The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has approved the granting of “golden” visas that allow 10-year residency to certain professionals, specialized graduates and others, the ruler of Dubai said on Sunday.
Foreigners in the UAE generally have renewable visas valid for only a few years linked to employment. In the last two years, the government has relaxed its visa policy, offering longer residencies for certain types of investors, students and professionals.
All PhD holders, doctors and also engineers in computer science, electronics, programming, electrical and biotechnology are eligible, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum said in a statement.
Also eligible are those with specialized degrees in artificial intelligence, big data, and epidemiology, as well as high school students living in the UAE who rank top-ranked in the country and university students with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.8 or higher.
After first announcing a long-term visa plan in 2018, the United Arab Emirates in 2019 began issuing renewable 5-year and 10-year visas to certain outstanding foreign investors, entrepreneurs, CEOs, scientists and students.
The emirate of Dubai, a commercial and tourist hub in the Middle East, said in September that it would grant renewable visas every five years to wealthy foreign retirees.
As an oil and gas producer, the UAE economy has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic and low oil prices, prompting many expatriates to leave.
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