Hamdan orders Golden visas for imams, preachers, muezzins
Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, has ordered the granting of golden residency to imams of mosques, preachers and muezzins who have completed 20 years of work, in addition to a financial bonus.
The kind gesture, which came ahead of Eid Al Fitr, is in appreciation of their efforts in introducing the teachings of Islam and spreading the values of tolerance, especially during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Sheikh Hamdan thanked the imams of mosques, preachers and muezzins, emphasising that their pivotal role in society is highly appreciated and respected.
Recently, the UAE cabinet, headed by Sheikh Mohammed, has approved the executive regulations of the Federal Decree-law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners aimed at strengthening the UAE position as an ideal destination to live, work, and invest.
The executive regulations provide comprehensive information on the types and conditions of entry visas and residence permits. The new system of entry and residence aims at atracting and retaining global talents and skilled workers from all over the world, and boosting the competitiveness and flexibility of the job market and fostering high sense of stability among UAE residents and families.
Substantial amendments are introduced to the Golden Residence Scheme to simplify the eligibility criteria and expand the categories of beneficiaries. This long term 10-years residence is granted to investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists and professionals, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers and the first line heroes.
The amendments allow the Golden Residence holder to sponsor his/ her family members including spouse and children regardless of their age, and to sponsor support services (domestic) laborers without limiting their number.
Furthermore, there is no restriction related to the maximum duration of stay outside the UAE in order to keep the Golden Residence valid.
There are other benefits for family members that allow them to stay in the UAE in the event of the death of the original holder of the Golden Residence until the end of their permit duration.
The candidate should have a PH.D or master degree in the disciplines of engineering, technology, life sciences and natural sciences from the best universities in the world. The candidate should have substantial research achievements.
A major expansion is introduced in this category to atract highly skilled workers with educational qualifications and professional experience in all disciplines including medicine, sciences and engineering, information technology, business and administration, education, law, culture and social sciences.
The applicants should have a valid employment contract in the UAE, and should be classified in the first or second occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation classification which is aligned with the International Standard of Classification of Occupations ISCO by the International Labor Organisation.
The minimum educational level must be a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and the monthly salary should not be less than Dhs30,000.
It requires the recommendation or approval of a federal or local government entity, and includes talented individuals in culture, art, sports, digital technology, inventors and innovators and other vital fields.
Real estate investors can obtain Golden Residence when purchasing a property that worth no less than Dhs2 million.
As per the new amendments, investors are also entitled to obtain the Golden Residence when purchasing a property with a loan from specific local banks. Investors can also obtain Golden Residence when buying one or more off-plan properties of no less than Dhs2 million from approved local real estate companies.
The executive regulations set flexible requirements for entrepreneurs eligible to obtain the Golden Residence; an entrepreneur should own or be a partner in a startup registered in the country in the category of small and medium enterprises SME and generates annual revenues of not less than Dhs1 million.
Golden residence for exceptional talents is granted to top talents in vital fields.
The kind gesture, which is in addition to financial bonus, is in appreciation of their efforts in introducing the teachings of Islam and spreading the values of tolerance.