UAE launches 10-year Blue Residency visa for environmental champions. All you need to know
UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015.
Have you played a role in sustainability or environmental conservation? If so, there's a new opportunity for you. The UAE Cabinet has unveiled a 10-year Blue Residency visa for people who have made remarkable contributions to environmental protection. This announcement came during a Cabinet meeting presided over by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at Qasar Al Watan in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday (May 15).
“In alignment with the national directives declared by the UAE President, to designate 2024 as the year of sustainability in the UAE, we introduced the ‘Blue Residency’, a 10-year residency granted to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to environment protection, whether in marine life, land-based ecosystems, or air quality, sustainability technologies, the circular economy, or related fields. The sustainability of our economy is now linked to the sustainability of our environment… Our national orientations are clear and firm in this area,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
Who is eligible for UAE's Blue visa?
The Blue Residency visa is available topeople committed to environmental action. Eligible candidates include members of international organisations, international companies, associations, non-governmental organisations, and recipients of global awards. Distinguished activists and researchers in the field of environmental work also qualify. This visa encompasses sustainability initiatives both within and outside the UAE.How to apply for the Blue Visa
- Direct Application: Apply through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security.
- Nominations: Receive a nomination from competent authorities within the UAE.
- Recommendations: Obtain recommendations from relevant organisations or authorities.
What are the other residency options?
The UAE generally issues residency visas with a two-year validity. In 2019, the UAE introduced the 10-year Golden Visas for investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, and humanitarian pioneers. Three years later, the country introduced five-year Green Visas for skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs.
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(With inputs from agencies)