UAE in talks to ease visa requirements to Australia

By Shane McGinley. Australia is considering relaxing visa requirements for UAE citizens in a bid to boost trade between the two countries and encourage more Emirati students to study at Australian universities, the UAE Foreign Minister has said.
“We have the opportunity to discuss this issue and we have received positive indicators from the Australian foreign minister. The process requires more time and consultations between the two countries,” UAE Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said when asked about the possibility of a waiver of visa requirements for UAE citizens wishing to visit Australia.
Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr, speaking at a press conference to mark his visit to the emirates, said UAE-Australia ties were “strong and firm” and noted trade between the two countries had reached $6bn. Nearly 16,000 Australians are living and working in the UAE and more than 125 flights per week are scheduled between the two countries. Read more...