Investors and professionals living in the United Arab Emirates can now apply for citizenship in a newly adopted amendment by the Gulf State.
The UAE government would now grant citizenship to scientists, doctors and their families, UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum said via a Twitter post on Saturday.
He Tweeted, “The UAE cabinet, local Emiri courts and executive councils will nominate those eligible for the citizenship under clear criteria set for each category,”
“The law allows receivers of the UAE passport to keep their existing citizenship,” he added.
Whether or not the new passport holders would enjoy the public welfare system is uncertain.
The Gulf state spends billions of dollars yearly to provide free healthcare, education, housing loans and grants for its 1.4 million citizens.
UAE usually provide renewable visas to foreigners, which are only valid for new years and tied to employment.
The government had made changes by adopting a flexible visa policy to attract professionals and investors, geared towards economic growth and development.
In 2020, UAE amended its “golden” visa system, which grants 10-year residency to certain professionals, especially graduates and others.
Like many other countries, the UAE economy has taken a hit from the current coronavirus pandemic and a slum in the oil price, forcing many of its expatriates to leave.
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