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


Nick Webster
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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.

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.”

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Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush

Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”

A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.

“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”

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Second Test: October 10-14, at Maharashtra

Third Test: October 19-23, at Ranchi

Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

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How to help

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To ensure that your contribution reaches these people, please send the copy of deposit/transfer receipt to: juhi.khan@daralber.ae

The figures behind the event

1) More than 300 in-house cleaning crew

2) 165 staff assigned to sanitise public areas throughout the show

3) 1,000 social distancing stickers

4) 809 hand sanitiser dispensers placed throughout the venue

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Started: 2020
 
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
 
Based: Dubai, UAE
 
Sector: Entertainment 
 
Number of staff: 210 
 
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
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Director: Jesse Armstrong

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Analysis

Maros Sefcovic is juggling multiple international trade agreement files, but his message was clear when he spoke to The National on Wednesday.

The EU-UAE bilateral trade deal will be finalised soon, he said. It is in everyone’s interests to do so. Both sides want to move quickly and are in alignment. He said the UAE is a very important partner for the EU. It’s full speed ahead - and with some lofty ambitions - on the road to a free trade agreement. 

We also talked about US-EU tariffs. He answered that both sides need to talk more and more often, but he is prepared to defend Europe's position and said diplomacy should be a guiding principle through the current moment. 

 

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Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

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Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


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