ENHANCING MOBILITY FOR BUSINESS TRAVELLERS

Ali Haider, Manager, Middle East & North Africa for Fragomen, outlines measures for stress-free cross-border travel

C ompanies are constantly sending their executives overseas to discuss strategy, negotiate contracts, attend meetings and conduct trainings.

Whether it’s a ‘red eye’ flight or short haul, businesses are increasingly operating cross-border and the need for easy mobility is a prerequisite for many executives.

If your travel takes you through several neighbouring countries, it’s helpful to understand whether any bilateral treaties granting visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival privileges can make your trip easier. For example, if you’re a GCC resident, you may be eligible for a visa-on-arrival for all member states except Saudi Arabia.

Many countries, especially in MENA, don’t maintain explicit guidance on what constitutes a ‘ business visit’. Given the ambiguity, business travellers should know precisely why theyr'e entering the country. Immigration officials at the entry port reserve the right to ask questions, so be prepared. The accuracy of your application form is important too. These forms need to be carefully aligned to the visit as they can be called into question at later stages. Saudi Arabia has recently adopted a stricter stance on the mode of travel identified.

Business travellers often bypass postentry registration requirements due to their relatively short stays. However, if your profile requires registration with a government agency, make sure you do. In Egypt, certain nationalities are required to register with the police within a week of arrival. Always pre-book your return flight to avoid any issues during the visa application process or at port of entry. Kurdistan immigration authorities recently announced that a return ticket is now required to facilitate e-visas.

Countries are actively evolving their immigration policies and changes may come rapidly or unannounced.