More often than ever, the role of doctors has been deeply realised ever since the COVID-19 pandemic struck us. Thus, in order to recognise their efforts and sacrifices, and being the frontline heroes, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai are going to grant golden visas to those with scientific competencies and distinguished expertise. The UAE Government invited doctors to apply for the golden visa for the same.

The golden visa will allow doctors and their families a 10-year residency, enhancing their job and living stability, which will drive the development and innovation of various sectors, especially healthcare.

With the initiation of the golden visa for the doctors, it aims to promote a motivational work environment and high-quality living standards. This will also attract and retain top talents in the field of medicine and strengthen the national healthcare sector and makes it a global model in terms of efficiency and quality of medical services.

So who can apply for the golden visa? 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. Doctors who have Dubai licenses can apply through smart.gdrfad.gov.ae. The government departments will then review the applications in order 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 the doctors who wish to apply for the golden visa in person.

Earlier, the UAE Government had announced the initiation of golden visa applications for the coders through the National Programme for Coders. This was launched by His Highness 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 also applied the conditionally-renewable long-term residence visa for 5 or 10 years for certain categories, like investors, entrepreneurs, and specialised talents. This 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 needing an Emirati sponsor.

The ones who are qualified for the 10-year golden visa include specialised talents and researchers in the fields of science and knowledge, such as doctors, scientists, inventors, professionals, and innovators.