New residency laws in the UAE will allow expats to stay in the country for up to ten years.
Following a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, revealed that the ten-year visa would be available to top professionals such as doctors and engineers as well as investors, star students and their families.
The move is designed to make life easier for foreign companies and expat workers in the UAE. The changes are expected to be put in place around Autumn this year.
“The UAE will remain an incubator for innovators and a hub for investors,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted. “Our open environment, tolerant values, infrastructure and flexible legislations constitute the best plan to attract global investments and exceptional talents.
“The UAE will remain a land of opportunities. It is the best environment to realise the dreams of humans and unleash their exceptional potentialities.”
Another change to the country’s immigration system will allow foreign companies to own 100 per cent stakes in businesses in the country. Under the current system they must have an Emirati partner who owns at least 51 per cent.
Article published 22nd May 2018