Atlys, a visa processing platform, announced 62% increase in visa rejections for Dubai following the UAE’s introduction of stricter visa regulations. These rules, aimed at curbing fraudulent applications, have disproportionately impacted travelers from India, resulting in heightened scrutiny and a significant rise in rejection rates. This change was driven by the rising influx of immigrants and laborers, leading to overcrowding in Dubai as many arrive in search of job opportunities. To address this, the Dubai government is taking steps to enhance the experience for high-spending travelers by reducing congestion at airports. Additionally, they aim to crack down on individuals staying illegally in Dubai, ensuring a better balance and maintaining the city’s appeal as a premium tourist destination.

Atlys has marked delay in visa processing times, with applications now taking up to from 1.5 to 2.7 days longer to process compared to the pre-regulation period . This delay is due to the higher volume of applications requiring additional documentation and thorough verification by UAE authorities. Since the new rules were enforced, at least 5-6 out of every 100 applications are being rejected daily, compared to just 1-2% previously.

Of all applications received, 71% have been rejected due to incomplete or incorrect documentation. Common issues include failure to meet the new stability criteria, unclear passport photos, mismatched photos (not aligning with passport requirements), and missing proof of actual return flights or hotel bookings. These developments highlight the importance of submitting accurate and compliant documents to avoid processing delays or denials.

The recent changes in visa policies, particularly for travel to destinations like Dubai, present an opportunity for travelers to adapt and evolve, said Mohak Nahta, Founder & CEO of Atlys.While these shifts may seem challenging, they also open the door for greater efficiency and preparedness in the travel process. By staying informed and ensuring proper documentation, Indian travelers can continue to explore global opportunities with confidence. At Atlys, we’re committed to guiding travelers through these transitions, making their journeys smoother and more seamless in a rapidly changing world.

Following the introduction of the UAE’s visa restrictions, Atlys has observed a 48% shift in travel patterns, with more travelers seeking alternative destinations in the Gulf region. Destinations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar have seen increased interest as travellers search for more accessible options due to the stricter visa rules for Dubai.

The UAE’s emigration department has enforced stringent new requirements for tourist visa applications, mandating travelers to submit proof of hotel reservations with QR codes, return flight tickets, and ensure full compliance with these changes to avoid delays in processing. These measures are part of the UAE’s broader effort to combat fraudulent visa applications, as highlighted in a report by Times of India.

As part of the updated policy, travelers must upload verified documentation, including hotel bookings, flight tickets, and proof of financial stability. Applicants are also required to submit their last three months’ bank statements with a minimum balance of ₹50,000 this has to be shown only while entering UAE. PAN card details are mandatory for those choosing to stay in hotels. Indian travelers, in particular, have been disproportionately affected due to their historically higher rejection rates stemming from incomplete or inconsistent documentation.

In addition to helping ensure compliance, Atlys is actively educating travelers about the updated UAE requirements. The platform is committed to assisting applicants in submitting accurate and complete documentation to ensure adherence to the UAE’s updated visa protocols. Atlys offers end-to-end support, from pre-consultation to submission, helping travelers meet all legal and procedural standards, which significantly reduces the likelihood of rejection.

Atlys, Mohak Nahta, UAE, visa