Golden Visas become available to humanitarians

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, announced on 18 August 2021 the extension of Golden Visas to charity and humanitarian workers. This decision came ahead of World Humanitarian Day as a tribute to the selfless heroes worldwide. According to Sheikh Mohammed, the UAE has contributed over AED 320B (USD 87.1B) in aid since its establishment.

In terms of humanitarian activities, the country has led from the front in providing emergency aid to global victims of crises and assisting those in need. For instance, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE has sent over 2,200 tons of medical supplies to more than 135 nations, in particular to Asia and Africa. In addition to this, during the holy month of Ramadan, the country launched the campaign “10 Million Meals” in order to support and assist individuals and families struggling financially due to the pandemic. The Emirates also operated urgent flights to evacuate nationals from specific countries and provided the appropriate medical treatment.

Furthermore, Sheikh Mohammed pointed to the UAE as having established the Dubai Humanitarian City in 2011 as an example of managing humanitarian causes. DHC is an independent, non-profit and humanitarian free zone authority hosting over 80 members from UN organizations, commercial companies, as well as non-profit and non-government organizations. By launching the further extension of Golden Visas, the UAE aspires to become a second home to the humanitarian sector groups, pioneers, workers and specialists.

The Golden Visa system was implemented back in 2018 in order to attract more investors and talented specialists to the UAE. The scheme includes granting a long-term visa, for 5 or 10 years to entrepreneurs, scientists, inventors and researchers among other professionals. The Golden Visa provides a right to live, work and study in the UAE without the need of sponsorship.

Earlier this summer, the UAE government took a decision to grant 10-year Golden Visas to all licensed doctors by the UAE health regulatory bodies and their families as well. The Dubai-licensed medical specialists can apply through smartservices.ica.gov.ae between July 2021 and September 2022. This initiative will help enhance healthcare services and promote medical tourism in the country. The above-mentioned programmes are in line with the objective of the UAE Centennial 2071 as the UAE strives to become the best country in the world by 2071.