Immigration update: UAE | 10-year Residence visa extended to other categories
Long Term Residence visa for 10 years extended to other categories
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai announced that the Long Term Residence visa (Golden visa) for expatriates was being extended to other additional categories permitting them to stay in the UAE for up to 10 years.
Who will be affected?
The new category of expatriates qualifying for 10-year golden visa includes all PhD holders, physicians, engineers in the fields of computer engineering, electronics, programming, electricity and biotechnology, as well as graduates from UAE accredited universities who scored Grade Point Average, GPA, of 3.8 and above.
The golden visa has also been extended to holders of specialized degrees in artificial intelligence, big data, or epidemiology and virology in addition to UAE high school top graduates along with their families.
Impact
The decision aims to maintain the position of the UAE as an optimal business environment. The visa benefits also include spouse and children to ensure a cohesive family and social structure, creating a stimulating environment for stability and growth.
The decision of the Cabinet follows the decision approved earlier last year to grant investors, specialists in the medical, scientific, research and technical fields, and for scientists and creative talents of culture and arts, including their spouses and children with a ten-year residency visa. This step aims to maintain the position of the UAE as an optimal business environment.
The new Golden Residency categories will further encourage innovation, creativity and applied research, adding to the appeal of a career in the Emirates for the world’s brightest minds.
How Santa Fe can assist
Santa Fe can support businesses who wish to employ foreign nationals in UAE by assessing their eligibility to qualify for the required work visas to ensure compliance with the UAE Immigration Laws. We can also review current employees’ visas and if it is found that the correct work visa is not in place, we can assist with corrective measures to ensure compliance.
We can also keep your business updated on further developments in UAE immigration matters and will advise on any changes requiring your attention.
Should you have any questions, please contact the following:
Ayaz Sheriff
Senior Immigration Consultant – UAE
Santa Fe Relocation
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
D: +97 143 321 595
M: +97 155 367 9870
E: Ayaz.Sheriff@santaferelo.com
Paolo Longo
Regional Immigration Director – India, Middle East & Africa
Santa Fe Relocation
Johannesburg, South Africa
D: +27 (0) 10 595 2337
M: +27 (0) 83 677 7949
E: Paolo.Longo@santaferelo.com
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