UAE launches Blue Residency visa for environmental advocates: Everything you need to know

The UAE has announced the introduction of the Blue Residency visa, a long-term residency scheme aimed at recognising and rewarding individuals who have made exceptional contributions to environmental protection, as per state news agency WAM.

This 10-year visa will be granted to those demonstrating significant efforts in sustainability, both within and beyond the UAE.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, stated, “The sustainability of our economy has become linked to the sustainability of our environment,” the report quoted.

Key highlights of the Blue Residency visa

• Who is eligible? The Blue Residency visa is designed for a wide range of environmental advocates, including members of international companies, associations, non-governmental organizations, global award winners, and distinguished activists and researchers in the field of environmental work.
• Application process: Eligible individuals are invited to submit their applications through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. Additionally, relevant authorities have the ability to nominate individuals for this long-term residency.
• Sustainability focus: The visa aims to bolster sustainability initiatives, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to integrating environmental sustainability into its economic development.

The announcement came during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This initiative is part of the UAE’s broader efforts to mark 2024 as the year of sustainability, continuing the momentum from the previous year’s green initiatives.

In 2019, the UAE introduced the Golden Visa, a 10-year residency scheme for investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students, graduates, and humanitarian pioneers.

Following this, in 2022, the Green Visa was launched, offering five-year residency for skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs.

The Blue Residency visa now joins these schemes, specifically targeting environmental advocates.

Government initiatives and future plans

In addition to the Blue Residency visa, the UAE Cabinet approved several other initiatives aimed at fostering national development:

• National Youth Agenda (2023-2031): This agenda focuses on empowering young people economically, enhancing their scientific skills, consolidating their sense of national identity, and boosting their social contributions.
• Higher Education Classification System: A new system was approved for classifying higher education institutions, based on criteria such as quality, employability of graduates, strength of scientific research, and global prestige.
• AI Chief Executives in Federal Entities: A new position for Chief Executive of AI has been established in all major federal entities to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies in government operations.
• Space Sector Developments: The Cabinet reviewed the recent advancements in the UAE’s space sector, noting a 14 percent increase in spending.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasised the UAE’s commitment to advancing in these areas, stating, “We will continue to push our youth into advanced and promising sectors. We will continue to protect our environment. We will continue to adopt the best international technologies in our government. We will continue to develop our higher education systems.”

The Blue Residency visa represents a significant step in the UAE’s efforts to prioritise sustainability and environmental protection.

By attracting and retaining top talent in the field of environmental advocacy, the UAE is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development and setting a benchmark for other nations to follow.

Read: UAE reportedly considering 10-year golden business licences