United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador Abdulnasser Alshali said that the extension of the UAE's Visa on Arrival program for indian citizens is a reflection of its enduring partnership with India. The uae mission in New delhi has underlined the importance of the extended Visa on Arrival policy for indian citizens and described it as an important milestone in furthering bilateral relations and people-to-people ties.
India has become the backbone of the UAE's tourism success. According to an estimate, about 4.5 million Indians traveled to the uae in 2023. Indian passport holders with valid residence permits from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea and Singapore are eligible to receive visa on arrival at all entry points to the UAE.
According to the embassy, the extended eligibility implemented from february 13 is an important step in broadening and simplifying travel between india and the UAE. In a statement issued here, Ambassador Alshali said, "The expansion of the UAE's visa-on-arrival program for indian citizens is a reflection of our enduring partnership with India. It is a practical step that will make it easier for families to reunite, for professionals to collaborate, and grow businesses across borders." He added, "As two dynamic and visionary nations, we are committed to building even stronger bridges between our people and economies." A recent report by the India-UAE CEPA Council said that coordinated efforts to enhance connectivity, streamline visa processes and promote investment will ensure that tourism remains a key area of growth in economic ties between the two countries. India-UAE bilateral relations have been growing over the past few years. Following prime minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to the uae in august 2015, bilateral relations between the two countries were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Bilateral trade and investment relations expanded significantly after the two sides signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2022. The uae Embassy said in a statement that for countries like the uae and india, which have deep economic, cultural and strategic ties, mobility is not only essential but also a symbol of mutual trust.
It said, "By removing barriers to entry and easing cross-border movement, the visa on arrival initiative promotes more dynamic relations between citizens, investors, students and professionals, strengthening bilateral partnerships at every level."
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