DUBAI — The government in the United Arab Emirates is inviting doctors to apply for "golden" visas in recognition of their efforts and sacrifices, and being the frontline heroes, the UAE's official news agency, WAM, said on Wednesday. The move comes in the implementation of directives from the UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, who is also the ruler of Dubai, to grant "golden" visas to those with scientific competencies and distinguished expertise, The "golden" visa will grant doctors and their families a 10-year residency, enhancing their job and living stability, and driving the development and innovation of various sectors, especially healthcare. This initiative promotes a motivational work environment and high-quality living standards by attracting and retaining the top talents in the medical field and providing opportunities for medical staff to work and reside in the UAE. This will strengthen the national healthcare sector and makes it a global model in terms of efficiency and quality of medical services. All doctors licensed by the UAE health regulatory bodies can apply for the "golden" visa between July 2021 to September 2022 through the website (smartservices.ica.gov.ae). Dubai-licensed doctors may apply through (smart.gdrfad.gov.ae). The concerned government departments will receive and review the applications to issue the "golden" visa for those who qualify. Moreover, seven offices, affiliated with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), will be established across the Emirates for doctors who wish to apply for the "golden" visa in person. The UAE government recently announced the start of the "golden" visa application process for coders through the National Programme for Coders, launched by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum to grant "golden" visas to 100,000 coders, available for both residents and non-residents of the UAE. The UAE has applied the conditionally-renewable long-term residence visa for 5 or 10 years for certain categories, including investors, entrepreneurs and specialized talents. The system allows UAE residents and foreigners with their families who wish to work, live and study in the country, to have a long-term residence visa without the need of an Emirati sponsor. Last November, the Cabinet headed by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum announced the approval of major procedural changes for residents to obtain the "golden" visa, as well as the inclusion of new categories eligible for the 10-year "golden" visa, including all doctorate degree holders, doctors, engineers in the fields of computer engineering, electronics, coding, electricity and biotechnology, as well as outstanding students with a GPA of 3.8 or higher in accredited universities across the country.
