The authorities of the United Arab Emirates will facilitate the process of obtaining “golden” residency visas for doctors – special services have been created for these purposes, the Federal Agency for Identification and Citizenship and the Ministry of Health and Prevention of the UAE said.
According to the ministry, providing doctors with a long-term residence permit in the UAE will contribute to the development of medical tourism and the domestic health sector.
At the end of July, the UAE government invited medical professionals to apply for gold residency visas, or 10-year residence permits, in recognition of their efforts in the days of the pandemic.
Physicians licensed by the UAE Health Regulatory Authority can apply between July 2021 and September 2022 by using the smartservices.ica.gov.ae website. In turn, doctors licensed in Dubai can apply at smart.gdrfad.gov.ae.
Government departments will review the applications and issue them to those who meet the stated requirements. Along with this, seven specialized centers for receiving applications from medical workers will operate in the UAE, where they will be able to submit documents in person.
It is worth recalling that the system of “golden” visas was initiated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai. Since the launch of the program, more than seven thousand visas have been issued. Visas are issued for 5 or 10 years.
Already today, among the owners of the privilege are investors, scientists, athletes and members of their families, as well as other gifted foreigners. A total of 103 nationalities have received 10-year residency visas. The new system has become a growth driver for the real estate sector. In particular, buyers of real estate in the UAE with an investment volume of AED 5 million (US $ 1.36 million) can apply for “golden” visas.
Writers, authors, designers, historians and researchers in various fields of knowledge, arts, etc. can apply for “golden” visas. To apply, they must be residents of the UAE, have published works or be participants in exhibitions, invest in the UAE, as well as 36 hours devote a year to volunteer work.
Since December 1, 2020, the Dubai authorities have significantly expanded the system of 10-year “golden” visas in order to attract and retain highly qualified foreigners into the country. In particular, any doctor, as well as scientists from various fields and data processing experts, can apply for a 10-year resident visa.
In July 2021, the United Arab Emirates’ Federal Office for Identity and Citizenship began issuing “golden” resident visas for outstanding high school graduates and their families.