UAE VP announces visa for retired expats, reduced power charges for industry

UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Sunday announced reduced electricity charges for the industrial sector and a system to allow expats to retire in the country.

Sheikh Mohammed, who is also ruler of Dubai, said on Twitter the UAE Cabinet had agreed to reduce Federal Electricity Authority charges for the industrial sector.

These include a 29 per cent reduction in electricity charges for large factories and 10-22 per cent reduction for medium-sized factories, Dubai Media Office confirmed.

Power delivery fees will also be cancelled for new facilities.

“We have also adopted a system that allows expatriate brothers to stay long-term after retirement,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

ترأست اجتماعا لمجلس الوزراء أقررنا خلاله تخفيض رسوم كهرباء الهيئة الاتحادية للكهرباء على القطاع الصناعي بالدولة .. كما اعتمدنا نظاما يسمح للإخوة الوافدين بالإقامة طويلة الأمد بعد التقاعد .. بدأنا اليوم الاجتماع الأول للمجلس بعد الإجازة واستأنفنا مباشرة مسيرة تعزيز اقتصادنا الوطني pic.twitter.com/9kXabVshR9

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) September 16, 2018

The system includes a five-year renewable visa for pensioners over the age of 55.

In order to apply, the retiree must own a real estate investment worth Dhs2m ($544,510), have financial savings of more than Dhs1m ($272,255) or proof of income of more than Dhs20,000 ($5,445) a month.

Applications will be received from 2019.

Other changes confirmed by the vice president included a “single-day court system at the federal level” for civil cases, unified national standards for state and private hospitals, new control and stamping requirements for precious stones and metals and a second-tier of leadership at the federal government level.

The plans follow a series of regulatory changes and stimulus measures announced in recent months.

The cabinet announced the introduction of new visas for jobseekers and investors and free entry for passengers transiting through the UAE’s airports in June.

Read: UAE announces new visa rules for residents, jobseekers and tourists

A new foreign investment law allowing 100 per cent foreign ownership is also expected to be approved by year-end, the cabinet confirmed in May.

Read: UAE Cabinet approves 10-year visas, will allow 100% foreign ownership by year-end

Earlier in the day, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan disclosed further details of a Dhs50bn ($13.61bn) stimulus plan.

The first phase will cover 50 initiatives that will reflect “the priorities of citizens, residents and investors”, he said.

Read: Abu Dhabi crown prince outlines Dhs50bn stimulus plan