UAE amends laws to offer citizenship to ‘talented’ foreigners

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced amendments in their laws to grant citizenship to foreign residents provided that they add value to the gulf state.

These foreign residents can include doctors, engineers, artists, investors, and specialized talents.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and ruler of the Dubai tweeted that the move is aimed to “attract talents that contribute to our development journey.”

Such foreign residents and their families will be able to hold dual nationality.

There is no application procedure for this process. Rather, UAE cabinet, local emiri courts, and executive councils will nominate such foreigners under the criteria terms and conditions for each category.

For instance, foreign investors must own property in the country while professionals must have 10 years of experience in the field that is in demand in the UAE along with membership in a prestigious professional organization in their field. Artists must have secured at least one international award and a recommendation letter from relevant body in the UAE. Doctors and scientists must specialize in a unique scientific discipline or any other that are highly required in the UAE. They must also have acknowledged scientific contributions, studies and research of scientific value and a practical experience of not less than 10 years, in addition to obtaining membership in a reputable organization in his field of specialization.

This move by the UAE government comes amidst many expats leaving the country due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Isn’t this a win-win move for the nation as well as the expats? What do you think? Let us know your views in the comments section below.