In the Gulf countries, which depend heavily on foreign expatriates for both skilled and unqualified labour to facilitate the development of their economies, there has been much debate about permanent residency. Interestingly, why Dubai and many other UAE cities, as well as other Gulf countries, such as Bahrain, are so famous for permanent residence.
Especially as the economy began to show clear signs of recovering after an economic downturn which hit hard on the Arab Economy, Dubai is a fast emerging global hotspot for travellers and expatriates. Especially after Dubai recently won the World Expo 2020 offer, which predicts that over a six-month expo, 2.5 million visitors are most likely to pass the country, it is expected that there will be an increase in the housing, hotel and infrastructure sectors to promote the arrival of the expo, which is happening now as the Port De La Mer apartments for sale are the exact example of that. The expo will be held in Dubai. In the coming years, the country will possibly host this much-awaited event, contributing to thousands of new job opportunities.
What is also unknown even by those who live in Dubai is that Dubai, with its strategic location, flies for nearly a half the world’s population in less than four hours. This makes it a comfortable place for Asian, Australian, American and European expatriates, who find it easy to return on holidays or visit their families. The most appealing aspect of the keeping of a UAE passport is the wonderful efforts of the government to look after the local people, They are entitled to strong subsidies for land purchases, free child education, high discounts on food and goods, and far cheaper facilities than expatriates.
UAE people typically have a high living standard relative to many expatriates who chose to live and work here. It is, therefore, not shocking that there has been a continuous uproar against government immigration laws restricting the granting of citizenship to expatriates.
HOW EASY IT IS?
Many people argue that citizenship should be offered to those who have lived in this country, for the most part, have invested in the economy and the property market and have been involved in developing the country. It’s indeed odd for you to have spent 40 or 50 years here, to buy a house and save your life only when you are retired. Many people here are discouraged from buying homes since they know they never consider the city ‘forever’ home, even if they own the land.
Also, the permanent status will free people from the constant danger of being forced to leave if they lose their jobs or the constant trouble of being forced every three months to renew their residence visas. It will also give you the long-term protection that you can choose for in a country you love and begin to call home.
POLICIES
To be made more clear, the UAE never gives a Dubai citizenship, either you are a citizen (typically by birth, because both parents have to be UAE nationals) or not. The government has so far resisted the pressure to open expatriates’ citizenship, fearing that this would dilute Emirati’s culture and national identity and place a lot of strain on social security systems mainly enjoyed by the local population, which comprises a small percentage of the country’s population.
VISA
A residency visa currently requires an employer’s sponsorship and needs to be extended every three years. You can change jobs and keep your citizenship as your new employer applies on your behalf for your new visa. The visa can be extended before the retirement age after which it cannot be renewed further. Please be aware that you will need to apply for a new visa if you are away from the country for more than six months. A resident investor visa is also a renewable visa of three years for those who establish or invest in the country’s Immobiliare business. It can be renewed before retirement age, as with the jobs visa. There are one or two ways for a foreign expatriate to become a citizen, but the rules regulating the expatriate’s citizenship are strict.
FOREIGN MARRIAGE VISA
After ten years of marriage, a foreign married to an Emirate will become a national, who must show that the marriage is legitimate and not just to obtain citizenship. Foreign children of UAE nationals are automatically considered citizens; however, because the UAE does not allow double nationality, their foreign passports to be issued from the UAE would require them to give up.
Applying for a visa in Dubai is easy and then it depends on you with what mindset you are going to the city. You are considering it your forever home or you will come back to your hometown after making healthy savings. Gaining a permanent residence is not easy in this Emirate but if you get one and looking to live somewhere, we will suggest you check out the luxurious District One Villas for sale in Dubai.
Theresa Smith is an experienced fashion blogger. She has been blogging for nearly 10 years, and her blog posts are often featured in major publications. Her blog posts cover everything from the latest trends to tips on how to wear certain pieces of clothing. Theresa’s favorite style icons include Audrey Hepburn and Michelle Obama, who she cites as having great style.
