Entry, exit and residency permits

The Egyptian parliament passed law No. 140 for the year 2019 amending law No. 89 for the year 1960 on the entry and residency of foreigners in Egypt, and law No. 26 for the year 1975 regarding the Egyptian Nationality. The amendments focused on the right of the prime minister to grant citizenship to foreigners. The amendment also established a unit in the council of ministers specialized in considering citizenship applications. 

Under the latest long-term residence visa policy, a new system for long-term residence visas (5 or 10 years) are granted to investors and entrepreneurs who meet specific requirements as well as exceptionally performing students. This allows foreigners to live, work and study in the country without a national sponsor and allows them to have 100 per cent ownership of their business on the country's mainland.

The Decree ratifies a previous agreement signed between Algeria and Belarus to waive the visa for holders of diplomatic passports and those on mission. The Agreement was signed initially in Minsk on 20 February 2018.

The Decree ratifies a previous agreement signed between Algeria and Helsinki to mutually exempts the holders of diplomatic passports from visa requirements. The Agreement was signed initially in Helsinki on 11 January 2019.

The decree extends residence permits of non-Emirati widows and divorced women and their children for one year from the death of the Emirati spouse or the divorce without needing a sponsor.

Interior Minister Order No. 8 amended decree No. 121 of 2007 to increase the monthly salary required for foreigners to request entry visas and resident permits for family members from 250 Bahraini dinars (approximately $660 at August 2019 exchange rates) to 400 Bahraini dinars.

Law No. 10 allows 100 permanent residency permits to be issued per year, granting permanent residency to foreign residents for the first time, under certain conditions, which will provide the same social security benefits as Qatari citizens.

Law No. 13 of 2018 amends Article 7 of Law No. 21 of 2015 regarding organizing the entry, exit and residence of expatriates.

The Foreigners Residency Act replaces the Expats Residence Law No. 36 of 1961 as well as annulling Article 202 of the 2001 legislation that stipulated equal rights of Palestinians and Iraqis to public and private employment, education, free health care, retirement rights, free housing, tax exemption, and travel documents. This Act regulates all types of visas, entry, exit and residency of foreign nationals, introduces the sponsorship system for employment and a mandatory exit visa for workers, and stipulates the conditions for extension and deportation.

Law No. 1 of 2017 amends Article 7 of Law No. 21 of 2015 which regulates the entrance, exit and residence of expatriates.