The UAE government has expanded its long-term residence visa to allow more professionals to live in the UAE for a 10-year period.

“We approved today the granting of golden residency to residents.. for a period of ten years,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president, prime minister and the ruler of Dubai, announced on Twitter on Sunday.

VIDEO: More options introduced for obtaining a 10-year golden visa for the UAE

The golden visa can be availed of by all holders of doctorate degrees, doctors, engineers in the fields of computer engineering, electronics, programming, electricity and biotechnology, the Dubai ruler said in Arabic.

The golden visa will also be granted to holders of specialised degrees in artificial intelligence, big data or epidemiology and viruses, as well as outstanding high school students in the country and their families.

"This is the first batch of granted visas that will be followed by more," the ruler said.

In May, at least 212 doctors serving COVID-19 patients were granted a 10-year gold card residency visa as a gesture of appreciation for their efforts to “ensure community safety”.

The UAE had earlier implemented a 10-year visa programme to allow certain individuals to obtain a long-term residency in the UAE, including investors, scientists, creative individuals in culture and art and executives who hold “high academic achievement and position”, among others.

(Reporting by Cleofe Maceda; editing by Mily Chakrabarty)

Cleofe.maceda@refinitiv.com

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

© ZAWYA 2020