UAE's frontline medics tell of morale boost at 10-year golden visas

Doctors are among those who qualify for the UAE’s long-term visa system

Any medical doctor will now be eligible for the golden visa. Reem Mohammed / The National

The UAE is keen to attract and retain the skills of scientists as part of the golden card scheme. The National

Those with high-level knowledge of advancing technologies, such as artificial intelligence as well as computer programmers, are eligible for long-term residency. Getty Images

Engineers are a driving force behind the country and will also benefit from an expanded effort to support leading professionals

Gifted pupils will be rewarded under the expanded golden card programme. Pawan Singh / The National

The UAE is aiming to retain the talents of the brightest students in the country as they embark on their careers. The National

Related: UAE golden visa: who is eligible for long-term residency?

Frontline doctors co-ordinating the Covid-19 response at the height of the pandemic said the offer of 10-year golden visas was a huge moral boost.

Doctors are among those to be offered qualification for the UAE's long-term visa system from next month in an extension of the initiative first introduced last year.

The scheme aims to attract more high-skilled foreign workers to continue their careers in the country and invest in the nation’s future.

Medics said the decision was a moral booster for frontline workers, many of whom continue to face daily challenges.

They know the work we have been doing to keep the community safe during the pandemic

Dr Adel Al Sisi, a critical care consultant at Prime Hospital in Garhoud, Dubai, was one of those whose facility was almost overwhelmed by positive cases at the height of the pandemic. Just a few months later the hospital was declared Covid-free.

“This is a great initiative and shows appreciation for medical staff working in the UAE, as we have always had from the higher authorities here,” he said.

“They know the work we have been doing to keep the community safe during the pandemic and how difficult that has been. We are so happy to have this opportunity.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, announced the nationwide move to include more professions and academics in the golden visa initiative on Sunday.

Scientists and data experts will also now be able to easily secure long-term residency. Others added to the list initially reserved for the most exclusive are all PhD holders and people with backgrounds in computer and electrical engineering and biotechnology.

Rizwan Sajan, founder and chairman of property developer Danube, was given a golden visa in 2019. At the time, he also welcomed the decision to allow mid-level managers earning Dh30,000 ($8,000) per month to apply for long-term visas. Antonie Robertson / The National

Dr Azad Moopen, chairman and founder of Aster DM Healthcare, was also granted a 10-year residency visa. Randi Sokoloff / The National

Fragrance tycoon Mohammed Rahman (C) receives his golden card visa at Dubai's immigration service, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. The businessman, who runs Al Haramain Group, was the first Bangladeshi to receive the visa. Photo: GDRFA

Firoz Merchant, founder of Pure Gold Jewellers, said it was 'a huge honour' to be granted long-term residency in 2019. Photo: Firoz Merchant

MA Yusuff Ali, chairman and managing director of supermarket chain Lulu Group, pictured with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, was the first recipient of a golden card. The National

Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, founder and chairman of VPS Healthcare, receives UAE permanent residency in summer 2019. Photo: Dr Shamsheer Vayalil

Indian-Arab businessman Balvinder Sahni, owner of RSG International, which builds hotels and residential towers, was an early recipient of long-term visa. Reem Mohammed / The National

Sharjah’s first golden card recipient was Lalu Samuel, chairman and managing director of Kingston Holdings and Chairman of Sharjah Industry Business Group. Photo: Kingston Holdings

Siddique Pallolathil, head of hypermarket chain Nesto Group, was the first recipient in Ajman to received long-term residency. Photo: Siddique Pallolathil

Those with artificial intelligence and programming expertise can also now benefit from the new system. Meanwhile doctors said the move would inspire healthcare professionals to continue to raise standards and give more job security.

“This is an excellent initiative by the leaders of the UAE and will motivate us to do better,” said Dr Iajaz Ahmed, medical director at NMC Specialty Hospital in Al Ain.

“At a time when worldwide there is uncertainty regarding employment due to the pandemic, this provides a sense of security to retain foreign talent in the country.

“Medical professionals will look at this as a recognition for their hard work.”

In July, 90 doctors at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital in Dubai were awarded 10-year visas in recognition of their work during the pandemic.

Dr Vasu Kumar, a specialist ophthalmologist at NMC Royal Hospital, Dubai, said the offer to stay in the country was recognition of the life-saving work done up and down the country under challenging circumstances.

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“Considering doctors for a 10-year golden visa will boost our moral as front-liners,” he said.

“Many of us have been working tirelessly during the global pandemic, so this is a great opportunity on offer.”

Other medics said the outbreak had united the healthcare profession to work against a common cause like never before.

“We doctors and all other medical staff will always join together to face the obstacles imposed by the Covid-19 virus and other future pandemics,” said Dr Mohamed Selim, an Egyptian consultant orthopaedician in Dubai.

“Healthcare professionals will always remain the first line of defence and so it is important to enjoy security and prosperity in our second homeland here.

“The UAE rulers and government are accustomed to honouring creative and distinguished people in every field, especially in health care.

“This donation will give us all a strong push to make more sacrifices.”