Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), Government of Abu Dhabi handing over UAE Golden Visa to super star Rajinikanth in the presence of Yusuffali MA, CMD of Lulu Group. Also seen are V. Nandakumar, Rejith Radhakrishnan and Biju Kottarathil of Lulu Group
Rajinikanth met UAE Minister Sheikh Nahyan and visited the new BAPS Hindu Mandir and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi….reports Asian Lite News
The Abu Dhabi government has awarded Superstar Rajinikanth the prestigious UAE Golden Visa.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), Government of Abu Dhabi handed over the Emirates ID to the legendary actor in a function held at DCT HQ in Abu Dhabi in the presence of Yusuff Ali MA, prominent NRI and Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Chamber, who facilitated the entire process along with other officials.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the prestigious UAE Golden visa from Abu Dhabi Govt. My heartfelt thanks to Abu Dhabi govt. and also to my good friend Mr. Yusuffali MA, CMD of Lulu Group for facilitating this Visa and for all his support” said Rajanikanth after receiving the UAE Golden visa.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), Government of Abu Dhabi handing over UAE Golden Visa to super star Rajinikanth in the presence of Yusuffali MA, CMD of Lulu Group. Also seen are V. Nandakumar, Rejith Radhakrishnan and Biju Kottarathil of Lulu Group
The superstar also called on Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and UAE Minister for Tolerance at his palace in Abu Dhabi. Later Rajinikanth also went to the newly constructed BAPS Hindu Mandir for darshan and to the Sheikh Zayed Graand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Rajinikanth came to Abu Dhabi after wrapping up the shooting of his upcoming movie Vettaiyan. Recently, Rajini was spotted travelling with Yusuffali in the latter’s Rolls Royce in Abu Dhabi, the video of which has gone viral in the social media. Yusuff Ali is the Chairman of Lulu Group, one of the largest business conglomerate in the middle east.
The United Arab Emirates has granted Nasser, one of the finest Indian actors, its prestigious Golden Visa…reports Asian Lite News
Nasser, a veteran actor in Indian cinema, has acted in various languages including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi.
The man, who has completed 37 years in the film industry, is considered a legend in Tamil film circles.
He has delivered scores of critically acclaimed performances and some of his best known performances include Colonel Rayappa in director Mani Ratnam’s ‘Roja’, Maya Thevar in director Bharathan’s ‘Thevar Magan’, Badri in ‘Kuruthi Punal’, Kandhasamy Padiyachi in ‘Anbe Sivam’, Punch Pandian in ‘Irudhi Suttru’ (‘Saala Khadoos’ in Hindi) and Pingaladevan in ‘Baahubali’.
Nasser, who received the visa while on a recent visit to the United Arab Emirates, has thanked the UAE government and Indian businessman Wasim Adan, who made arrangements for him to get this visa.
Nasser is the latest in a long list of film celebrities who have been granted the Golden Visa. Prior to Nasser, several actors including Mammootty, Mohanlal, Tovino Thomas, Parthiepan, Amala Paul and Shah Rukh Khan have received it.
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa system, extending from five to 10 years, and is automatically renewed. It is granted to achievers from various fields, professionals, investors and those with promising abilities.
It has been under constant review and some cases had given rise to security concerns, including people acquiring their wealth illegitimately and being associated with wider corruption…reports Asian Lite News
The government on Thursday closed Tier 1 Investor visa route to all new applicants from all nationalities with immediate effect over security concerns.
Home Office took the action as the route failed to deliver for the UK people and gave opportunities for corrupt elites to access the UK.
Home Secretary, Priti Patel took decisive action with immediate effect. “I have zero tolerance for abuse of our immigration system. Under my New Plan for Immigration, I want to ensure the British people have confidence in the system, including stopping corrupt elites who threaten our national security and push dirty money around our cities,” said Patel.
“Closing this route is just the start of our renewed crackdown on fraud and illicit finance. We will be publishing a fraud action plan, while the forthcoming Economic Crime Bill will crack down on people abusing our financial institutions and better protect the taxpayer,” she added.
The route had allowed entry and stay in the UK if an applicant invested funds in share capital or loan capital in active and trading UK registered companies, read Home Office statement.
It has been under constant review and some cases had given rise to security concerns, including people acquiring their wealth illegitimately and being associated with wider corruption.
The settlement will now be conditional on applicants executing an investment strategy that can show genuine job creation and other tangible economic impacts, passively holding UK investments will no longer be enough to obtain settlement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFR821buC3U
The introduction of the points-based immigration system has allowed us to target investors we want in the country. Improvements will be made to the Innovator visa route to support this.
This demonstrates the government’s New Plan for Immigration in action – being firm against those wanting to abuse the immigration system while those who want to come to the UK and play by the rules will have that opportunity, added the statement.
The announcement comes amid a series of economic reforms and initiatives the Bahraini government has implemented, such as the Economic Recovery Plan, to enhance the kingdom’s long-term competitiveness, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
Bahrain has announced a 10-year Golden Residency Visa to boost investments and attract global talents.
The announcement comes on Monday amid a series of economic reforms and initiatives the Bahraini government has implemented, such as the Economic Recovery Plan, to enhance the kingdom’s long-term competitiveness.
The move is a part of the Kingdom’s strategy that will serve as a catalyst for attracting foreign investments.
“The new Golden Residency Visa will help foreign investors and long-term residents, and further contribute to the national economy,” said Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs Undersecretary, Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa.
Qualified applicants must have resided in Bahrain continuously for at least five years with a basic average salary of no fewer than 2,000 Bahraini Dinars ($5,306) per month throughout the five-year period.
Golden Residency Visa holders will see their visas renewed indefinitely, provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria. They will enjoy benefits, including multiple entry and exit from the Kingdom of Bahrain without restriction, residency for close family members, and the right to work in Bahrain.
Other criteria include: owning one or more properties in Bahrain valued no less than 200,000 Bahraini Dinars, or an income of 4,000 Bahraini Dinars per month as a retiree, or being certified as “highly-talented”.
The applicants must be present in Bahrain for 90 days per year to ensure the validity of their visas.
“By retaining and attracting those with talent, experience, and internationally renowned knowledge, the Government of Bahrain has adopted a dynamic approach as we emerge from the pandemic with reasons to be highly optimistic about the strength and growth of our economy,” Shaikh Hisham added.
“This Golden Residency Visa will enhance and promote the continued development of the business and investment-friendly environment that the Kingdom of Bahrain is already known for.”
He added that the Golden Residency Visa is a turning point in enhancing the quality and competency of provided services and enhancing Bahrain’s international rankings.
India-Bahrain
Last week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Kingdom of Bahrain and reviewed bilateral ties between the two countries.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi
Both the leaders expressed satisfaction that the relationship between India and Bahrain has seen continued progress in diverse sectors including political, trade and investment, energy, health, security and people-to-people contacts, the MEA release stated.
India and Bahrain are celebrating the Golden Jubilee of establishment of diplomatic relations between two countries in 2021-22.
Prime Minister thanked the Bahraini Leadership for taking excellent care of the Indian community in Bahrain during the COVID-19 pandemic, and also for looking after their social and cultural needs.
The release further stated that PM Modi conveyed his greetings to HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and reiterated his invitation to HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for a visit to India at an early date.
Israel-Bahrain
Israel and Bahrain have recently signed a security agreement, the first of its kind since the normalisation of ties between the two nations, during a two-day visit by Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz to the Arab country.
During the meeting, Gantz and his Bahraini counterpart Abdullah Bin Hassan Al Noaimi signed a security memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries, Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying.
The MoU, signed about a year after Israel and Bahrain normalized their relations, “will support any future cooperation in the areas of intelligence, mil-to-mil, industrial collaboration and more”, the Israeli Defence Ministry said.
“We are building on the groundbreaking Abraham Accords and deepening ties between our nations. Only one year following the signing of the Accords, we have achieved an important defence agreement, which will contribute to the security of both countries and the stability of the region,” Gantz said, hailing the “historic” MoU “new heights” in Israel-Bahrain relations.
The government has called on doctors residing in the country to apply for the Golden Visa, in order for them and their families to benefit from a long-term residency of 10 years, reports Asian Lite News
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Residents Office (ADRO), a division of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), has recognised more than 500 doctors who obtained the Golden Visa in reflection of their efforts.
This came as part of Abu Dhabi’s commitment to empower global talent and help them achieve their aspirations, in implementation of the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to grant Golden Visa to those supporting the healthcare system in the UAE and providing their continuous distinguished services.
Abu Dhabi
The Department held a virtual ceremony for the awarded doctors and healthcare professionals in the emirate. The event was held in the presence of the department’s leadership team including Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of DoH, Dr. Jamal Mohammed Alkaabi, Under-Secretary of DoH and Hareb Al Muhairi, Advisor at Abu Dhabi Residents Office.
Al Hamed said, “The healthcare sector plays an important role in shaping the future of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates. Over the past year, we have seen the impact our healthcare professionals have made on our community. Supporting the vision of our leadership, they have consistently put health and the well-being of our community as top priority. They have provided the highest standards commitment, responsibility and sacrifice to ensure our community remains safe and healthy. Today, our healthcare sector enjoys a leading position regionally and globally as one of the best and most advanced, proven by the awards and accolades achieved by the emirate.”
He added, “We are committed to offering as much support as possible to ensure our doctors and their families can continue to enjoy a stable and secure long-term residency and a high-quality life in the UAE. Our partnership with the Abu Dhabi Residents Office to offer the Golden Visa is in direct support of our esteemed leadership’s vision. We look forward to maintaining Abu Dhabi as the leading destination for the best doctors from around the world to live and work.”
Over 500 Golden Visa recipients were shortlisted following a thorough selection process. Each doctor was appraised and nominated with their distinguished qualifications, performance and reputation taken into account. As part of a continued push to attract talent to Abu Dhabi, safeguarding the emirate’s future, DoH and ADRO have also announced that more healthcare practitioners will be recognised, with additional groups of doctors scheduled to be rewarded with Golden Visas.
Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of ADDED, said, “The Abu Dhabi Residents Office was launched to provide the emirate’s community of families, creatives, professionals and investors with the highest quality of life. As always, we aim to offer support and services to international residents to ensure Abu Dhabi continues to be a place the world can call home.”
He added, “We have partnered with the Abu Dhabi Department of Health to do that and more, recognising the inspirational doctors who have made the emirate such a safe place to live, visit and work, while offering them a springboard to lead the most secure, stable and comfortable lives possible. We hope to open up a world of opportunities for many with these awards, and look forward to more partnerships with all government entities.”
Abu Dhabi issues 500 plus Golden Visas to doctors
The Abu Dhabi healthcare sector has made great strides in recent years, with an influx of talent, investments in innovation, as well as government support spurring the growth of a modern, globally competitive healthcare ecosystem. The Special Talent Golden Visa for doctors reiterate the importance of healthcare to the future and success of the region, with access to long-term residency enabling Abu Dhabi’s exceptional healthcare professionals to settle in the emirate and enjoy added security, comfort and peace of mind.
The UAE’s Golden Visa is available in Abu Dhabi to global talent and investors. It provides successful applicants with visas for up to 10 years, with holders permitted to live, work and study in the emirate without the need of a national sponsor. A wide range of visa options are available to all applicants working, creating, studying, excelling and investing in the emirate’s key sectors, including healthcare.
The UAE government has called on doctors residing in the country to apply for the Golden Visa, in order for them and their families to benefit from a long-term residency of 10 years. The Golden Visa is also aimed at attracting the best talent in the sector, to continually deliver the highest quality of healthcare services in the country and the world. The initiative, a direct gesture from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, comes in appreciation of the efforts and sacrifices of the UAE’s frontline heroes in healthcare and the important role they play in response against the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Abu Dhabi Residents Office, a division of ADDED supports the emirate’s efforts to attract and retain global talent and expertise for sustainable development. This includes partnership programmes that promote long-term residency and provide the world’s best talent with a platform to succeed and fulfil their potential in Abu Dhabi.
This golden visa will grant doctors and their families a 10-year residency, enhancing their job and living stability, and driving the development and innovation of various sectors, especially healthcare, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
The United Arab Emirates government has invited doctors to apply for the golden visa in recognition of their efforts and sacrifices, and being the frontline heroes, as per the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to grant golden visas to those with scientific competencies and distinguished expertise.
This golden visa will grant doctors and their families a 10-year residency, enhancing their job and living stability, and driving the development and innovation of various sectors, especially healthcare.
This initiative promotes a motivational work environment and high-quality living standards by attracting and retaining the top talents in the medical field, and providing opportunities for medical staff to work and reside in the UAE.
This will strengthen the national healthcare sector and makes it a global model in terms of efficiency and quality of medical services.
All doctors licensed by the UAE health regulatory bodies can apply for the golden visa between July 2021 to September 2022 through the website (smartservices.ica.gov.ae).
Dubai-licensed doctors may apply through (smart.gdrfad.gov.ae). The concerned government departments will receive and review the applications to issue the golden visa for those who qualify.
Moreover, seven offices, affiliated with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), will be established across the Emirates for doctors who wish to apply for the golden visa in person.
The UAE Government recently announced the start of the golden visa application process for coders through the National Programme for Coders, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to grant golden visas to 100,000 coders, available for both residents and non-residents of the UAE.
The UAE has applied the conditionally-renewable long-term residence visa for 5 or 10 years for certain categories, including investors, entrepreneurs and specialised talents.
The system allows UAE residents and foreigners with their families who wish to work, live and study in the country, to have a long-term residence visa without the need of an Emirati sponsor.
Last November, the Cabinet headed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the approval of major procedural changes for residents to obtain the golden visa.
The Cabinet also approved the inclusion of new categories eligible for the 10-year golden visa, including all doctorate degree holders, doctors, engineers in the fields of computer engineering, electronics, coding, electricity and biotechnology, as well as outstanding students with a GPA of 3.8 or higher in accredited universities across the country.
According to Cabinet Resolution No. 56 of 2018 on Regulating the Residence Permits for Investors, Entrepreneurs and Specialised Talents, the Resolution organised the granting of residence permits for investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents, researchers in the various fields of science and knowledge, and brilliant students.
The qualified talent categories for the 10-year golden visa include specialised talents and researchers in the fields of science and knowledge, such as doctors, professionals, scientists, inventors, and innovators.
Maniar is the chairman of the member’s advisory committee of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in the UAE….reports Asian Lite News
Saad Maniar, who works as a senior partner at accounting firm Crowe UAE, is the latest Indian expat to receive the UAE’s coveted ‘Golden Visa’ or long-term residence visa for 10 years.
Maniar was awarded the Golden Visa on Thursday. “I got a call from the Ministry of Economy saying that they have selected me for the golden visa and they asked me to submit few details. After submission of these details, within a couple of months, I got my Golden Visa,” Maniar said.
Maniar came to Dubai 20 years ago as an auditor for Crowe UAE. A chartered accountant from the United Kingdom, Maniar now serves as a senior partner and a member of the company’s board, leading the financial services audit and consulting practice for Crowe in DIFC.
Maniar is the chairman of the member’s advisory committee of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in the UAE. He is also an elected member on the board of the Dubai Quality Group.
Pic credits twitter@maniarsaad
“I considered Dubai as my home and it will always be my home. This 10-year visa has given me more stability and meaning to build a long-term career here in the UAE, even for my kids. I don’t know what my kids will end up doing, but given a choice I would like my kids to build their career here in this beautiful nation,” Maniar said.
The UAE’s Golden Visa allows foreigners to live, work and study in the country for a long period without the need of a national sponsor and with 100 per cent ownership of their businesses there.
Last week, an Indian artist, who has been living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since 2007, received the Gulf nation’s coveted Golden Visa, according to a media report on Wednesday.
Hailing from Odisha, Mona Biswarupa Mohanty applied for the Golden Visa on the basis of advice by a senior artist.
“I am honoured to have received the Golden Visa. These milestones in life mean a lot. They reassure you that if you follow your heart and put heart and soul, gradually you will be rewarded in more ways than you can imagine,” Mohanty said.
“Receiving the Golden visa has strengthened my belief in myself and if this can inspire other young artists, I’d consider that my biggest contribution. I listened to my heart and took this plunge and being rewarded for it tells me that when you follow your passion and give in your best, good things start happening to you,” she added.
A fashion designer, Mohanty came to the UAE in 2007 as a Lecturer for Manipal University in Dubai.
The step is an implementation of the Cabinet resolution, under which work permits for Golden Residency holders were created….reports Asian Lite News
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced the start of issuing work permits for Golden Residency holders.
The step is an implementation of the Cabinet resolution, under which work permits for Golden Residency holders were created.
The ministry stated that such permits are required in three cases. First are those who were unemployed when they received their Golden Residency, and wish to start working for a certain employer; second are Golden Residency holders who plan to start working for a new employer, and third, is when a current employer wishes to renew the work permit and contract of a Golden Residency holder.
The ministry explained that the same rules and procedures related to the issuance of work permits and contracts apply to dependents registered on their parents’ residency, if they are applying for work and are Golden Visa holders.
Work permits and contracts concluded between employers and workers who receive the Golden Residency will remain valid, and subject to all applicable UAE legislations.
According to the ministry, fees prescribed and applicable fees for work permits for those outside the country, as well as fees for renewing and amending work permits and contracts, will also be applicable to Golden Residency holders.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) announced 1,675 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of recorded cases in the UAE to 634,582.
According to the Ministry, the infected individuals are from various nationalities, are in a stable condition, and receiving the necessary care.
MoHAP also announced 8 deaths due to COVID-19 complications, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 1,819.
It called on all members of the society to cooperate with health authorities, adhere to the instructions and physical distance to ensure the health and safety of all.
MoHAP also noted that an additional 1,556 individuals had fully recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries to 612,998.
He is the current National secretary of International affairs of an India-based homeopathic association called IHMA of which many doctors are practicing in UAE, Muscat and Bahrain…reports Asian Lite News.
Dr Subair PK homeopathic general physician became the first Golden Visa holder in UAE in the field of homeopathy. Expresses his gratitude to the UAE government, Dr Subair said the move shows the government’s commitment to healthcare of residents of different nationalities and continuous support to all medical systems and encouraging various professionals who are contributing their best for the development and achievements of the country .
Dr Subair is the managing director and practicing homeopathic physician at Al Fida Medical Centre Dubai which is established in 2004. He was one among the first batch Homeopathic doctors started practicing in the UAE.
Hailing from Kerala’s Thrissur district, Dr Subair graduated from the Govt Homeopathic College, Kozhikode and post graduated from the International Academy of Classical Homeopathy, Greece.
After starting his practice in various hospital and clinics in Kerala for 10 years he relocated to the UAE in 2003.
He is the current National secretary of International affairs of an India-based homeopathic association called IHMA of which many doctors are practicing in UAE, Muscat and Bahrain.
In 2019, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) implemented a new system for long-term residence visas, thereby enabling foreigners to live, work and study in the UAE without the need of a national sponsor and with 100 per cent ownership of their business.
The 2019 amendment was brought about in a bid to attract new foreign residents, particularly to the emirate of Dubai, following the economic upheaval caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Interested individuals, who would like to apply for the Golden Visa, may do so through the website of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship — ICA (the eChannel for residency and citizenship), or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) which works under the ministry. While ICA offers only online channels, GDRFA offers both online and offline channels.
The process is quite straightforward with candidates required to submit the necessary documents and be willing to relocate to the UAE in accordance with their business venture.
Besides entrepreneurs, individuals with specialised talent can also apply for the visa. They include doctors, researchers, scientists, investors and artists. These individuals may be granted a 10-year visa following accreditations granted by their respective departments and fields and the visa will also be extended to their spouses and children.
Doctors and specialists must meet at least two of the following conditions: a PhD degree from one of the top 500 universities in the world, an award or certificates of appreciation in the field of the applicant’s work, contribution to a major scientific research in the respective field of work, published articles or scientific books in distinguished publications in the respective field of work, membership in an organisation related to the field, a PhD degree, in addition to 10 years of professional experience in his field or specialisation in areas of priority to the UAE.
