The UAE's envoy to India has said the expanded visa-on-arrival policy for Indian nationals is a key milestone in advancing bilateral cooperation and people-to-people engagement between the two nations.

In February, 2025, the UAE announced it was expanding visa-on-arrival programme for Indian nationals to include those with valid residence permits from six additional countries.

Abdulnasser Alshaali, PhD, Ambassador of the UAE to India, told ANI: "The expansion of the UAE's visa-on-arrival programme for Indian nationals is a reflection of our enduring partnership with the Republic of India."

He further said: "It is a practical step that will make it easier for families to reconnect, professionals to collaborate, and businesses to grow across borders."

He said, "As two dynamic and forward-looking nations, we are committed to building even stronger bridges between our people and economies."

From February 13, 2025, Indian nationals holding ordinary passports with valid residence permits from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore can obtain a visa on arrival at any UAE entry point.

UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier said in a statement: "This expansion adds to the existing eligibility criteria, which allows Indian nationals to obtain a visa on arrival if they hold a valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card from the United States, European Union, or United Kingdom."