Residency departments in the UAE will take on stern measures for nationals of certain countries trying to enter the Emirates on visit visas, UAE daily newspaper Gulf News reported.

“The Federal Residency Department has decided to adopt stricter regimes for tourist, visit and conference visas to curb the influx of blue-collar workers from many labour exporting countries into the country,” an official, who wished not to be named, was quoted as saying by Gulf News.

According to the new regulations, a university degree, return flight tickets and a proof of confirmed hotel booking will all be a prerequisite for obtaining a visa, the report added.

Certain categories like electricians, pipe fitters, masons, farmers, drivers, tailors and cleaners from labour exporting countries will be barred from obtaining a tourist visa.

The move comes after scores of foreigners on visit visas were arrested in relation to organised crime and human trafficking or looking for work without work permits.