Sheikh Mohammed grants 10-year Gold Card visas to Dubai doctors battling Covid-19

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has decided to award 10-year Gold Card residency visas to doctors of the Dubai Health Authority who are providing direct medical services to Covid-19 patients.

The long-term residency permit was a “sign of thanks and appreciation from His Highness to the teams working in the frontline to ensure community safety” read a tweet by the Dubai Media Office on Wednesday night.

As a gesture of appreciation to the frontline teams @HHShkMohd grants the 10-year golden residency visa to doctors at @DHA_Dubai, who attend directly to COVID-19 patients, securing the well-being of our society.

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 13, 2020

The visa would be granted to 212 doctors, reported official news agency WAM.

Gold Card holders are granted a 10-year residency visa covering them and their families (spouse and children) without the need of a sponsor, which will be automatically renewed provided all the conditions are met – in effect making these permanent residency visas.

They can freely move in and out of the country. Investors can also employ three workers and obtain residence for a senior employee, advisor or manager.

The UAE launched the permanent residency scheme for expatriates in May 2019.

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

Permanent residency will be granted to investors and “exceptional” professionals including doctors, engineers, scientists and artists, Sheikh Mohammed said at the time.

In November, Sheikh Mohammed announced that a total of 2,500 foreign nationals had already received permanent residency in the UAE. The individuals included scientists, researchers and investors.

Read: UAE offers permanent residency to 2,500 expats