Jebel Ali freezone offers long-term visa services to tenants as Dubai looks to attract investors

Jafza will work with relevant authorities to ensure quick turnaround times

The Jebel Ali Free Zone, the emirate's largest, is one of a number to offer discounts and fee waivers to support companies affected by the coronavirus. Pawan Singh / The National
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Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) is offering its customers services to obtain long-term visas as part of Dubai's efforts to attract investors and specialized talent to the country.

The initiative applies to a range of investors, entrepreneurs, researchers and other specialists in line with the UAE's new scheme to offer long-term visas to certain categories of foreigners in an effort to bolster its economy, Jafza said in a statement on Saturday. Jafza will help new and existing customers by facilitating the process for individuals who meet "strict" qualifications.

"We believe this initiative is a step in the right direction that will help us maintain our status amongst the global community," Mohammed Al Muallem, chief executive of DP World's UAE region and chief executive of Jafza, said.

The UAE has eased visa rules to encompass a wider range of foreigners including scientists, students and investors, as it seeks to attract and retain talent from around the world to the second largest Arab economy.

Jafza will work closely with the Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship (ICA) and other relevant government entities to "maintain the integrity of the process" while ensuring quick turnaround times, it said.

Under the new visa rules, investors, entrepreneurs and specialised talent are now eligible for a five or ten-year visas with the possibility for automatic renewal depending on certain criteria.

It is part of a wider set of measures to make Dubai a more attractive destination for expats and includes a new law whereby expats aged 55 or over will be eligible to secure a five-year retirement – if they meet a series of requirements.