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rankconsultancy · 6 months ago

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The Advantages of VAT Registration UAE for Your Business

In the United Arab Emirates, Value Added Tax represents a major part of the country’s tax system. This is a type of tax that applies not only to the final product or service. But also to most supplies in GCC countries. The standard rate is 5%, and it applies to the majority of goods and services supplied in the UAE. From this perspective, it is important to consider VAT registration UAE. Along and its effect on businesses operating inside and outside the country.

One such company is Rank Accounting and Consultancy that has remained dominant in the accounting consultancy solutions in the UAE for years now. Multiple companies: helped with VAT registration paperwork.. During this, we observed the policies’ effect on their business. In this article, you will find information about the advantages of the VAT registration UAE procedure. Along with answers to major questions, and peculiarities of the registration process.

What is the threshold to register for UAE VAT?

In the UAE, there are two thresholds for VAT registration:

Mandatory Registration: Business having an annual taxable turnover greater than or equal to AED 375,000 which has been 12 months continuously prior to that period. Further, the business that fits into this bracket is required to surpass this amount within 30 days from the day. T

Voluntary Registration: The states of the UAE are given an option, that is businesses may or may not opt for voluntary registration. Those states where businesses have a minimum annual taxable turnover of AED 187,500 but do not the mandatory registration, will have

Benefits of VAT Registration UAE

Applying for VAT registration in the UAE could seem like yet another administrative task, but this move could benefit businesses in several ways Let us explore the top benefits

Input Tax Recovery: With VAT registered business, on each time a business makes a purchase on which VAT is paid, such as (rent of office, utility bills, and other office supplies) the business can recover a significant amount of the VAT it pays, thus reducing this component of the price of purchases made by the business. This allows the business to utilize the money saved for any other business expenses and thus enhance the cashflows.

Access to Golden Visa Scheme: VAT-registered organizations can apply for the Golden Visa for their employees. They will be provided with a long-term residence visa and their families were also open to bring along.

Simplified tax reporting: When you pay VAT with RR Accountants, a percentage of that tax is also set aside for your business tax reporting. If you file some VAT returns and enter in the routine VAT payment process, you can manage your complete tax reporting requirement as well.

Reduced risk of penalties: If you run a business without compulsory VAT registration in Dubai then you might even be imposed with heavy penalties by the FTA after a while. On leading of this, through VAT registration in the UAE, you can guarantee you stay within the law and then you can avoid any legal troubles and the associated fines with it.

Can I register for VAT if I have no sales?

However, you can go for VAT registration in UAE if you have no sales. You should consider it only if you believe that you will cross the AED 187500 threshold in the near future. In theory, you can register for VAT without actually selling anything, but it makes no sense. Such a proactive approach will not only save time. But also allows you to start using the VAT system when business picks up.

Do I Need to Register for VAT if I Provide Services Outside the UAE?

Am I Required to Register for VAT when My Services is Offered Outside the UAE? Whether VAT registration is mandatory or not, is decided by the type of services you offer along with the place where you are offering the services. For the Rest of The World If you were in providing services outside of the UAE there is no mandatory to register for VAT. But we would highly recommend you to talk to a specialized tax advisor for a more personal VAT advice.

Amending Old VAT Returns and Document Retention

Amending VAT Returns: FTA provides rules for amending the submitted VAT returns if any errors are found. Please note the method to correct returns will be based on the type of error done.

Document retention – as a registered VAT business in the UAE, you are obliged by the UAE VAT Decree-Law to retain all tax records and documents e.g. invoices, receipts, and bank statements for a minimum of 5 years from the date of the transaction. This way, you will always have all the required records should you be required to substantiate them with the FTA on an audit or in the event of a disagreement with the authority.

When Does the FTA Conduct Tax Audits?

The FTA reserves the right to audit businesses at any point in time, ensuring compliance and financial accuracy. They evaluate different factors such as the type of industry, and the risk profile of the business. Along with inconsistencies in VAT returns.

Conclusion

Overall, VAT registration UAE has a great number of advantages for your business. It allows businesses that operate in the UAE to recover their input tax. Also establish credibility, report on VAT in a relatively easy way, and apply for a Golden Visa.

So make sure you go with the right people for your business, Connect with us now!

#vat registration uae

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balilive · 6 months ago

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How to prepare for a vacation trip to Bali. Beginner's guide

Are you planning your first trip to Bali and don't know where to start? There is so much information out there - how do you know what is really important and current? Trust us!

BaliLive has carefully gathered recommendations from experienced users of the largest community on Bali. The Beginner's Guide" - a treasure trove of useful information that covers 90 percent of questions about arrival, vacation, and long-term living on the island. Here you will guaranteedly find all the information you are interested in, thanks to which you will be able to confidently feel yourself in Bali as soon as you arrive here!

BEFORE THE TRIP

Visa

If you plan to stay on the island for a longer period, you should apply in advance for a social visa B211 for tourism purposes. The visa is issued electronically, so you don't have to go to the embassy. You can do it yourself (but then you won't be able to extend it) or with the help of a visa agency.

We recommend that you contact Legal Indonesia agency to obtain such a visa. This visa is issued for 60 days and can then be extended twice for 60 days each time. After its expiration, foreigners already in Indonesia are allowed to obtain new visas within the country.

Tickets

You can fly directly to Bali's Denpasar airport or through Jakarta. From Europe , you can fly with one layover to Bali via Doha with Qatar Airways, via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, or via Dubai with Emirates.

From Jakarta to Denpasar, we recommend choosing Citilink or Garuda Indonesia airlines. Take flights from CGK airport (Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta). Allow at least three hours for a layover in Jakarta.

Do I need a return ticket and how to get one? - Bali.live"So, the return ticket, which may be required during check-in for your flight to Indonesia. Typically, the ticket is asked for at the departure airport during check-in. However, recently there hbali.live

Documents

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Indonesia. Otherwise, you will simply not be allowed to leave the country or enter Indonesia.

Make a photocopy of your passport and make it a habit to carry a copy with you while keeping the passport itself in a safe place.

A COVID-19 vaccination certificate is also required for entry.

Be sure to get good insurance! There is a reliable service from Cherehapa. Its employees are excellent at helping in disputed situations. There is also a local insurance company, Allianz. Carefully check how long your insurance allows you to stay in the country and read all the contract terms. We recommend choosing coverage of at least USD 50,000 with coverage for COVID-19. Print out the obtained insurance and keep it with you wherever you go, and enter the hotline number of your assistance service into your phone. Questions about insurance in Bali can be asked to Cherehapa consultants.

If you plan to ride a scooter or drive a car in Bali, get an international driver's license. Police raids are conducted on the roads to check for the presence of international licenses. Legal Indonesia agency can also help with obtaining local licenses.

Install the SATUSEHAT Mobile app on your phone to monitor your health and register your account in it.

Pets

If you plan to travel to Bali with your four-legged friend, it only makes sense if you are staying for a long time. There is a quarantine in Bali for importing and exporting pets. It is possible to bring a pet here, but it is difficult and expensive. You will need to seek the help of a pet relocation agency. You can find a list of verified agencies in the Bali.

Mobile phone service

Since September 2021, Indonesia has implemented control over imported phones. If your phone was not purchased in Indonesia and you plan to stay in the country for more than 90 days, you need to register it on the website of the Tax and Levies Agency. The phone will not work with local SIM cards if it is not registered. The QR code generated in the application will need to be shown upon arrival at Denpasar or Jakarta airport in the customs office. If the value of your phone is less than $500, you do not need to pay import tax. You can bring a maximum of 2 phones per person into Indonesia.

How do I register an IMEI? Phone Registration in Indonesia - Bali.liveYou can pre-purchase a tourist eSIM card online through the Airalo service . The prices there may be higher than those of local providers, but it allows you to have immediate connectivity upon abali.live

Money

Ensure that you have different accounts or cards, with the bulk of your money on one card and another card that you can use to transfer the necessary amount as needed at an ATM. Do not keep all of your money on the card you use to pay at the store or insert into an ATM.

Set the maximum withdrawal amount per transaction on your card in your online banking to prevent large sums of money from being withdrawn without your knowledge.

Take at least a couple of hundred dollars in cash, with the rest on a card for safekeeping.

When exchanging money in Bali, always double-check the amount given, even if the money changer counted the stack demonstratively ten times in front of you.

Check the current exchange rate between the rupiah and the dollar at the top of the forum header. You can find the rates for the Kuta Central exchange network on their website.

Bring dollars with you that are no older than 2013. Old bills may pose problems when exchanging money.

Health

Take a standard first-aid kit that you always bring on vacation to the beach.

Be sure to bring rare medicines that are vital for you if you suffer from a chronic illness.

Most commonly used medications are sold in Bali and although they may have different names.

Clothing

You can bring standard vacation clothing with you. Don't forget to bring thin long-sleeved sweatshirts in case you get sunburned and need to hide from the sun. If you are not picky about style, you can buy summer clothes in tents on the shopping streets of Kuta, Seminyak, and other popular areas. Be prepared to haggle and lower the price by 2-5 times.

If you are demanding in terms of material quality and style, you can stop by one of the popular shopping centers - Beachwalk, Discovery Mall, Bali Mall Galeria, and buy what you like. For expensive and stylish clothes shopping, you can go to boutiques in Seminyak.

Balinese dress code: what to wear on the paradise island? - Bali.live"On Bali, 'Gucci' and 'Dolce & Gabbana' don't cut it," says designer Max Milian, responding to my question about "how to be stylish on the island." He adjusts his udeng (traditional Balinese malbali.live

Take warm clothes (windbreaker, sweatshirt, jeans) if you have a long layover in an air-conditioned airport, if you'll be riding a bike at night, or if you plan on hiking volcanoes at night. If you plan to hike volcanoes, bring closed-toe shoes that you don't mind getting covered in volcanic ash.

If you're traveling to Bali during the rainy season, you'll likely encounter precipitation for a significant portion of your trip. Rain jackets or umbrellas are not necessary to bring along. Umbrellas can be inconvenient here, and rain jackets can be purchased at stores.

The weather in Bali, the hottest month in Bali, weather by months. - Bali.liveData on the average annual weather in Bali. Average maximum and minimum temperatures by month. As you can see, the most comfortable temperature in Bali is from June to September. Average amount...bali.live

Time-spending

You need to understand what kind of vacation you want to have. Do you want to relax on the beach, surf, party, travel, practice yoga, or do it all? Make a rough list of what you want to do during your time in Bali.

Plan your route. You can move from one area to another, spending a week in each.

Accommodation

Decide on the area of residence. The areas differ greatly in the quality of the beaches, proximity to nightlife, suitability for surfing, tranquility, prices, and availability of attractions. It makes sense to stay where you will be close to your main vacation goals. Alternatively, you can stay in different areas.

Find accommodation. There are two main options: villa and hotel/guesthouse. Villas are convenient for a large group, where the total price can be split among all friends to get a lower cost per bedroom. Hotels/guesthouses are more convenient for solo travelers, couples or families with children, where only one bedroom is needed, and for those who prefer a more caring hotel service and hotel infrastructure.

All districts in Bali - Bali.liveIf you are planning your holiday on Bali by yourself or searching for accommodation on Bali, the first thing you need to do is decide on the Bali region in which you will stay. The regions on Babali.live

How to find accommodation in Bali. Instructions: Who to contact to find a villa in Bali? Where to look for inexpensive guesthouses in Bali?

Pay attention to hotels that have reviews that suit you. Read reviews on hotels and pay special attention to negative reviews, what causes dissatisfaction among guests, to understand if you are willing to accept it.

You can choose not to take accommodation for the entire trip and move to different areas during your stay - it will be more interesting.

If you want to rent accommodation for a long time, do not pay for it in advance without inspecting it and reading enough reviews about it. Try to come and see the accommodation in person, send friends to look at the house or villa, or look for more reviews on different services. You can also check the surroundings of your potential home through Google Street View.

Tips for renting houses in Bali. What to look for when renting a house? - Bali.liveThere are several tips for renting houses and villas in Bali that can help you choose accommodation that is comfortable in all respects. For people who came, for example, for the first time to wbali.live

Transportation

The size of the island is 150 by 80 kilometers. Some remote areas or attractions from the touristy south can take 1-2 hours to reach. You need to decide in advance how to get around:

by bike (scooter)/motorcycle

driving a car yourself

in a car with a guide

by taxi/motorcycle taxi.

Don't overestimate your abilities. If you are not confident in driving safely around the island, don't risk it. If you have no experience riding a bike, but you are confident in yourself, take a few driving lessons from a good instructor.

In recent years, online moto- and car-taxi services (Grab, Go-Jek) have become more and more popular in Bali, working with mobile applications Grab and GoJek. However, not all areas of Bali allow these taxis to be easily called. Sometimes local, more expensive, district taxi drivers do not allow Grab and Gojek into their zones. The reason is that district taxi drivers pay high commissions.

Grab online taxi now comes to the airport. There is a special Grab Taxi stand there.

If you don't want to drive, you can take a taxi for short trips and use the services of a guide with a car for excursions.

The best taxi in Bali - Bali.liveThe first thing you encounter when leaving the airport in Bali is local taxi drivers literally shouting at you that they will take you for the "best price." In any tourist spot on the island, tobali.live

Other

Download offline maps of Bali in advance. Open Google Maps, select "Offline maps" from the menu, select "Select your own map" and choose the map area. The Bali and Nusa Penida map will weigh about 85 megabytes but will be very useful if you suddenly find yourself without internet.

Open the list of important emergency phone numbers in Bali and the contacts of the tourist police in Bali and save potentially useful numbers from these lists in your phone.

UPON ARRIVAL

Airport

If you're staying for a while, don't forget to register your phone at the airport, as it will be much more difficult to do later.

Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport. You can connect immediately, which is very convenient if you need any information.

It is not allowed to take photos or videos in the immigration control hall. Violators will be fined heavily.

Make sure to check the date that is stamped in your passport upon arrival. The date of your arrival should be clearly indicated.

If you have been waiting for your luggage, but it has not arrived, go to your airline's office. It is possible that there was a mix-up, and they may ask you to file a lost luggage report. When they find it, they will deliver it to your hotel free of charge. Make it a habit to bring the essentials for the first 1-2 days in your carry-on luggage and not check in any expensive or irreplaceable items.

Upon arrival (or preferably before departure), you need to fill out an electronic customs declaration form. One document can be filled out for all family members.

Bali Airport (Ngurah Rai, Denpasar) - Bali.liveAll information about Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bandar Udara Internasional Ngurah Rai). Current for 2023. International IATA code: DPS . When buying a ticket, the airport in Bali of...bali.live

Money

As you leave the airport, you will come across exchange offices along the way. They operate even late at night. It's better not to exchange all your money there, as the exchange rate at the airport is not very good. There are also many ATMs in the airport before and after passport control.

If you have Visa or MasterCard, you can use them to pay in stores and any other place where bank card payment is accepted. UnionPay cards are not accepted everywhere. Try to use your card as little as possible and only at serious establishments. Don't keep all your money on the card that you insert into an ATM and use for payments in stores and restaurants. Add money to it from other cards immediately before making a payment. There have been many cases of skimming in Bali.

Phone communication and internet

You can buy a local operator SIM card at the airport or in numerous shops along the road. Be prepared that at the airport, the SIM card will likely cost twice as much as in the tourist area and three times as much as in the operator's office.

Telkomsel has good quality communication, the widest coverage, and reasonably priced tariffs. Previously, it had complicated tariffs for new SIM cards, including local and general internet, which often wasn't recommended for short-term visitors to Indonesia, but now local internet has been canceled, so you can use it confidently.

Indosat Oooredooo provides cheap tariffs but not very good coverage.

XL Axiata is another good operator with reasonable prices and good coverage around the island.

Smartfren has not the fastest and most stable connection. But if your phone is disabled due to its registration being expired and other operators cannot register it, contact Smartfren.

Transport from the airport

If your hotel has offered you a free transfer, take advantage of it. The driver will meet you with a sign at the exit.

If your transfer is paid separately and you think it's too expensive, check MyBaliTrips to compare prices. This company may have a more affordable price. Transfer is convenient if you get tired after the flight, have a lot of luggage, or small children.

If you want to save money, use online taxis (Grab, Go-Jek).

ISLAND VACATION

Transport for getting around the island

To rent transportation, you can use the services of the company Balimotion.

If Balimotion doesn't have the type of transportation you need at the moment, you can contact another bike or car rental company by contacting their representative on Whatsapp.

When renting, take photos of all the damage on the transportation you are given, sign the rental agreement or receipt.

Before renting a bike, ask your rental if insurance is included in case the bike is damaged. Having insurance can save you money in the event of an accident. Don't hesitate to ask your rental in advance about what to do in case you get into an accident, who will pay for the repairs, and to what extent.

Most locals drive around the island not by the rules you learned in driving school, but by intuitive rules that they unconsciously learned from childhood while driving with their parents. While you're just starting to drive around the island, wear tight clothing, don't speed, watch the behavior and looks of other drivers because they "communicate" with looks. Be prepared for unpredictable behavior from other drivers. Don't be afraid to honk to warn other road users, it's not considered offensive. Honk at people standing on the left side of the road and planning to come out so they don't suddenly pull out in front of you.

In many places in Bali, there are paid parking lots. This is a standard system. The parking attendant usually helps you park your vehicle and take it out of the parking lot. The usual price for parking in the city for a bike is 2,000 rupiahs. At tourist attractions and beaches, the price can go up to 5,000 rupiahs for a bike. Paid parking is a completely normal phenomenon in Indonesia, and it's pointless to be outraged by its presence.

Telephone and Internet

In the city, there are places where you can buy SIM cards registered under Balinese names. In this case, it cannot be guaranteed how long the card will work for you. However, due to recent changes, most places now offer registration in your name. To register, you will need your passport and your phone's IMEI number.

You can also buy a registered SIM card at central offices. If you buy a SIM card with registration in your name from points around the city, the normal price could be 120,000 rupiahs for a 6GB internet package, 150,000 rupiahs for a 9GB package, and 220,000 rupiahs for a 17GB package. After that, you can renew the internet package for a cheaper price.

You can buy a SIM card at any mobile phone shop in the city. They are usually located on central streets or in large shopping centers. The best 3G connectivity is provided by Telkomsel Simpati or XL cards.

To renew your internet package, you deposit a certain amount of money on your phone number at any minimart, open your phone provider's app on your smartphone, and activate the package you need. Be sure to connect the package! Without it, your internet will fly away at crazy speed!

Indonesian numbers are written in:

International standard (starting with +62 8, for example +62 81 777 777 777)

local mobile standard (starting with 08, for example 081 777 777 777) - to convert to international standard, change 08 to +62 83)

local landline standard (for example, +62 361 222 680, in this case, +62 is the code for Indonesia, 361 is the area code for Bali, and 222 680 is the phone number for the Bali Museum).

Spending Time

If you plan to visit places in Bali that require vaccination for entry (shopping centers, cinemas, some tourist attractions), the security at the entrance may ask you to show the Peduli Lindungi application. It contains information about your vaccination and COVID-19 testing. If you have been vaccinated but this information has not been uploaded to Peduli, then bring a paper vaccination certificate (in English or Indonesian) and a paper copy of the main page of your passport. In some cases, it may be sufficient to show photos of these documents on your phone.

If you don't know where to go in the evening to relax and have fun, you can join the Bali Forum chat and find friends with similar interests to hang out with at a restaurant or bar, regardless of whether there is a party that day.

Event posters with filters by theme and location can be found on the Bali.live website.

Install the Facebook Local app, where establishments announce their upcoming events.

You can check out a review of beaches to satisfy your beach cravings. All beaches in Bali have their unique charm.

In the first few days, while you are not used to the local sun, do not risk getting sunburned. Use sunscreen (with a protection factor of at least 50 SPF) and when taking long walks or riding a bike, wear a long-sleeved shirt and loose pants or a skirt.

If you get sunburned and don't have anything in your first aid kit for burned skin, buy Bepanten cream at the pharmacy. It is similar to the Russian Panthenol and helps to restore skin after burns and has a weak antiseptic effect.

Friends and socializing

People in Bali are open and friendly. This applies to both locals and foreign tourists. Even if you arrived alone, it's very easy to meet new people right in a café, restaurant, bar, or club and find new friends.

Food and drinks

If you want to try local street food, be prepared that food in local food stalls (warungs) is often very spicy. Food that is brightly colored red or yellow is potentially spicy. If you cannot eat spicy food, ask for non-spicy (no spicy / tidak pedas). Eat something fatty (milk, yogurt) or plain rice to offset the spiciness. Alcohol on Bali is expensive due to high taxes.

Be careful with cheap local drinks (arak and arak-based cocktails) and only buy them in reputable places. In clubs, keep an eye on your glass of alcohol and do not leave it unattended.

Prices on menus in restaurants are often indicated in thousands of rupiahs. That is, 20K is 20,000 rupiahs.

In Bali restaurants, except for local food stalls (warungs), a state tax and a service charge are added. Usually, they can add up to (10%, 15%, 21%). If the restaurant has this charge, its amount is indicated either at the bottom of the menu page or at the end of the menu. Tips are considered to be the service charge that should be given to waiters for their work. But if you want to give a tip to the waiter, you are free to do so and choose the amount of the reward at your discretion. There are no clear rules about the size of tips.

Safety

Do not drive while intoxicated, especially at night. There may be potholes, sand piles, or a lying dog on the road.

Keep an eye on your mobile phone in crowded places. Do not swing your phone uncontrollably and do not put it in the back pocket of your jeans. Do not put your phone in the pocket of your motorcycle when riding. Do not hold your phone while riding a motorcycle.

If you need to use navigation on the island from your smartphone, take headphones, turn on the voice mode in Google Maps, insert the headphones into one ear, and put the phone in the trunk. In 3-5% of cases, the voice navigator may lag, but most of the time it provides fairly reasonable navigation.

Install applications on your phone that will help you remotely lock your phone or track its location in case of theft. Set up backup data from your phone so that your data is not lost in case of theft. If your phone is stolen, there is a small chance of recovering it if you know its location, but the police do not always actively assist in such operations.

When riding a scooter in the dark, put your bag and all valuables in the trunk. Do not ride in the evening and at night with a bag over your shoulder, across your shoulder, or with a backpack. If robbers suddenly pull your bag or backpack, you will not only lose your things, but you may also fall off the bike.

When leaving your motorcycle in a parking lot, fasten the helmets to hooks located in the trunk, do not hang them on the handlebars. It's better to take full-face helmets with you when leaving, even if they are fastened to the motorcycle, they can be "cut off".

Please do not leave valuable items in the trunk of your car or bike if you leave your vehicle in a parking lot.

Do not take valuable items and large sums of money with you to the beach.

Always count your money last when exchanging currency, even if the person before you counted it in front of you multiple times. Do not let anyone touch your money again.

Do not withdraw money from ATMs located on the street. Withdraw money from ATMs located inside bank branches, preferably during the daytime when there is a security guard present. To find the nearest bank branch, open Google Maps and search for "Bank."

If you have a safe in your hotel room, keep valuable items such as laptops, passports, bank cards, and money in it. Do not leave large sums of cash in plain sight in your room.

If you are a woman, do not travel alone on deserted streets at night, especially if you are returning late at night from a club. Take a taxi or find a group of friends who can accompany you.

Do not walk alone on a deserted beach at night. If you are sitting on the beach with friends in the evening, keep your bags visible so that skillful "fishermen" cannot "fish" them with a fishing line and hook.

If you carry a bag with you, carry it in the hand that is farthest from the road so that robbers on bikes cannot snatch it from you.

In Bali, you may encounter reverse currents and powerful waves. Do not swim alone, do not overestimate your abilities, and read up on how to act if you get caught in a reverse current.

If you are in trouble and do not know what to do, write about your situation in the Bali Forum Telegram chat. There, you will receive helpful advice and support.

Health

If you need to find the nearest pharmacy, open Google Maps and enter Apotek or Pharmacy. The map will show you all the closest pharmacies.

In the chain stores Guardian or Watson, which often have a sign "pharmacy" on them, there may not always be a large selection of serious medications, and instead of real working drugs, they may offer you expensive vitamins or dietary supplements. Go to regular local pharmacies (Apotek) and ask for specific medications that you need.

If you have had an insurance case and you are sick, call your insurance company and ask which hospital they will send you to for treatment. Only after that, go to the hospital.

If you still came to Bali without insurance and you need medical treatment, contact one of the hospitals on this list. There are also quality dental clinics on Bali.

Also, for any medical questions, you can contact the BaliForum Health Telegram chat.

RETURNING HOME

Upon returning home at the airport, you will not have to pay any taxes or duties.

If you have miscalculated the number of days on your visa and have an overstay, you can pay for it at the airport. One day of overstay costs 1 million rupiah. If your overstay does not exceed 60 days, you simply pay for it and go on your flight. There will be no sanctions.

For an overstay of more than 60 days, you will need to undergo a special document procedure with the immigration service and pay a fine. If you have a large overstay, contact a visa agent and they will advise you on what to do.

Luggage packing at Bali airport costs 105,000 rupiah per unit.

Be sure to share this post with your friends - it's super useful for anyone planning to go to Bali! Have a nice trip! ;)

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zeevistaadvisors · 11 months ago

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ZeeVista Advisors FAQs

Here is some general questions we keep receiving everyday.

What is your office hours?

ZeeVista Immigration Advisors is open from Monday to Saturday at 9:00 am - 6:30 pm.

Where can I contact you?

You have several ways to contact us.

Landline - +971 44490918

Phone / WhatsApp- +971 589240564, +971 589240562 & +971 589240561

Email - [email protected]

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/zeevistaadvisors

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zeevista/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/zeevista

What services do you offer?

ZeeVista Advisors is offering all visa services e.g, Visit Visa, Student Visa, Business Visa, etc. We are also offering 2nd passports, permanent residency, temporary residency, and citizenships.

How long for you to process my application?

It depends on what country you're applying.

Are you booking zoom appointments?

Of course. But this is only applicable to our clients in different country. For the clients residing in the UAE, we prefer if they will come to our office.

Where is your office located?

ZeeVista Advisors' office is located at Office 1503, 15th Floor, Executive Bay Tower B, Al Amal Street, Business Bay, Dubai, U.A.E

Can I do walk-in?

Yes, you can. However we are always fully booked, so it's better for you to book an appointment first to reserve your slot.

Is this free?

The initial consultation is free. But if you wanted to start the immigration process, there is an applicable fee depending on what what country and what you're applying.

What is your mode of payment?

Well you can pay through bank transfer if you're outside the UAE, if you're going to pay at the office, we have a card machine.

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perfectionmigration · 1 year ago

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Streamlining Your UK Immigration Process: Expert Services in Dubai

Navigating the complexities of the UK immigration process can be a daunting task, especially if you’re doing it on your own. In this article, we will explore how our immigration consulting firm, based in Dubai, can assist you in streamlining your UK immigration journey. With our expertise and personalized services, you can make the process smoother and more efficient.

Understanding the Challenges

The Complexity of UK Immigration Laws

The UK immigration system is known for its intricate set of rules and regulations. Navigating through these laws without professional guidance can lead to costly mistakes and delays.

Document Preparation and Verification

One of the most critical aspects of the immigration process is ensuring that all required documents are in order. Even a small oversight can lead to complications.

Meeting Visa Eligibility Criteria

Different visas have specific eligibility criteria. It’s crucial to understand these requirements and ensure that you qualify for the visa you’re applying for.

How Our Immigration Consulting Firm Can Help

Tailored Consultation Services

Our immigration consulting firm offers personalized consultation services to assess your individual immigration needs. Our expert advisors will guide you through the entire process, providing insights and recommendations.

Document Review and Compilation

Our experienced team will meticulously review and compile all necessary documents, ensuring that they meet the UK’s immigration requirements.

Visa Category Guidance

Whether you’re applying for a work visa, student visa, or family reunion visa, our immigration services in Dubai for UK has extensive knowledge of each category. We will help you choose the right visa for your situation.

Maximizing Efficiency in the Application Process

Expedited Application Processing

Our immigration consulting firm is well-versed in the latest immigration policies and procedures. This knowledge allows us to expedite the application process, saving you time and potential delays.

Proactive Issue Resolution

In the event of any complications or issues during the application process, our immigration consulting firm takes a proactive approach to resolve them swiftly.

The Benefits of Expert Guidance

Minimized Stress and Anxiety

With our immigration consulting firm by your side, you can alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with the immigration process. Our expertise gives you confidence in every step.

Increased Chance of Success

Having a team of seasoned professionals handling your application significantly increases your chances of a successful outcome.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the UK immigration process can be a complex and overwhelming task. However, with the expert services of our immigration consulting firm in Dubai, you can streamline your journey and increase your chances of success. Our tailored consultation, document review, and visa guidance services set us apart as a trusted partner in your immigration endeavor.

FAQs

Q1: How long does the UK immigration process typically take?

The timeline for the UK immigration process can vary depending on various factors, including the type of visa you’re applying for and your individual circumstances. Our immigration consulting firm can provide you with a more accurate estimate based on your specific situation.

Q2: What sets our immigration consulting firm apart from other immigration firms?

Our immigration consulting firm stands out due to our personalized approach and in-depth knowledge of UK immigration laws. We prioritize client satisfaction and go the extra mile to ensure a smooth process.

Q3: Can I apply for a UK visa on my own without professional assistance?

While it’s possible to apply for a UK visa independently, the process can be complex and time-consuming. Seeking assistance from experts like our immigration consulting firm can significantly increase your chances of success.

Q4: Are there any additional fees associated with using our immigration consulting firm’s services?

Our immigration consulting firm is transparent about our pricing structure. Any additional fees, if applicable, will be clearly communicated to you during the initial consultation.

Q5: How do I get started with our immigration consulting firm’s services?

To get started with our immigration consulting firm, simply visit our website and schedule a consultation. Our team will guide you through the next steps to begin streamlining your UK immigration process.

#United Kingdom work permit from dubai #immigrationconsultantsdubai

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indiatodubai · 1 year ago

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Dubai Visa for Green Card Holders

Dubai offers a modern, multicultural gateway to the Middle East that continues to grow in popularity with American travellers. If you hold a green card granting permanent US residence, you may be wondering if you need a visa to visit the United Arab Emirates. In this guide, we will share all information you need to know about Dubai visa for Green Card holders.

Can Green Card holders get Dubai visa easily?

The good news is that green card holders can easily get a Dubai visa online or on arrival. You enjoy the same Dubai visa eligibility as US citizens. Just be sure to check your passport meets all the requirements.

Check Your Passport Validity

Before applying for a Dubai visa, the first step is ensuring your passport meets these validity rules:

Must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from your date of arrival

Should have at least two blank pages for visa stamps

If your passport expires within 6 months or needs more pages, renew it now. Otherwise, you can face problems at Dubai immigration.

Dubai Visa Options for Green Card Holders

With a valid green card and passport, you can pick between these hassle-free Dubai visa options:

Visa on Arrival

Available at Dubai International Airport (DXB) or Dubai World Central (DWC)

Issued for 30 days, extendable for another 30 days

Costs 100 AED (approx. $27 USD)

Paid by cash in dirhams or credit card (MasterCard, Visa)

Dubai eVisa

Apply Dubai visa online in advance at www.ednrd.ae

Issued for 30 days, flexible with 90 days validity

Costs $100 USD, paid by credit card (MasterCard, Visa)

Fast processing time of 24-72 hours

Both the visa on arrival and Dubai eVisa allow 30 days in the UAE, which suffices for most leisure trips. The Dubai eVisa gives you more convenience and flexibility. But the visa on arrival spares having to apply in advance if you have limited time.

No Transit Visa Needed

Unlike some Middle Eastern countries, you do not need a separate transit visa when passing through Dubai International Airport. Just your existing passport and green card are required.

On both arrival and departure, you’ll pass immigration control where they will scan your iris/fingerprints. Standard procedure for the UAE.

How to Get a Dubai eVisa as a Green Card Holder

Applying online for a Dubai eVisa only takes 10-15 minutes. Just have digital copies of your green card, passport, and passport photo ready to upload.

Go to www.ednrd.ae

Create an account

Select Dubai for 30 days as your visa type

Complete the online forms with your details

Upload soft copies of your green card, passport, and photo

Pay the $100 USD fee by credit card

Submit your Dubai eVisa application

After submitting, you'll receive an email within 24-72 hours approving your Dubai eVisa. No need to send your passport or documents by mail. The entire process is digital.

Print your approved Dubai eVisa PDF document. Bring the printed visa, your green card, and passport when traveling to Dubai. On arrival, proceed directly through immigration by presenting these three documents.

Quick Tips for First-Time Visitors

If it's your first visit to Dubai, keep these tips in mind:

Dress modestly in public places. Shoulders and knees should be covered.

Drink alcohol only in licensed venues like hotels, not in public areas.

Get a local SIM card for cheap data plans and internet access.

Use ride hailing apps like Uber, Careem to get around. Taxis are affordable too.

Most malls and public places have free high-speed WiFi.

The metro provides an easy, inexpensive way to travel across Dubai.

FAQ

What type of visa do I need for Dubai as a green card holder?

As a green card holder, you can get either a 30-day visa on arrival when you land in Dubai or apply for a 30-day Dubai eVisa online in advance. Both options are easy and convenient.

How long is the Dubai visa valid for?

Both the visa on arrival and Dubai eVisa allow you to stay in Dubai for 30 days. This is enough time for most tourists to explore the city. If needed, the 30 days can be extended for an additional 30 days.

What is the cost of a Dubai visa?

A visa on arrival costs 100 AED, which is around $27 USD. It can be paid by cash in Emirati dirhams or by credit card. The Dubai eVisa costs $100 USD and is paid online via credit card.

What documents do I need to apply for a Dubai eVisa?

You need digital copies of your valid green card, valid passport, and passport photo. These are uploaded during the quick online eVisa application. Approval is issued within 24-72 hours.

Can I get a Dubai eVisa if my passport expires in 5 months?

No, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Dubai. Renew your passport if it has less than 6 months validity left.

Do I need a transit visa for Dubai airport?

You do not need a separate transit visa when passing through Dubai International Airport (DXB) as a green card holder. Just your passport and green card are required.

What is the fine for overstaying a Dubai tourist visa?

The penalty for overstaying your 30-day Dubai tourist visa is about $27 USD per day. It's important not to overstay to avoid fines. Extend your visa instead if you need to stay longer.

Is it easy to extend my 30-day Dubai tourist visa?

Yes, you can easily extend your Dubai tourist visa by another 30 days. Just pay a fee of 600 AED and apply to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA).

Do I need travel insurance to visit Dubai?

Travel insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended. Look for policies that cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and more.

Enjoy Your Dubai Vacation!

Americans holding green cards can take advantage of easy UAE visa procedures. Within minutes, you can get approval for a 30-day Dubai eVisa or Visa on Arrival. Just don’t forget to renew your passport if it’s expiring soon.

A visit to Dubai opens up modern malls, soaring skyscrapers, traditional souks, desert safaris, luxury hotels, sunny beaches, and cultural delights from this Middle East hub. Have a wonderful trip in store!

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hudsonmckenzie · 1 year ago

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How to get overseas domestic worker visa for the UK?

When you travel to the UK, do you want to take your nanny or maid on a vacation? If so, you can apply for a visa for an international domestic helper.

To be eligible, a candidate must be a domestic worker, such as a nanny or cleaner who works in a private home or a chauffeur or cook who provides personal care for the employer and their family. The applicant must be over the age of 19 and have been employed by the company for at least a year before submitting the application.

The worker must be capable of subsisting on their own in the UK without the aid of the government. As a result, the company must pay the employee at least the national minimum wage while they are in the UK.

If the employer is a British citizen who typically resides abroad and who does not intend to stay in the UK for more than six months, or a foreign citizen who is visiting the UK with no intention of staying for more than six months, the worker may apply to travel with the employer.

Along with completing the online application form, the applicant must submit a number of supporting documents, such as their passport, any work visas they may have from the country where they are applying, evidence that they can support themselves throughout the entire trip, bank statements, pay stubs, a statement signed by both the applicant and the employer, their employment contract, and a letter from the employer confirming their job title and length of employment.

With this visa, what can I do?

An overseas domestic visa will allow you to:

Visit another country, then come back to the UK to finish your stay

Change employers and work as a domestic helper in a private home (as long as your stay doesn't go above the allotted six months)

Be aware that you won't be able to

employment outside of being a domestic worker in a private home

Long-term residence in the UK involving regular trips there

use government funds

Once a choice has been made, the employee may go to the UK for up to 6 months with their employer. Both the employee and the employer must return to their country of residence before or after the first six months are up under this visa, which cannot be extended.

This visa may be requested up to three months in advance of the anticipated departure date. Decisions are typically given within three weeks, assuming the application is valid, any supporting papers need to be verified, or an interview is required.

The information presented here is not intended to be particular legal advice but rather general opinion on the topic. Prior to submitting any applications, it is advised to get updated information on the applicable Laws, Rules, Regulations, and requirements as the material in the article is subject to change. Please get in touch with one of the UK immigration lawyers in Dubai if you need special guidance on an overseas domestic worker visa for the UK or any other UK immigration issue.

Before departing for the UK, you must submit an online Overseas Domestic Worker visa application through the Gov.uk website.

Up to three months before to your intended arrival in the UK, you may apply for a visa.

You must complete an application form with your personal information and attach any supporting documentation if you are applying online.

Additionally, you will need to visit a nearby visa application centre or consult one of the UK immigration lawyers in Dubai to provide your biometric data, including your fingerprints and a picture.

#UK immigration lawyers in Dubai

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assetalliance · 2 years ago

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Personal Loans in UAE and Dubai

Why take a personal loan?

An personal loan can be utilized for enormous buys, crisis expenses thus significantly more.

A portion of the top reasons individuals take personal loans are for home overhauls or moving house, going on a vacation, buying costly machines or other gear, wedding costs and even school costs.

Asset Alliance personal loans can assist you with anything you want additional money for. Our application interaction is basic and fast with insignificant documentation. You can move pre-qualified immediately.

Eligibility

To apply for an personal loan, you ought to be:

a UAE public or a UAE inhabitant

somewhere in the range of 21 and 60 years of age

procuring a base compensation of AED 5,000

having a security store for got credits

working for an organization that falls under our endorsed rundown of managers

In the event that you're independently employed, your business ought to be functional for something like 2 years and you should have a base half year equilibrium of essentially AED 50,000.

Learn more here.

Assuming that you might want to converse with us, fill here and one of our own credit specialists will get back to you.

Documents required

The bank requires the accompanying reports to handle your own credit. In the event that you don't have any of them, or on the other hand assuming you have any inquiries, if it's not too much trouble, visit a branch and we'll be eager to assist.

Your visa

A substantial UAE residency visa and Emirates ID with duplicates

Staff ID, Work Card or Work ID

Your most recent compensation endorsement

Most recent 3-month bank explanation

A security check

Note: In the event that extra reports are required, we'll illuminate you during the application cycle.

Apply for a personal loan in minutes

On the off chance that you're independently employed, you can apply for an personal loan just through our site or by visiting one of our business banking focuses.

Pick one of the accompanying choices to apply for an personal loan now:

mobile Banking

Tap the cheeseburger symbol on the upper left of the application

Tap Advances and select Yes

Enter your subtleties for qualification and Proceed

We'll reach out to you in 48 hours or less. Keep the reports above helpful so we can deal with your advance rapidly.

online banling

Under My Funds click Borrowed > Personal loans > Apply Now

Enter your subtleties and Proceed

We'll reach out to you in 48 hours or less. Keep records above convenient so we can handle your advance rapidly.

visit a branch

archives above with you so Come to your closest Asset Alliance branch before 2 pm and we'll be eager to assist.

Carry the we can handle your advance rapidly.

website

Go to Personal loans > Apply now

We'll reach out to you in 48 hours or less. Keep the reports above convenient so we can deal with your advance rapidly.

How long it will take

Your application will be handled inside 5 working days. When your application is endorsed, your credit sum will be moved to your Resource Collusion account or gave as a chief's check towards the record you hold at another nearby bank.

Track your application

In the event that you've previously applied for an personal loan, you can follow your application.

What could I at any point involve an personal loan for?

An personal loan can be utilized for various reasons. It can assist with supporting large buys or can be utilized for home redesign, occasion costs, crises, wedding costs, instruction charges, or even obligation solidification assuming the loan fee is sufficiently appealing.

What is EMI and how could it be determined?

EMI represents Likened Regularly scheduled payments. It's the sum you take care of to the bank consistently until you take care of the complete advance sum due. The EMI is determined considering the credit sum, the residency of the advance and the loan fee on the acquired total.

What is the greatest sum and residency for an personal loan?

The most extreme sum and residency for an personal loan will shift in view of your age, pay, work residency and length of relationship with the bank.

The greatest residency for an independently employed individual is 4 years.

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0 notes

autobotsrac · 2 years ago

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Recently I had to travel to Dubai for a video shoot, and since I had to ride around the city for the shooting work, I needed to rent a car to make my conveyance easier and save time. So, some of my friends suggested that I try “Autobots - Rent a Car”, the best car rental company in Dubai I searched the web and saw that the reviews for the company were quite positive, mostly from people who have been to Dubai and used their services. So, I decided to go ahead with Autobots. I was initially shocked by their website's list and choices of cars and brands. From Toyota to Rolls Royce, they have it all. Nevertheless, I’m not that rich, so I booked a compact Hyundai car for my conveyance in Dubai. You can choose a Sedan, Convertible, SUV, Luxury, Sports Car and more. Visit the Autobots website for more details https://autobotsrentacar.com/about What documents should you submit? It depends on whether you are a resident of the UAE or a tourist visiting the UAE. Since I fall in the second category, I had to submit my Passport copy, Valid International driving license, and Copy of the Visit Visa/ Visa stamp. If you are a resident of UAE, you will need to submit your Passport Copy, Valid UAE driving license, and Copy of your Emirates ID. Rent Top Luxury Cars in Dubai Autobots don’t only offer affordable car rentals. They are also seemingly the best luxury car rental company Dubai has. You can also rent cars from luxury brands like BMW and Audi to top-notch companies like Lamborghini, Porsche, Bentley, and Aston Martin. Visit Autobots official website to check out their entire list of luxury car brands.

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edubaitourismak · 2 years ago

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How do I apply for a Dubai visit visa extension online?

Applying for a Dubai visa online is a straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Gather the necessary documents. You will need a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and any other documents required by the Dubai government.

2. Visit the official website of the Dubai government. Here, you will find the online application form.

3. Fill out the form with the required information. Make sure to double-check all the details before submitting the form.

4. Pay the visa fee. You can pay the fee online using a credit card or other accepted payment methods.

5. Submit the form and wait for the visa to be processed. Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, the processing time may vary.

Applying for a Dubai visa online is a simple and convenient way to get your visa. To ensure a smooth process, make sure to have all the necessary documents and information ready before you begin. Additionally, double-check all the details before submitting the form and pay the visa fee promptly to avoid any delays. Once you have submitted the form, you can expect to receive your visa within the specified processing time.

If are you looking for a website that provides the best Dubai Visa Service then you come the right way, his name is E Dubai tourism. You can go easily to this website and Apply Online Dubai Visa.

If this Post to helpful to you, then I will be happy about this. Heartly thanks to read this post.

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itsyveinthesky · 3 years ago

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Refugee Crisis - New Details Shed Light on Lukashenko's Human Trafficking Network

Insiders reveal fresh details about Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko's inhumane smuggling system, comprised of a network of front companies that spreads to Syria, Turkey and Iraq, secret money transfers and the use of soldiers as traffickers.

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This is probably one of the most comprehensive articles on what’s going on at the Polish/Belarussian border atm and I urge everyone who is interested in the topic to read it.

If you know nothing about the topic at all I also urge you into looking what has been going on in Belarus in the last two years, the protests, the elections, the torture of dissidents, the forced landing of the RyanAir flight etc.

This is a very complex and unique situation and not comparable to the Mexico-USA border issues nor to the situation in 2015.

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Ahead of him, Mhamad can see barbed wire and then Polish soldiers. Their faces are covered and they are armed. When Mhamad looks back, he can see Belarusian soldiers. They, too, are wearing masks and carrying weapons. Whenever Mhamad or his children need to relieve themselves in the forest, they have to pass the men who have taken up positions behind them. Mhamad explains over the phone that the Belarusians give them precisely five minutes to do so. "Don’t run away,” they admonish. "We will find you!”

Mhamad, a married 40-year-old and father of three, isn't interested in running away. He wants to keep going. Mhamad fled the city of Sulaymaniyah in northern Iraq, arriving in Minsk by plane via Dubai with his family in the hope of reaching the European Union and applying for asylum there - without having to risk his life crossing the Mediterranean. Now he’s stuck, trapped at the EU’s external border with his wife and three children. The youngest is less than two years old.

Around 4,000 refugees have been holding out for several days on the Belarusian side of the border fence near the Polish village of Kuźnica. They set off on foot last Monday, walking for miles along the M6 road toward the EU.

It was a march of desperation. Many have tried repeatedly in recent weeks to cross the border into Poland. And they say that Polish officials continually push them back – back into the hands of Belarusian security forces. They claim the Belarusians then take their possessions and force them along the fence, or they take them to other border areas.

Images from Polish military helicopters show the camp on the border. They show people seeking shelter in tents or lean-tos and lighting fires to stave off the cold. At night, the temperatures drop to below freezing. Mhamad sends photos of his shelter, which he built himself using metal parts, wire, green plastic and fir branches. He says the Red Cross has distributed bread, water and blankets - but his youngest child needs baby food.

As Mhamad speaks, the connection keeps breaking off. Loudspeaker announcements from the Polish border guards can be heard in the background. "Attention! Attention!” it screeches. "Crossing the border is legal only at border crossings." But the official border crossing was closed long ago.

At night, blue lights flicker across the border area. Mhamad constantly keeps guard and barely sleeps. He hopes that the people at the fence will remain peaceful, adding that a few tried to tear holes in the border fence and threw stones at Polish soldiers. "We don’t need a fight here – neither with the Poles nor the Belarusians,” Mhamad says. The Belarusian soldiers, he says, fired off warning shots when refugees tried to return to the highway.

For the past several months, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko has been flying people in from Turkey and the Middle East. The European Union looked on for too long as the ruler in Minsk issued tourist visas to people willing to flee, thus expanding the new route to the West. Initially, the Belarusians drove them toward Lithuania, but now they are being funneled to the Polish border.

It appears that Lukashenko is retaliating against the EU and the tough sanctions imposed against his regime after the forced landing of a Ryanair passenger jet in May. And the refugees are the perfect tool. There’s nothing right now that creates a bigger panic in the EU than a few thousand asylum-seekers at a border crossing.

In his desire to ratchet up the pressure on Europe, Lukashenko has created a shameful system that now stretches as far as Syria, Iraq and Turkey. A team of DER SPIEGEL journalists spent several weeks reporting in Minsk, Istanbul and along the Polish border. The reporters evaluated flight data and visa documents, interviewed smugglers and middlemen who bring migrants to Belarus for the regime. Their research reveals a smuggling system against which the EU hasn’t yet found a remedy. Every day, hundreds of people land at the airport in Minsk; every day, more and more people push towards the border.

So far, the Polish government has primarily been using force to stop the asylum-seekers. Around 15,000 troops have been deployed along the border, backed up by border guards and then the police. The security forces deploy water cannons and pepper spray.

The EU now has the choice of leaving people to their own devices – or opening up the gates. At least 10 people are reported to have died in the border area in recent weeks. Human rights organizations have long been warning of a humanitarian catastrophe, and believe the death toll could rise into the dozens.

The people arrive as night falls. Young men in tattered sweaters. Fathers and mothers with babies in their arms. They carry everything they have with them in plastic bags or backpacks.

This is when the work begins for Ibrahim. He strolls through the marketplace in Istanbul’s Aksaray district, seemingly aimlessly. At some point, he stops in front of a café with an Arabic name. He recognizes his customers by the look on their faces, and gives them a brief wink.

Ibrahim, 34, fled the war in Syria to Turkey seven years ago. He says he tried twice to get to Greece, but failed both times. Now, he smuggles other people into Europe on behalf of, he says, Turkish mafia groups.

Ibrahim leads the way through a maze of alleys, past exchange offices, kebab stalls and hotels that charge by the hour before taking a seat in a tea garden. Before agreeing to an interview, he insisted that his real name not be mentioned. He doesn’t want his Turkish employers to know he’s talking to a journalist.

Aksaray has been a gathering place for smugglers and refugees for many years. Ibrahim says he used it as a staging ground to smuggle hundreds of people from here to the EU, almost always through Greece.

But the business has changed in recent months. After Greece sealed its borders with Turkey, there were few ways left for refugees to get through. But the route via Belarus to Poland has now opened up, and Ibrahim has adjusted his strategy. Instead of Greece, he is now increasingly sending asylum-seekers to Belarus. He says there have been just under a dozen since the summer, mainly Syrians and Iraqis who are trying to get to Europe. Some, he says, have been living in Turkey for several years, others have just arrived. Turkish aid organizations estimate that several thousand refugees have traveled from Turkey alone to Belarus.

Ibrahim created a series of Facebook and Telegram accounts under fake names, posing as a migrant and enthusing about the journey to the EU via Minsk, the capital of Belarus. "The easiest route to Germany,” reads one page. "To Berlin in five days,” reads another.

Ibrahim's strategy is to build trust. He messages back and forth with the migrants several times before arranging to meet them in Aksaray. He says that by then, the conversations are generally just about finalizing details. How much does the trip cost? When can we go? And where to?

If everything goes smoothly, Ibrahim refers his customers, in return for a commission, to a company disguised as a "travel agency” in Istanbul that in turn works with similar "travel agencies” in Minsk. The Belarusians issue the visas – and the Turks, Syrians, Iraqis and Lebanese handle the business locally. Since the summer, dozens of similar "travel agencies” have sprung up in Istanbul, in the northern Iraqi cities of Erbil and Dohuk, in Beirut, Lebanon, and in Damascus, Syria.

Ibrahim says the Turkish authorities are fully aware of the business, but still tolerate it. On the one hand, you have a mafia that is bribing the police. On the other, you have Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who wants to promote migration to the EU to keep the pressure up on the Europeans. Erdoğan actually did try to pressure the EU into making concessions in the Syria conflict as early as spring 2020 by busing migrants to the border with Greece. Now, Lukashenko is mimicking the tactic.

Initially, any company in Belarus was able to issue visas to migrants from Turkey and the Middle East. Since the end of September, though, only 12 companies have been permitted to do so. At least that’s what the smugglers say. Lukashenko’s regime apparently wants to ensure that it earns enough from the human-trafficking. Smugglers and refugees say the fee for a visa has risen from $1,200 to $1,700 to as much as $2,500, in addition to the cost of a plane ticket, which can be as much as $1,000 on Turkish Airlines from Istanbul to Minsk.

Ibrahim’s work is done once his clients reach Minsk. He says they have to organize the onward journey themselves.

Shimal, 36, sits with a lowered head on a bench in the center of Minsk. He’s from Dohuk in northern Iraq, and he doesn’t know where to take himself and his family. A few meters away, his wife is leaning against the façade of one of the buildings, seeking shelter from the cold wind that sweeps across the pavement. Their son and daughter, three- and five-years-old, kick an empty plastic bottle across a patch of grass.

Shimal had thought he would be in Germany with his family long ago. That’s what the smugglers back in his home country had promised him. But now he is sitting together with his wife and children on the streets of Minsk, without a valid visa or a place to get in out of the cold.

At the end of October, they weren’t the only ones stranded in Minsk. More refugees squat outside the Galleria shopping center. Most, like Shimal, are from Iraq, while others are from Syria.

Backpacks and sleeping bags are piled up on the floor around the migrants. If you try to talk to them for any length of time, men in athletic outfits crowd around and interrupt with provocative questions. Ultimately, they begin issuing threats that you'd better move along or "something will happen."

DER SPIEGEL was one of the last Western media outlets that was still able to work in Belarus at the end of October. Independent international media – as well as critical Belarusian media – are hardly welcome in the country any longer. Dictator Lukashenko has also had dozens of Belarusian journalists arrested.

The reporting now done at the refugee camp on the Polish border near the M6 comes primarily from representatives of the state media. They’re supposed to be documenting how badly Poland treats the thousands of refugees. The Kremlin has demonstratively backed Lukashenko, condemning the "harsh actions of the Polish side toward peaceful people.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has even called on the EU to provide aid to the Belarusian regime.

However, documents viewed by DER SPIEGEL show that it is the Lukashenko regime itself that set up the Belarus route. The state-run company Zentrkurort began issuing dozens of tourist visas to Iraqis in May. The company reports to Lukashenko’s presidential administration. A short time later, the government gradually transferred the visa business to private companies, including Oscartur in Minsk, which first organized entry permits in Iraq and then in Turkey and other Middle Eastern countries. Oscartur is also active in Syria now.

In Minsk, the companies accommodate the refugees mainly in hotels that also have links to Lukashenko’s presidential administration. It's a profitable business: It is estimated that there are currently around 15,000 asylum-seekers in Belarus.

And more people are arriving every day. A representative of FlyDubai reports 200 refugees a day on the airline’s flight from Dubai alone. One employee at the Minsk airport spoke of up to 400 new arrivals a day as early as October.

By now, there are likely to be many more. With the recent introduction of the winter timetable, there are now around 40 connections a week from cities in Turkey and the Middle East. Flights from Istanbul, Dubai, Beirut and now Damascus are all listed. Cham Wings regularly flies to Minsk from the Syrian capital – five times in the first week of November alone, as listed in the FlightRadar24 flight tracker lists.

The demand has become so great that the Belarusian Embassy in Damascus is temporarily no longer accepting visa applications – officially for "technical reasons.” Currently, 2,200 passports are being processed, according to a Facebook post.

The state-run Belarusian news agency Belta has reported that the government in Minsk is planning to add more international flights directly to regional cities in the country as well. Both Grodno and Brest, cities located near the EU border, have airports.

Shimal paid a total of $14,000 at a "travel agency” in Dohuk for himself and his family to fly from Istanbul to Minsk in addition to visas and lodging in a hotel. A friend had put him in contact with the right people. The trip consumed almost all of his savings, plus money from the sale of his minibus. "I’m ashamed that I let myself be deceived like this,” he says, adding that he doesn’t want to go to the border. It's "too dangerous," he says, "especially for the children.”

On the fifth floor of the Galleria shopping center in Minsk, the mood among refugees is tense. Older men walk around with mobile phones, and one is wearing a T-shirt with "Germany” emblazoned on it.

A man who introduces himself in fluent Russian as an Iraqi from Erbil accompanies three Kurds aged 18, 21 and 24 years old. He says he’s helping the men and that he’s been in Minsk for two months. He later admits that he is receiving money for his services. And where did he learn Russian? He went to college in Moscow and was married to a Russian woman, he explains. But he doesn’t want to say any more than that.

The shopping center is an important meeting place for refugees in Minsk. People warm up at one of the round tables next to cafés and a Chinese restaurant, eat fries and chicken from KFC and drink tea.

Some people who just arrived carry bags with sleeping mats, warm clothes and bright new orange sleeping bags with "-25 degrees Celsius” written on them. Others sleep with their heads on the table, with battered backpacks lying on the floor in front of them. They’re asylum-seekers who have already tried four or five times to reach Poland - unsuccessfully.

Many spend several days stuck in the border area until they find a way to get back to Minsk. The refugees often have to pay Belarusian officials hundreds of dollars to let them pass back through.

There are increasing reports of Belarusian security forces forcibly dragging migrants into cars and taking them farther north to the border with Lithuania. Some refugees claim that Lithuanian border guards deliberately used stun guns against them in order to drive them back.

In the meantime, the Belarusian authorities have switched to issuing only group visas with a few days’ validity for the "tourists” from the Middle East. The group visa for Shimal and his family was only valid for eight days. If the travel visa expires, they get kicked out of their hotels.

Those with Middle Eastern features now have to pay more than double for lodging, say Shimal and other refugees. Often, they end up handing over $20 or more per night for a bed in a crowded shared room in a run-down apartment or hostel. Many migrants, though, can’t even afford that and sleep in parks or on the streets of Minsk.

After significant hesitation, Shimal applied with the International Organization for Migration for a return trip to his homeland. And last Thursday, he flew back to Erbil via Dubai. He is afraid. He says he has been threatened because his family had a falling out with his wife’s family. Until the very end, he had hoped that Poland would change its approach and open its border. That outcome, though, still doesn’t appear likely.

It is shortly after 10 a.m. when Franek Sterczewski receives the geocode. He puts on his sunglasses and heads out on this Monday morning, off to the forest. A group of refugees has apparently spent more than two weeks stumbling through the area – which, with its bewildering maze of swamps, presents a greater danger than the border crossing itself.

A 33-year-old with a degree in architecture, Sterczewski went into politics in the hopes of improving Poland’s infrastructure. But ever since Belarus has been sending increasing numbers of people across the border, his focus has shifted to looking after refugees. This is his second trip to the border, and he is joining a group of activists to help those who have made it across into Poland. He is hoping that his presence will mean the people will be given an opportunity to apply for asylum.

The border between Poland and Belarus stretches for 400 kilometers (248 miles). Since August, there have been 30,000 attempts to illegally cross that frontier – far away from the well-guarded border crossings.

The Polish government declared a state of emergency for the region in early September, with the restricted area extending three kilometers from the border. Checkpoints are under military control, and only residents and security personnel are allowed in. Activists say it has become a lawless zone.

One video depicts what frequently happens out of sight of reporters and activists. Masked Polish and Belarusian border guards armed with automatic weapons stand face-to-face across the border. It is a tense standoff, and the two sides are filming each other. The Belarusians push asylum-seekers – men, women and children – over the border to the Polish side, where the Polish border guards refuse to let them through.

But even when groups of refugees make it far into Poland, they still aren’t safe. People have reported over and over again that they are brought back into the forest by Polish border guards and abandoned there.

Even parliamentarians like Sterczewski aren’t allowed into the restricted area. The migrants have to cross the strip either on their own or with the help of locals. Only then can Sterczewski provide his assistance to the exhausted, shivering asylum-seekers.

Sterczewski reaches his destination after one-and-a-half hours, his car turning onto a narrow country road that leads through the thick pine forest. Eight people from Somalia are crouched behind a leafless bush. They aren’t wearing any shoes, even though temperatures in the forest drop below zero at night.

One woman is lying on the ground, gasping for air in a panic. She is suffering from a heart problem, say her companions. The refugee activists who Sterczewski has called give them water, a couple of energy bars and slips of paper reading: "I want asylum in Poland.” The migrants say that they have already been forced back into Belarus by Polish border guards on seven occasions.

It takes about 30 minutes for the border guards to arrive. Four men climb out of the van and one of them strides over to the refugees. He has a round face and friendly-looking blue eyes that harden when he speaks to the asylum-seekers. "How did you get across the border? Illegally or legally?” he yells.

The refugees, sitting on the ground in front of him, stare and him and hesitantly lift their signs. "I want asylum in Poland,” says one of them. "Why didn’t you go to the border crossing where you could have entered Poland legally?” asks the border guard. Sterczewski intervenes: "They know that that is only possible in theory. The Belarusians push them across the border all over the place.” The border guard barks: "I’m asking them, not you.”

Those who have been examined are loaded up, either in the ambulance or in a military truck. The border officials say that the healthy ones are to be brought to a reception center for asylum-seekers. When two medical workers start leading one man toward the ambulance, his eyes fill with tears. "Please, I don’t want to go back,” he says. "I want asylum in Poland.”

When nobody is listening, the border guard says to Sterczewski: "These people are like rocks. The Belarusians throw them over, and we throw them back.”

The national-conservative Law and Justice party, which heads up the Polish government, is doing its best to pose as the guardians of Christendom. "The border is sacred,” Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki wrote on Facebook early last week. The blood of an entire generation, he wrote, was spilled to defend it, and he accused Lukashenko of waging a "hybrid war” and using the migrants as weapons.

Members of the government have claimed in past comments to reporters that they have found animal pornos and jihadist materials on mobile phones belonging to the asylum-seekers. And Warsaw is planning on building a border wall that will allegedly cost 350 million euros. A model of the wall depicts metal bars over five meters tall topped with razor wire.

The government’s severe approach to the migrants is popular in Poland. In Brussels, meanwhile, many are concerned that it could represent a further erosion of refugee protections. Countries like Greece and Croatia, to be sure, have been conducting illegal pushbacks for the past several years – but most such activities have taken place largely out of the public eye.

Poland is among the first to have dared to legalize pushbacks, and it has been joined by other Eastern European countries. According to Polish law, border guards can decide for themselves if they allow migrants the opportunity to apply for asylum.

It is often the case that refugees are intercepted deep inside Poland, only to be brought back to the border. At that point, according to a German federal police officer, the Polish border guards cut a hole in the fence and push the people through back into Belarus. Polish border personnel have even begun keeping an official count of the "forced departures.”

Both European law and in the Geneva Refugee Convention hold that asylum-seekers who have made it into EU territory have the right to fair asylum proceedings. In Poland, however, this right to asylum has been severely curtailed. As a consequence, members of European Parliament from the Left Party, the Greens, the Socialists & Democrats and some Liberals have been demanding for weeks that infringement proceedings be launched.

The European Commission is examining the relevant laws in the Eastern European countries involved, but has yet to reach a decision. In principle, though, many in the EU welcome the approach being taken by the Polish government. Indeed, a debate has erupted in Brussels as to whether the EU should pay for the new fence on the Polish border.

Opposition politicians in Poland, NGOs and refugee activists are concerned that if the EU doesn’t act, the border could become a death trap in the winter. The swampy forests at the border are among the coldest regions in the country, with snow often piling up to depths of a meter or more and temperatures plunging to minus 20 degrees Celsius. Most migrants move at night, without flashlights, so as not to be intercepted by the border guards. Residents in the region are fully aware of the dangers, and some of them hang green lights on their homes at night as a signal to refugees that they are welcome.

Human rights organizations believe it is possible that some of the 10 people who have thus far died at the border had previously been pushed back into the forest by either Polish or Belarusian border guards. The true number of victims could be even higher. Migrants have reported seeing dead bodies in the border region, though such reports are impossible to verify.

Activists and politicians like Franek Sterczewski want to avoid additional victims, and are distributing extra clothes and power banks. The Polish parliamentarian never calls the official emergency number, fearful that the migrants could then be forced back across the border. And many of them want to travel onward to Germany anyway. Sometimes, the activists see the vans belonging to the human smugglers, who drive around in the border region near the restricted area.

Alaa Halabi, whose name has been changed for this article, is one of the men who drives such a van. DER SPIEGEL reached him by phone.

Halabi says he spent three years taking people from Greece to Austria or Germany. But when the borders were largely closed during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic, he quit. There were suddenly too many checks and it grew too dangerous.

When he heard about the new route via Belarus, he says, he called his boss and offered to serve the new passage. Halabi says his boss has excellent connections to the Turkish mafia – and they have solid links to criminal groups in Europe. His boss, says Halabi, agreed, and since then he has again been working as a human smuggler, bringing people from Poland to Germany for $2,000. It takes him about 14 hours to get to the border.

The refugees send him their location, says Halabi, and deposit the money with an "insurance office” in Turkey. Halabi’s boss and the other middlemen work together with around five offices, and only those who deposit their money with an office they trust will be picked up. Once they do, he then calls somebody who knows people at the border, who can say if the refugees are in a safe location or not. Only then will he pick them up, Halabi says.

On the way to Germany, Halabi has to avoid the German federal police. Eight units patrol the German border with Poland, and they pay special attention to vans. They have managed to arrest several hundred human smugglers thus far. Halabi has a friend drive out in front to warn him of controls or roadblocks.

Halabi is only paid once he has brought the migrants to their destinations. They then give him a code with which he can claim the money deposited at the insurance office in Turkey.

That money transfer is the last in a long series of payments. If all goes well, the migrants exchange their savings for the opportunity to start a new life in Germany. But if it doesn’t, they find themselves trapped at the EU’s external border, struggling to survive.

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