The government of the United Arab Emirates has invited medical professionals to apply for “golden” resident visas, or 10-year residence permits, in recognition of their efforts in the days of the pandemic.
Physicians licensed by the health care regulator in the UAE will be able to apply between July 2021 and September 2022 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 be opened in the UAE, where they will be able to submit documents in person.
This initiative fits into the strategy of the UAE government to provide “golden” visas to outstanding specialists in various fields. In particular, it will help attract and retain leading healthcare professionals in the country.
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 residency visa.
In July 2021, the Federal Office for Identity and Citizenship of the United Arab Emirates began issuing “golden” resident visas for outstanding high school graduates and their families.