UAE nationals closer to visa-free EU travel

(Wam) / 6 September 2013

The European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs on Thursday adopted a report recommending that visa requirements for UAE nationals to enter the EU be lifted. Mariya Gabriel, the rapporteur of the report, told a meeting of the committee on Thursday that the UAE is interested in strengthening ties with Europe.

“There is no risk of illegal immigration. Trips made by the UAE nationals to Europe are mainly for business, tourism, studies or health care,” Gabriel said emphasising that the UAE will comply with total reciprocity regarding the visa waiving.
This would make the UAE the first Arab country whose nationals will enjoy visa-free travel to the EU.

An official from the EU Commission told the meeting that the EU’s executive body is in favour of lifting the visa for UAE citizens.