Saudi Arabia rolls out 5-year physical Muqeem ID cards for residents
The Ministry of Interior has introduced a new version of the Resident Identity (Muqeem) card featuring a five-year physical validity period. While the physical card lasts longer, residents must still…
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Qatar mandates digital e-contracts to streamline job transfers
Qatar’s Ministry of Labour has officially enforced the mandatory use of its digital e-services for all private sector employment contracts. The fully digital process is designed to simplify employer changes…
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Qatar announces automatic one-month extension for expired entry visas
The Ministry of Interior has announced a one-month automatic extension for all entry visa categories that have expired or are nearing expiry. These extensions are being processed online without additional…
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Qatar private sector targets 20% nationalization for 2026
As part of the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3), Qatar has set a new target to increase Qatari participation in the private sector workforce to 20% by the end of…
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Kuwait overhauls expat residency fees and Article 22 conditions
Kuwait has officially implemented a new fee structure and salary threshold for expatriate families as part of its 2026 immigration reforms. Sponsors must now earn a minimum of KD 800…
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Kuwait issues major amendments to sovereign citizenship laws
A new decree-law has significantly reshaped the Kuwaiti nationality framework, tightening the rules on granting and withdrawing citizenship. The amendments grant the Ministry of Interior expanded powers to revoke nationality…
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Kuwait grants three-month absence permit for stranded residents
Residents currently outside Kuwait who have exceeded the permitted six-month absence limit due to regional airspace closures have been granted a three-month grace period. The Ministry of Interior stated that…
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Oman implements labour ban on expats for over 200 professions
Oman’s Ministry of Labour has enforced a sweeping policy prohibiting expatriates from holding work visas in more than 200 specific professions. The directive, which covers roles in HR, public relations,…
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Oman eases job transfers for expats lacking registered contracts
A new labor regulation in Oman allows expatriates to transfer to a new employer if their current sponsor fails to register their work contract within 30 days of permit renewal.…
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Oman unveils ‘Muscat urban vision’ for future capital growth
The Sultanate has officially launched its long-term urban development roadmap for the capital, charting Muscat’s expansion through 2040. The plan prioritizes the integration of smart-city technologies and a massive expansion…
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Bahrain waives overstay fines for visitors impacted by conflict
Bahrain’s Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs has announced that all fines and fees for visit visa overstays will be waived for individuals whose permits expired on or after February 28,…
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Bahrain extends unused visit visas for three months
In a move to support the tourism sector, Bahrain has automatically extended the validity of all unused visit entry visas as of February 28, 2026, for an additional three months.…
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Bahrain and UK affirm maritime security partnership in high-level talks
Bahraini leadership met with UK officials today to coordinate a unified response to the ongoing drone and missile threats in the Strait of Hormuz. The two nations reaffirmed their joint…
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GCC condemns treacherous Iranian attack on ADNOC tanker
GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi has issued a sharp condemnation following a drone attack on an Emirati oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel, belonging to the Abu…
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Dubai scraps Dh750k minimum threshold for investor visas
In a strategic move to boost the local property market amid regional tensions, Dubai authorities have removed the Dh750,000 minimum property value requirement for two-year residency visas. Under the new…
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UAE affirms sovereign right to defend vital facilities against aggression
Following recent Iranian drone and missile escalations, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its absolute right to self-defense under international law. The government has called for an immediate…
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Saudi Arabia: Strict permit-only access for Hajj 2026 confirmed
The Saudi Ministry of Interior has enforced a total ban on Hajj activities for holders of visit and tourist visas. Authorities stated that only those with dedicated Hajj permits will…
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Haramain railway increases capacity to 2.2 million for pilgrimage season
Saudi Arabia Railways has officially boosted seat capacity on the Haramain High-Speed Rail to 2.2 million for the 2026 Hajj season. The move includes the deployment of 35 trains running…
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Direct Strikes on Energy Assets and Civilian Areas
ADNOC Tanker Targeted in Strait of Hormuz: The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned a drone attack on the MV Barakah, a crude oil tanker affiliated with ADNOC Logistics &…
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Healthcare Fees for Expatriates Set to Rise
In a move to optimize healthcare resources, the government has confirmed that healthcare fees for foreign workers will double from BHD 72 to BHD 144 over a four-year period. The…
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Sultanate Accelerates Renewable Energy Target to 30%
Oman is fast-tracking massive solar and wind projects in Dhofar to meet a 30% renewable energy capacity goal by 2030. The push is part of a strategy to reduce carbon…
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Regulated Freelance Visa Proposal Gains Momentum
Government officials have confirmed plans to introduce a regulated freelance visa to tackle illegal residency permits. The first phase will target basic professions, with annual fees expected between 750 and…
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Job Mobility Maintained Under No-NOC Policy
Authorities reminded expatriates today that they can change jobs without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) provided notice periods are met. The reform continues to drive labor market flexibility, allowing workers…
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Strict Enforcement of Hajj Permit Rules for 2026
The Ministry of Interior has reiterated that visit visa holders are strictly barred from performing Hajj. Violators face fines of up to SAR 20,000, potential deportation, and a 10-year re-entry…
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GCC ‘Grand Tours’ Visa Pilot Confirmed for Q4
A status update on the unified “GCC Grand Tours Visa” confirms a live pilot phase will begin in Q4 2026 between Dubai and Bahrain. The system will use QR-code validation…
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