Weekend Update: Simplified Schengen entry, Launch of Nomad Visa in Spain, Advancements in Bangladesh's Passport Ranking, and Other Noteworthy Developments
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Pakistani community has been urged to make use of online services for passport and ID card applications to avoid long queues by Pakistan's Consul General in Dubai, Hussain Mohammed. This shift towards digital applications is now the primary and most effective way to access consular services for the Pakistani community in UAE.
Meanwhile, UAE residents have a unique opportunity to live and work in Spain for up to five years with the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV). This visa is available for remote workers and freelancers, and to qualify, applicants must meet certain criteria. They must be at least 18 years old with a clean criminal record and no previous Schengen visa refusals or sanctions in Spain. They must also hold a valid passport, have valid private health insurance from a provider authorized in Spain, and demonstrate sufficient financial means.
Additional requirements include providing evidence of professional qualifications, showing proof of remote work using information technology and telecommunication, and committing to living in Spain at least 183 days per year to maintain and renew the visa. For those employed, a remote work agreement is necessary, while self-employed individuals must have worked with non-Spanish companies for at least three months before applying, with a valid remote work agreement, and if working for Spanish companies, this must not exceed 20% of their work.
The application process also requires completed visa forms, passport photos, proof of income, criminal background checks, and health insurance covering the entire stay. The visa initially grants one year of residence, renewable up to five years.
In other news, a long-serving Saudi employee at LuLu Group, Zaid Battal Al-Subaiee, has been honored by the company's chairman for earning a bachelor's degree in business administration. Zaid joined LuLu Group as a security supervisor in 2009 and has since climbed the ranks to become a regional administration manager.
The UAE is also undergoing several significant infrastructure developments. A Dh750 million enhancement project has been announced for Emirates Road, aiming to reduce travel time by 45% from Dubai to Sharjah and other northern emirates. Additionally, Salik gates in Dubai offer limited free hours for motorists to pass without being charged.
In a legal matter, the Al Ain Court for Civil, Commercial, and Administrative Claims has revoked the custody rights of an Arab mother over her four children due to a criminal conviction.
Lastly, the Bangladeshi passport has climbed up a spot in the 2025 mid-year passport rankings, now ranking 94th. For more information about NRI tax rules for Indians in the UAE, online passport renewal tips for Pakistanis, and detailed information about when tolls apply, Salik's variable toll pricing, and timings, and which gates have special rules, please visit our website.
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- The Pakistani community in the UAE can now access their consular services primarily through digital applications, avoiding long queues, as urged by the Consul General Hussain Mohammed.
- UAE residents have the opportunity to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) in Spain, allowing them to live and work remotely for up to five years.
- To qualify for the DNV, applicants must meet specific criteria such as having valid private health insurance, demonstrating sufficient financial means, and providing proof of remote work using information technology and telecommunication.
- In travel-related news, Emirates Road in the UAE is undergoing a Dh750 million enhancement project that aims to reduce travel time, and Salik gates in Dubai offer limited free hours for motorists.
