DUBAI: Charity and humanitarian aid workers will be provided the UAE’s Golden Visas by the government in recognition of their efforts and sacrifices, Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced on Wednesday.
The Golden Visa system grants its beneficiaries in the UAE – including expatriates and their families who wish to come to work, live and study in the country –residence visa for five to 10 years, which is automatically renewed for people who fall into any of certain categories including investors, doctors, entrepreneurs, scientists, creators, inventors, researchers in various branches of science, technology and innovation, and outstanding students.
The government said the Golden Visa for outstanding charity and humanitarian workers residing in the UAE provides them with a safe haven to continue their work.
“It will also enhance their ability to communicate with local, regional and global charity and humanitarian organizations, from the most digitally advanced and connected places on the planet,” a government statement said.
Making the announcement on the World Humanitarian Day, Al Maktoum said, “We pay tribute to the selfless heroes in the UAE, as one of the world’s largest humanitarian hubs, to support charity and aid professionals who have dedicated their lives to improving the welfare of underprivileged.”
He said Dubai established Dubai International Humanitarian City (IHC) in 2011 as an example of its efforts to lead humanitarian causes. The largest humanitarian destination in the world, IHC is a non-profit, independent, humanitarian free zone authority that hosts over 80 members comprising of UN organizations, non-profits and non-government organizations, and commercial companies, the statement said.