide a fascinating perspective on Mayan culture, daily life, and religion.

8) Visit Food Spots

If you consider yourself a "foodie," Cozumel is the place to be. Food, in some ways, represents a people's culture. Sampling the food in Cozumel will be a cultural experience through their cuisines, recipes, spices, cooking methods, and so forth. You may ask your local guide about the best restaurants on the island.

Conclusion

If you're considering visiting Cozumel, start planning your vacation as soon as possible. This will help you to generate an accurate budget. It gives you time to book accommodations, buy tickets, and make other arrangements that may result in big savings. Also, undertake as much research as possible to minimize unanticipated surprises. That way, you'll have a good idea of what you want to do when you arrive.

Customising your survival kits for your needs

No matter your experience level, going out on long journeys means taking a survival kit with you. While you can buy a lot of these pre-packaged, the best idea is usually to customise your own. This way, you’ll be covered for exactly what you need and where you’re going, without having to worry about being weighed down by useless equipment. As for what goes in your kit, that can be a complicated question.

Don’t Underestimate Tech

As tempting as it might be to go for the classic rugged explorer type of trip, devoid of technology, this is never a good idea. While you don't want to overload completely with technology, there are certain elements that you can't afford to ignore if you want to make your travels as safe and stress-free as possible.

The most crucial of these which all distant travellers should invest in is a reliable, sturdy power bank, and a backup phone with GPS navigation. Depending on where you intend to travel and for how long, you can also consider elements like a satellite phone, copies of your documents on storage devices, and power adapters.

The Survival Necessities

More analogue parts of a survival kit will depend highly on local weather and wildlife, but there are again elements that everyone needs. According to professional rescuers, there are six major components that every good survival kit requires. Communications and navigation can be covered by tech, but not the others. First aid should be among your first concern, alongside food and water, and the ability to start a fire. Finally, you need to have an appropriate way to find or build a shelter.

Consider how this would work in the warmer parts of India. If travelling here, water would be a bigger concern, but you'd be able to carry fewer supplies to aid with shelter. In colder climates, there might be less risk from mosquitoes, so you wouldn't need as much repellant.

Every area will have unique benefits and dangers, so it's best to spend time asking experienced travellers what you can expect before you leave. There's no point spending money on things you don't need, and carrying too much gear can leave you unstable and more prone to injury.

Practice with your Gear



Our final suggestion for perfecting your survival kit is to become intimately familiar with how each part of it operates. Being able to carry a manual with you to turn to isn't enough, a wise traveller knows every system off the top of their head.

You need to be able to set up your tent in fading light and high wind. You need to be able to apply first aid with limited mobility, and while exhausted. You should fully understand how the mapping and emergency systems on your phones work, and how to use them to the best effect.

With the right gear and preparation, you won’t just be safer, you’ll also be more comfortable. Without so much fear of what could happen, you can focus more on the adventure and having an unforgettable experience. Just be sure you don’t let overconfidence get the better of you, as caution when out and alone is always a good approach.

Photo Courtesy: The pictures have been borrowed under the Creative Commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its host page.