UAE to offer citizenship to select expats in rare move, lays out eligibility criteria

In a rare move by gulf nation where status, as well as welfare benefits, are guarded, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on January 30 opened a pathway for citizenship for selected foreigners. UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al-Maktoum said that foreigners such as investors, specialised talents, among or professionals would be eligible for naturalism under new amendment. 

He also informed that UAE cabinet, local Emiri courts and executive councils “will minate those eligible for citizenship under clear criteria set for each category” while also ting that law “allows receivers of UAE passport to keep ir existing citizenship”.

UAE government has also said that latest amendment to citizenship law “aims at appreciating talents and competencies present in UAE and attracting more bright minds to Emirati community”. officials UAE citizens reportedly only make up small mirity of gulf nation’s population even though it houses huge migrant labour force, mostly from South Asia. As per reports, some of m are even second or third-generation residents. United Arab Emirates even has a growing community of expats that are attracted by low-tax regime along with luxury megaprojects and tourist spots.

UAE PM’s office said in a statement, “ step aims at appreciating talents and competencies present in UAE and attracting more bright minds to Emirati community in a way that contributes to development and prosperity of country.”

“Categories that can qualify to acquire Emirati nationality include investors, doctors, specialists, inventors, scientists, talents, intellectuals, artists and ir families (spouse and children), meanwhile amendments allow retaining current nationality,” it ded. 

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What are conditions?

amendment approved by UAE government also lays down conditions that must be met in each category such as investors required to own property in Gulf nation. It said in a statement, “Investors are required to own a property in UAE. Doctors and specialists must be specialised in a unique scientific discipline or any or scientific principles that are highly required in UAE, applicant must have ackwledged scientific contributions, studies and research of scientific value and a practical experience of t less than 10 years, in dition to obtaining membership in a reputable organisation in his field of specialisation.”

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