Frontline doctors in UAE working to combat the Covid-19 pandemic report of the 10-year golden visa offer was huge boost to their morale. Doctors in the UAE are offered UAE’s long-term visa system that is applicable from next month, an extension of first year introductory initiative last year.

The visa scheme is aimed to attract high skilled and qualified foreign workers to continue their employment in the UAE and thereby invest in its future.

Dr. Adel Al Sisi, critical care consultant at Prime Hospital in Garhoud, Dubai, faced an overwhelming number of positive cases at pandemic peak. Now the hospital is declared Covid-free. He said, “This is a great initiative and shows appreciation for medical staff working in the UAE, as we have always had from the higher authorities here.”

“They know the work we have been doing to keep the community safe during the pandemic and how difficult that has been. We are so happy to have this opportunity,” he adds.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, announced on Sunday the inclusion of more professions in the golden visa initiative nation-wide. Long term residency can now be secured by scientists and data experts in UAE. The list was initially reserved but now includes all PhD holders and professionals with background in computer and electrical engineering and biotechnology. Experts in artificial intelligence and programming can also benefit from the initiative now. Medics have said that the move will inspire all healthcare professionals to raise the standards of their service.

Dr Iajaz Ahmed, medical director at NMC Specialty Hospital in Al Ain said, “This is an excellent initiative by the leaders of the UAE and will motivate us to do better.”

He added, “At a time when worldwide there is uncertainty regarding employment due to the pandemic, this provides a sense of security to retain foreign talent in the country. Medical professionals will look at this as a recognition for their hard work.”

90 doctors working at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital in Dubai were awarded 10-year visas in July as a recognition of their exemplary work during the pandemic.

Dr Vasu Kumar, a specialist ophthalmologist at NMC Royal Hospital, Dubai, said, “Considering doctors for a 10-year golden visa will boost our moral as front-liners. Many of us have been working tirelessly during the global pandemic, so this is a great opportunity on offer.”

Medics believe that the pandemic has brought all the healthcare professionals to work together against a common cause.

“We doctors and all other medical staff will always join together to face the obstacles imposed by the Covid-19 virus and other future pandemics,” said Dr Mohamed Selim, an Egyptian consultant orthopedic in Dubai.

“Healthcare professionals will always remain the first line of defence and so it is important to enjoy security and prosperity in our second homeland here. The UAE rulers and government are accustomed to honouring creative and distinguished people in every field, especially in health care. This donation will give us all a strong push to make more sacrifices,” he added.