EU panel for lifting visa for UAE nationals

The European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs  on Thursday adopted a report recommending that visa requirements to enter the EU for nationals of the UAE should 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 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.

The Committee will vote on the report later this month and after that the report will go before the full European Parliament and the Council of Ministers for their approval by mid-2014.



 

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