Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The UAE will be issuing two new visas called Green Visa and Freelancer Visa, the Minister of State for Foreign Trade announced on Sunday (September 5). Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi said the new visas are aimed at attracting top achievers and talents in the emirates. The announcement was part of the Year of the 50th celebrations this year. Green Visas will be given to “top achievers, including students, investors, businessmen and those with specialized skills”. Holders of green visas can sponsor their parents, as well as their sons until the age of 25 instead of 18. Holders can still stay in the country for 90 to 180 days once their visa expires or is cancelled. Meanwhile, the new Freelance Visas will be given to “owners of independent businesses, or self-employed individuals”. The work permits with residency will be given to “pioneers, entrepreneurs and other professionals” to allow them to work independently in the UAE. More details on how to qualify and apply for the new visas are expected to be announced in due course.

100,000 golden visas for digital talent

Meanwhile, the UAE will be giving 100,000 golden visas for digital professionals, said Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications. "Digital economy is the future and the UAE is going to be a big player in exporting digital talent. 100,000 golden visas for technology talent is going to be a game changer in attracting talent," Al Olama said. "We are going to have the highest share of female coders in the UAE," he added.

3,000 coders in UAE per month

The minister said that the UAE will be hiring 3,000 coders per month, or 100 coders per day. Meanwhile, the UAE is drafting a technical information law, considered the first in the Middle East, to regulate and develop the language of the future. ICA/Expat Media
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