UAE approves new visa scheme to attract foreign talent

The United Arab Emirates has approved a new visa scheme to attract qualified professionals to the country, state news agency WAM reported on Sunday.

The system, approved by the UAE cabinet, will be implemented in phases, with the first phase including tourism, health and educational visas.

Meanwhile, the second phase will focus on talent acquisition in the health, scientific, research, technical and cultural fields.

“The new system aim to attract entrepreneurs, pioneers and talented minds in the medical, scientific, research, IT and intellectual sectors,” UAE prime minister and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said on his official Twitter account Sunday. 

The UAE is a country of vast opportunity; we aim to provide a tolerant environment that can nurture potential and support outstanding talent

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) February 5, 2017

Under the UAE’s current law, permanent residency is not offered to expatriate workers.

No further details on the visa scheme were provided.