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Many countries in the Middle East still require exit visas. Dubai (UAE) is one of them

omarkassim 10y ago
Dubai and by the extension doesn't require any sort of exit permit to leave the country unless you're giving up your residency at which time, you go through a pretty painless visa cancellation process. Very free movement given our strong aviation culture and infrastructure.
- Symbiote 10y ago
  Except for the migrant workers, who built said infrastructure and are often compared to slaves. It's not easy for them to leave.
  - charlesdm 10y ago
    That's because their passports are taken from them, no? I had no issues leaving Dubai last time I visited.
morgante 10y ago
No, it's not. For citizens and expats it's ridiculously painless to enter/exit the UAE. Even as an American citizen with Global Entry, it's far easier to go in and out of the UAE than it is to enter/exit the USA. I assume you're referring to the controversial Kafala system which chiefly harms migrant workers. It does not, in fact, require that anyone receive an exit visa. The issue is primarily one of employers confiscating passports, not the government requiring you to obtain an exit visa. Fortunately, even in the four years I lived there the situation improved with more employees getting to hold on to their passports. If you want to talk about repressive policies, you're much better off talking about Saudi Arabia which does require exit permits and has a far worse record on human rights (for both citizens and migrant workers).
- ghshephard 10y ago
  Agreed it's painless as an expat to exit - but, note that the United States doesn't have an Exit Process. UAE Does (at least in Dubai). I took an Exit-Enter-Trip to Oman every 30 days while working there to keep my Visa Status current. Pretty much the same as Singapore. (Though, in Singapore, if you overstay, it's prison and caning - for real. In Dubai I believe it's just a fine)

Dubai and by the extension doesn't require any sort of exit permit to leave the country unless you're giving up your residency at which time, you go through a pretty painless visa cancellation process. Very free movement given our strong aviation culture and infrastructure.

Symbiote 10y ago
Except for the migrant workers, who built said infrastructure and are often compared to slaves. It's not easy for them to leave.
- charlesdm 10y ago
  That's because their passports are taken from them, no? I had no issues leaving Dubai last time I visited.

morgante 10y ago

No, it's not. For citizens and expats it's ridiculously painless to enter/exit the UAE. Even as an American citizen with Global Entry, it's far easier to go in and out of the UAE than it is to enter/exit the USA. I assume you're referring to the controversial Kafala system which chiefly harms migrant workers. It does not, in fact, require that anyone receive an exit visa. The issue is primarily one of employers confiscating passports, not the government requiring you to obtain an exit visa. Fortunately, even in the four years I lived there the situation improved with more employees getting to hold on to their passports. If you want to talk about repressive policies, you're much better off talking about Saudi Arabia which does require exit permits and has a far worse record on human rights (for both citizens and migrant workers).

ghshephard 10y ago
Agreed it's painless as an expat to exit - but, note that the United States doesn't have an Exit Process. UAE Does (at least in Dubai). I took an Exit-Enter-Trip to Oman every 30 days while working there to keep my Visa Status current. Pretty much the same as Singapore. (Though, in Singapore, if you overstay, it's prison and caning - for real. In Dubai I believe it's just a fine)