On Twitter, UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the ruler of Dubai, said the new measures were aimed at recruiting trained professionals to help the emirates expand.
“The UAE cabinet, local emiri courts and executive councils will nominate those eligible for the citizenship under clear criteria set for each category,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
“The law allows receivers of the UAE passport to keep their existing citizenship.”
The UAE government said the amendment to the citizenship law ”aims at appreciating the talents and competencies present in the UAE and attracting more bright minds to the Emirati community”
Relevant groups, including businessmen, physicians, experts, inventors, scientists and people with artistic abilities, will achieve Emirati citizenship.
Changes to the Executive Regulation of the Federal Law concerning Nationality allow investors, professionals, special talents, and their families to acquire Emirati nationality under certain conditions.
Specific categories can acquire Emirati citizenship including investors, doctors, specialists, inventors, scientists and individuals with creative talents. The step aims at appreciating the talents and competencies present in the UAE and attracting more bright minds.
Citizens make up a small minority of the UAE population, which has an immense migrant labour force, primarily from South Asia, some of which are residents of the second or third generation. The UAE also has an increasing population of wealthy expats drawn by the low tax regime and the larger emirates’ luxury megaprojects and tourist attractions.
The Gulf’s rich oil states have long guaranteed a high standard of living
For their people through reserved employment and a cradle for a severe welfare system. They have never permitted naturalisation to preserve it.
The amendments lay down the requirements that each group would satisfy. Investors must buy a property in the UAE, for instance. Doctors and professionals must be trained in a particular science field or scientific concepts which are highly sought in the UAE and have recognized professional contributions, studies and research of empirical merit and practical experience of not less than 10 years, in addition to being a member of a reputable qualified association.
It is also mandatory for recognised research institutions in the UAE to receive a letter of recommendation.
Inventors are needed to receive, in addition to a recommendation letter from the Ministry, one or more patents licensed by the Ministry of Economy of the UAE or other respectable foreign entity.
Pioneers of culture and the arts and recipients of one or more foreign prizes should be people with artistic skills, such as philosophers and musicians. A recommendation letter from relevant government agencies is mandatory.
Expatriates must swear an oath of loyalty after applying and before gaining citizenship, pledge to comply with local rules, and notify the authorities if they obtain or forfeit any other citizenship.
A host of advantages are provided by UAE citizenship, including the ability to form or own commercial enterprises and property and other advantages given by federal authorities.
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