People often complain that they can never feel truly at home in a country that they can’t become a citizen. And that they have to leave in 30 days flat – should they lose their visa, even if they have built everything up over a long time. 

It’s almost like: ‘I love it here, but how can I get emotionally attached to something that can be taken away from me in a moment flat?’.

The UAE announced changes to the visa system – to be implemented by Q3 2018 – in which foreigners could receive a 10-year UAE visa. 

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Is this a green card?

No, we’ve covered the known details here, however, comparisons with a green card have been made, to the newly announced 10-year visa for expats.  (A green card is lawful permanent residency, and it is valid for 10 years, after which it needs to be reapplied for.)

Whil the UAE has always been open and tolerant to expats and immigrants, it has drawn a line at nationalising residents – which is fair enough. 

If you are contributing to society, and are happy living in the UAE, then why not create an environment for that to continue?

People will be rewarded for their efforts

In business, it’s called employee retention. As companies grow, and the longevity of staff increases, more perks and benefits are bestowed upon them. 

The UAE is still less than 50 years old and this is a sign it’s a country with a compelling narrative still to come

Some people have commented this week, that these new laws have perhaps come little too late; that this would have been better in 2008 rather than 2018. 

That many expats have been and gone. 

But how can something come too late in a country that is less than 50 years old?

It’s cliche, but this is the land of opportunity

The real winners within the UAE are those who dream big, and aim high. 

These new laws will come as a relief to senior talented professionals who suddenly find themselves out of work. They may have a family and commitments and be forced to up sticks and leave. 

This news could encourage a more educated society 

There was a mention that it’s applicable to ‘investors, doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs and innovators.’ 

The beauty of this is that we can all still learn and become more educated and qualified.

And this incentive – a long-term visa for the UAE, may be just the incentive to expand on your qualifications and education. 

If the Middle East had a capital, it would be Dubai 

Another subtle knock-on effect is that a move like this is a signal to leadership in the Arab world, how open, tolerant, and progressive that Dubai is. 

More of the same please and we are excited as to what is to come.