Key UAE Residency Reforms and Modern Immigration Law in 2025

December 10 2025

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to advance its vision of becoming a global hub for business and innovation through major UAE Residency  Reforms and updates to its Immigration Law . These comprehensive changes, implemented throughout 2024 and 2025, mark a decisive step toward strengthening compliance, improving digital governance, and attracting global talent.

At the core of these developments lies Federal Law No. (29) of 2021 on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners, which remains the principal legislation governing the entry, residence, and exit of non-citizens in the UAE. The law provides the foundation for the latest regulatory amendments and administrative measures introduced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP).

In early 2025, UAE authorities intensified the enforcement of residency laws following the conclusion of the visa amnesty programme. This amnesty, which had allowed individuals with expired or overstayed visas to regularise their status without penalty, officially ended on 1 January 2025. Since then, inspection campaigns across all emirates have resulted in more than 32,000 violations being recorded under the residency law, reinforcing the country’s commitment to maintaining lawful migration and residence practices.

Beyond enforcement, the UAE has continued to innovate its immigration system through the introduction of new visa categories. Effective from August 2025, several new permits have been added, including visas tailored to artificial intelligence professionals, cultural event attendees, and entrepreneurs seeking to explore business opportunities. The business exploration visa now requires evidence of financial solvency, while eligibility for certain self-sponsored permits has been tightened to ensure that applicants meet minimum income and professional criteria. These reforms reflect the UAE’s policy direction toward quality migration — attracting highly skilled professionals and investors who contribute to the knowledge economy.

Additionally, the UAE has expanded visa-on-arrival privileges for specific nationalities, including eligible Indian citizens, to promote tourism and facilitate short-term business travel. This change complements broader efforts to simplify entry procedures and increase the country’s global connectivity.

To further enhance governance and efficiency, the ICP has accelerated its digital transformation initiatives. Through new platforms such as “Work in UAE,” employers can now manage the entire lifecycle of domestic worker visas — including issuance, renewal, and medical testing — via a unified digital system. This initiative exemplifies the government’s commitment to service modernization and transparency in visa management.

The latest reforms also underscore the UAE’s humanitarian dimension. In addition to extending residence privileges for family members and dependents, the government introduced a humanitarian residency permit available to individuals from countries affected by war or natural disasters. This renewable one-year visa does not require a local sponsor, aligning with the UAE’s ongoing role in international humanitarian response.

As the UAE’s immigration ecosystem becomes increasingly sophisticated, compliance and legal clarity remain critical. Employers and individuals must ensure full adherence to visa conditions, sponsorship obligations, and employment regulations to avoid penalties. For businesses, understanding the interaction between free zone and mainland licensing rules — especially in connection with residency sponsorship — is essential for maintaining operational and legal continuity.

How MIS Legal Can Assist You
Navigating the evolving UAE immigration framework requires deep knowledge of both statutory and administrative regulations. MIS Legal assists clients in obtaining and managing visas under the latest legal provisions, including Golden, Green, and Business Exploration visas. The firm also supports corporate clients in ensuring compliance with ICP regulations, handling sponsorship arrangements, and regularising the status of employees or dependents. With its strong legal expertise and local insight, MIS Legal provides clear, tailored guidance to help clients remain compliant while leveraging the opportunities created by the UAE’s forward-looking immigration policies.