VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR UNITED ARAB EMIRATES LIFTED

Mr Charlie Flanagan T.D., the Minister for Justice and Equality has recently announced the lifting of the visa requirement for UAE citizens travelling to Ireland.
This change will be in effect from the 31st January 2018, with Minister Flanagan signing an order to this effect.
This change was affected with regard to the growing economic ties between Ireland and the United Arab Emirates, with Minister Flanagan stating that the lifting of the visa requirement was necessary so that areas such as trade, tourism, education, healthcare and technology can continue to strengthen and improve between the two states.
The Minister stated:
“As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I led a trade mission to UAE, made an official visit there and welcomed Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Dublin. Excellent air-links between our two countries are facilitating growing partnerships in trade, education and tourism in particular. A large number of Irish citizens now live in the Emirates and many Irish companies are active on the ground where we have a busy Embassy promoting Irish interests. The UAE is a key economic partner for Ireland and one of our priority markets. I am very pleased we have been able to lift the visa requirement for citizens of the UAE who wish to travel to Ireland and we look forward to welcoming increased numbers of Emirati business people, students and tourists who will travel to Ireland following the lifting of the visa requirement.”
This change is a welcome development for the many clients of Berkeley Solicitors who frequently travel to the United Arab Emirates or have close family connections in the UAE.
Berkeley Solicitors