Hours after speculation spread online that the UAE had halted new freelance visas, Dubai’s immigration authority issued an emphatic rebuttal. Speaking to state-aligned daily Emarat Al Youm, Lieutenant-General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri confirmed that “freelance permits are being issued normally through official channels” and urged residents to rely on verified sources rather than WhatsApp forwards.
The clarification comes amid a spike in demand for the Green Residency, which grants five-year self-sponsored residence to qualified professionals. Screenshots claiming that the system was “closed until further notice” went viral on X (formerly Twitter) over the weekend, prompting confusion among recruitment agencies and would-be digital nomads.
![Dubai immigration chief quashes social-media rumours of freelance-visa freeze]()
Al Marri said the government’s recent decision to beef up audits—checking income thresholds, academic credentials and professional licences—may have been misinterpreted as a freeze. “Enhanced controls do not equal suspension,” he stressed, adding that nearly 3,000 freelance visas were approved nationwide in October alone.
For HR teams, the takeaway is simple: applications can proceed, but expect more document requests and a slightly longer queue. Travel planners should also remind contractors that an entry permit is only the first step; the Emirates ID and freelance licence must be collected in-country before paid work can commence.
The clarification comes amid a spike in demand for the Green Residency, which grants five-year self-sponsored residence to qualified professionals. Screenshots claiming that the system was “closed until further notice” went viral on X (formerly Twitter) over the weekend, prompting confusion among recruitment agencies and would-be digital nomads.
Al Marri said the government’s recent decision to beef up audits—checking income thresholds, academic credentials and professional licences—may have been misinterpreted as a freeze. “Enhanced controls do not equal suspension,” he stressed, adding that nearly 3,000 freelance visas were approved nationwide in October alone.
For HR teams, the takeaway is simple: applications can proceed, but expect more document requests and a slightly longer queue. Travel planners should also remind contractors that an entry permit is only the first step; the Emirates ID and freelance licence must be collected in-country before paid work can commence.
