Dubai has announced five-year multiple entry visas for employees of multinational companies based in the emirate.

The directive was announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, on Twitter.

“Dubai has started to issue 5-year multi-entry visas to employees of multinational firms operating in the emirate,” he tweeted.

Sheikh Hamdan added that the underlying goal is to support the operations of these firms and provide the corporate workforce with easy access to the emirate.

Dubai launched a series of initiatives to create opportunities for professionals across the world. Last year, the emirate introduced a new residency programme enabling overseas remote working professionals to relocate and live in Dubai, while continuing to work remotely for their overseas employer.

Read: Dubai launches new residency programme for overseas remote working professionals

Earlier this year, the UAE cabinet also approved a new self-sponsored Remote Work Visa enabling employees from all over the world to live and work remotely from the UAE, even if their companies are based in another country.

Read more: UAE announces new remote working residency visa, multiple-entry tourist visas

The UAE launched a permanent residency scheme for expatriates in 2019.

Read more: UAE unveils ‘golden card’ permanent residency scheme for expats

In Q4 2020, the UAE expanded the categories of eligible individuals for the 10-year golden residency visa.

Read: UAE expands eligibility for golden residency visas – new categories revealed