Middle East
UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and more
Countries
Latest Updates
Why Jordan’s Three-Month Entry Stamp Matters for Digital Nomads
Jordan has increased the duration of temporary residency permits issued at border crossings from one month to three months. This change removes the requirement for visitors to visit local security centers for extensions, facilitating longer stays for tourists and remote workers.
UAE Ends Emergency Overstay Grace Period
The UAE will conclude its emergency grace period for tourist, visit, and transit visas on March 31, 2026. After this date, daily overstay fines of AED 100 will resume, requiring travelers to secure extensions or humanitarian permits to avoid penalties.
Israel Updates Tax Rules for New Residents
The Knesset is advancing a bill to provide tax exemptions on Israeli-sourced income for new immigrants and returning residents arriving after November 5, 2025. The exemptions, ranging from NIS 600,000 to NIS 1 million annually through 2030, aim to reduce the financial burden for those relocating to Israel.
Exploring Oman's 14-Day Visa-Free Entry Policy
Oman has expanded its visa exemption policy, allowing travelers from over 100 nations to enter for up to 14 days without a prior visa. This update simplifies short-term stays for digital nomads and scouts looking to explore the country before committing to longer-term residency.
Saudi Arabia Updates Visa Enforcement and Overstay Penalties
Saudi Arabia has introduced revised visit visa validity periods and enhanced digital monitoring for all visitors. Travelers should note stricter penalties for overstaying and seasonal entry restrictions for certain nationalities during the Hajj period.
Understanding UAE Resignation and Notice Period Rules
New labor regulations effective March 2026 update the legal requirements for resignation and notice periods for private sector employees. These changes directly impact expat contract terminations, end-of-service benefits, and the legal timeline for transitioning between jobs.
Inside the UAE Specialized Visit Visas
The UAE has introduced several new visa categories including specialized tracks for digital nomads, AI specialists, and healthcare innovators. The update also mandates health insurance for all visit visas and clarifies entry conditions for long-term visitors.
Israel Updates Salary Requirements for Foreign Expert Visas
Starting January 2026, the minimum monthly salary for foreign experts in Israel will increase to NIS 27,132. The government is also expanding worker quotas in trade and services while increasing enforcement against unlawful employment and reorganizing industrial visa processing.
Inside Qatar’s 10-Year Residency for Executives and Entrepreneurs
Qatar has introduced two new long-term residence categories offering up to 10 years of validity without the need for a local employer sponsor. These permits allow for family sponsorship and are designed to attract high-level talent and business owners to the country.
Bahrain Updates Visa Rules Amid Regional Travel Disruptions
Starting March 12, 2026, Bahrain will implement a one-month overstay fine exemption and allow for three-month extensions on visit visas. This policy provides significant flexibility for travelers and remote workers looking to extend their stay without financial penalties.
UAE Resumes Airport Visa Changes and Waives Overstay Fines
The UAE has resumed FlyDubai airport-to-airport visa changes via the Dubai-Muscat route as of March 11, 2026. Additionally, the ICP is granting a 30-day grace period and waiving overstay fines for those affected by recent airspace disruptions.
UAE Waives Fines for Residents Stranded Abroad
The UAE has introduced a one-month grace period until March 31, 2026, for residents whose visas expire while they are stuck overseas due to travel disruptions. Eligible expats can re-enter the country without new permits or fines but must regularize their status immediately upon arrival.
Inside the UAE's Expanded Golden and Blue Visa Programs
The UAE has introduced the 10-year Blue Visa for environmental contributors and expanded Golden Visa eligibility to include educators and creators. New administrative requirements for all applicants now include UAE Pass registration and mandatory traffic fine clearance before processing.
Why Jordan’s Extended Residency Matters for Digital Nomads
Jordan has increased the duration of temporary residency permits issued at border crossings from one month to three months. The new process simplifies entry by stamping the residency directly on passports, benefiting slow travelers, investors, and those seeking medical treatment.
Qatar Automatically Extends All Entry Visas
Qatar has implemented an automatic one-month extension for all expired or soon-to-expire entry visas starting February 28, 2026. The extension is processed electronically at no cost, though travelers must settle any prior immigration violations to qualify.
Israel Automatically Extends Visas During Security Disruptions
The Population and Immigration Authority has announced an automatic three-month extension for work, tourist, student, and temporary resident visas expiring between February 22 and March 31, 2026. No application or office visit is required, and holders should keep their current documents as proof of legal status.
U.S. Orders Personnel to Depart Saudi Arabia Amid Regional Tensions
The U.S. Department of State has raised the travel advisory for Saudi Arabia to Level 3, ordering the departure of non-emergency government employees and their families. Expats and travelers should reconsider travel to the region and exercise increased caution due to heightened safety concerns.
Inside Saudi Arabia’s Evolving Visa and Residency Rules
Saudi Arabia has expanded eVisa eligibility to over 60 countries while maintaining specific seasonal restrictions for 14 nationalities during Hajj. While work visa processing times vary by nationality, the government confirmed there are no permanent nationality-based bans for employment visas.
Dubai Updates Financial Rules for Remote Work Visas
Dubai has updated its Virtual Working Program requirements, now mandating six months of bank statements instead of three. Applicants must still demonstrate a minimum monthly income of $3,500 to qualify for the one-year residency permit.
Understanding Turkey’s Schengen Visa Cascade System
Turkey is negotiating for simplified Schengen visa procedures by 2026, potentially including online applications and reduced documentation. These changes would primarily benefit foreign investors who have obtained Turkish citizenship, though investment thresholds for such programs may increase.