The United Arab Emirates has unveiled new visa rules that will come into force on October 3.

On Monday, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) said the new Advanced Visa System is in a pilot phase until they come into effect in four weeks.

The new immigration rules were launched at a ceremony in Emirates Palace, in the presence of the ICP Chairman, Ali Mohammed bin Hammad Al Shamsi.

In his opening speech, Mr Al Shamsi affirmed that developing immigration services for customers of all categories is the Authority’s top priority.

“The launch is a huge step in our journey towards the future, as it enhances the UAE’s tourism appeal, especially as our ambitious future vision will help revolutionise government services for generations to come”, Mr Al Shamsi said.

The fresh policies offer many features, including a renewable five-year green residence visa, which permits its holders to quickly issue residence permits for family members and flexible grace periods of up to six months after expiry or cancellation of residence visa.

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, the ICP Director-General, praised the Emirati Cabinet’s decision to adopt federal law regulating the entry and residence of foreigners in the country.

The new UAE passport boasts of a new modern design and the latest technology and security features.

“The new generation of the passport is printed using laser technology on polycarbonate material, rather than paper, which makes it difficult to damage, tear or forge, and ensures faster printing and greater security,” Mr Al Khaili said.

Bilateral relations between Nigeria and the UAE have heightened in the past two months following stringent migration rules meted out by the economic giant of Middle-East.

In the past week, Nigeria’s foreign ministry announced that Nigerians under the age of 40 will no longer be issued tourist visas to the United Arab Emirates as the Emirati “introduced a new visa regime and has stopped issuing tourist visas to persons under the age of 40 years, except for those applying for family visas.”

In early August, the United Arab Emirates began issuing visas to Nigerians after it imposed outright bans following cult clashes that erupted between rival cult groups Eiye and Aiye in Dubai and Sharjah.

Under the new requirements, Nigerians seeking travel access to the middle eastern city include confirmed hotel reservations, a six-month bank statement showing both cash inflows and outflows and a confirmed return ticket confirmation.