In the wake of the 50th anniversary, the UAE, on Sunday, issued a new scheme to attract expats with the launch of ‘Green Visa’.

As a part of the celebrations of the country’s golden jubilee, the Green Visa will now allow expats to have residency status without the involvement of the employer.

Previously, the UAE allowed residency status with employment where the employer acted as the expat’s sponsor. Individuals requiring to either leave the country or find new employment to stay in the country if they lost their jobs.

However, with the Green Visa, foreigners can take up residence in the UAE. They can also sponsor their parents, as well as children under the age of 25, instead of 18.

Previously a parent could sponsor their daughter’s residency visa until she is married, however, sons were only allowed to be sponsored until the age of 18. Also, there were strict conditions under which individuals could sponsor their parents only if they had a minimum salary bracket and a rental contract for an apartment big enough for the family.

The introduction of this new visa will be granted to highly skilled individuals, investors, entrepreneurs, and top students and graduates. Once the visa expires, instead of the usual 30 days to renew, holders will have between 90 and 180 days to apply for their new visa.

Additionally, new freelance visas have also been announced wherein owners of independent businesses or self-employed individuals can get residency. Freelancers will have specially dedicated visas stated the Ministry of State for Foreign Trade.

The move has come to light to encourage more foreigners to take up residence in the UAE where expats make up more than 80 percent of the population and are a key driver of economic growth in the country.