The UAE government has launched an initiative to grant golden visas to all resident doctors with the aim of recognising the efforts and sacrifices made by these frontline heroes during the country's fight against COVID-19. The golden visas are being granted in line with directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to honour those with scientific competencies and distinguished expertise.

As per a WAM report, the golden visa will grant doctors and their families a 10-year residency and will strengthen their job and living stability in the UAE. It will further boost development and innovation of various sectors, particularly healthcare in the country.

With this initiative, the UAE government aims to promote high-quality living standards and a motivational work environment that attracts and retains the top talents in the medical field. The initiative will also provide positive motivation to medical staff to work and reside in the UAE. A robust working environment and satisfied professionals will facilitate the strengthening of the national healthcare sector, making it a global model in terms of efficiency and quality of medical services.

In this regard, the UAE government has invited all doctors licensed by the country's health regulatory bodies to apply for the golden visa between July 2021 to September 2022. They can visit the website smartservices.ica.gov.ae to apply for the visa. Furthermore, Dubai-licensed doctors can apply through this website: smart.gdrfad.gov.ae

The applications will be received and reviewed by concerned government departments to initiate the process of issuance of the golden visa for all those who fit the required qualifications.

The UAE is also setting up seven offices in affiliation with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) across various regions to assist doctors who wish to apply for the golden visa in person.

Earlier, the UAE Government started the golden visa application process for coders through the National Programme for Coders for both residents and non-residents of the UAE. The programme was launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum with the aim of granting golden visas to 100,000 coders in the country.

The UAE has also announced conditionally-renewable long-term residence visas for 5 or 10 years for a number of categories such as entrepreneurs, investors, and specialised talents. The initiative will allow UAE residents and foreigners as well as their families to have a long-term residence visa without requiring an Emirati sponsor in order to work, live and study in the country.

In November 2020, the Cabinet, under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved major procedural changes for residents to apply for golden visas. The Cabinet also announced the inclusion of new categories eligible for the 10-year golden visa such as all doctorate degree holders, doctors and engineers in the fields of computers, electronics, coding, electricity and biotechnology. The new categories also included exceptional students with a GPA of 3.8 or higher in accredited universities across the emirates.

The Cabinet Resolution No. 56 of 2018 on Regulating the Residence Permits for Investors, Entrepreneurs and Specialised Talents facilitated the issuance of residence permits to investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents, and researchers in the fields of science and knowledge and brilliant students. Talent categories qualified for the 10-year golden visa include researchers and specialised talents in fields of science and knowledge, such as doctors, scientists, inventors, and innovators.

WAM