TECOM No Longer Issuing Physical Temporary Access Cards for Sponsored Visit Visa Holders

Analysis

TECOM Freezone is no longer issuing physical Temporary Access Cards (TACs) for sponsored visit visa holders. Sponsored visit visa holders will now receive a printed “access pass” which will allow them to enter the freezone and visit their sponsor's premises. The access pass is meant to facilitate entry into the freezone only, though in practice, visitors may be able to conduct limited business activities on the pass.

TECOM Freezone is no longer issuing physical Temporary Access Cards (TACs) for sponsored visit visa holders. Sponsored visit visa holders will now receive a printed “access pass” which would allow them to enter the freezone, visit their sponsor's premises and potentially conduct some business activities.

Previously, TACs allowed holders to engage in business activities (attending meetings, conducting research, negotiating contracts etc) in the freezone and engage in limited project consulting activities, as long as a formal employer/employee relationship was not established.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

Employers operating in TECOM should note hands-on activities should not be conducted on access passes and all visiting personnel should limit activities to designated business/visitor areas.