The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has approved amendments to the law granting citizenship to investors as well as other professionals in the Gulf country. Thus scientists, doctors and their family members will now be granted citizenship in the UAE. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and vice president of the UAE, tweeted that those eligible for citizenship would be selected according to the criteria set by the UAE cabinet, local emirate courts and executive councils for each category.
By law, those with a UAE passport will be able to retain their current citizenship. However, it is yet to be decided whether the new passport holders will be given the benefits of the public welfare system.
The UAE government has recently simplified its visa policy. Some investors, students as well as professionals have been allowed to stay longer. Last year, the government extended its Golden Visa system to allow some businessmen, special degree holders and others to stay in the UAE for up to 10 years. The country has been reeling from an economic crisis for the past one or two years.
VR Sunil Gohil
