10-year Blue Visa in UAE: Eligibility, scope and more.

A new ten-year blue residency visa has been granted by the United Arab Emirates to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding endeavors and contributions towards environmental protection both within and beyond the borders of the UAE.

Those who support environmental action, including members of international organizations and corporations, associations and non-governmental organizations, recipients of global awards, and distinguished environmental activists and researchers, are eligible to apply for this visa. It is presented to both Emirati citizens and local environmental advocates.

Sustainability activists and professionals who want to apply for the UAE’s Blue visa can do so directly with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, or through nomination by relevant UAE authorities.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum revealed in a post on X on May 15 that those eligible for the ten-year visa could focus their eco-efforts on marine or land environmental protection, air quality, sustainability and modern technologies, the circular economy, or other environmental-related fields.

“The sustainability of our economy has become linked to the sustainability of our environment and our national directions in this area are clear and consistent”, he stated.

 Launch of the Blue Residency Visa

The “Blue Residency” visa is the UAE’s first long-term residency program, established specifically for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and successes in environmental action and sustainability. This program is consistent with the UAE President’s directive to extend the Year of Sustainability from 2023 to 2024, confirming the country’s commitment to sustainability.

Process of Eligibility and Application

The primary objective of the Blue Residency visa is to entice and retain sustainability advocates representing diverse sectors.

• Members of international organizations
• Representatives of international corporations
• Members of associations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Recipients of prestigious global awards
• Prominent environmental activists and researchers
• Emirati nationals and conscientious residents dedicated to safeguarding the environment are among the eligible candidates.

Scope of the Blue Residency

• Contributions in numerous areas of environmental protection, such as land and marine conservation, enhanced air quality, and the development of sustainable technologies, are acknowledged and honored through this program.
• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) aspires to enhance its sustainability endeavors and attract highly committed individuals to environmental protection through the provision of this visa.
• More Extensive Initiatives Outcomes of the UAE Cabinet
• Apart from the Blue Residency visa, the UAE Cabinet rendered a number of additional significant determinations:
  National Youth Agenda (2031): A comprehensive agenda aimed at empowering young individuals economically, fostering the development of their scientific capabilities, strengthening their sense of national identity, augmenting their social contributions, and mobilizing their representation of the nation was approved by the Cabinet.
• A novel classification system was implemented to categorize higher education institutions, placing emphasis on factors such as academic excellence, prospective employability of students, robust scientific research capabilities, and international recognition.
• Approval by the Cabinet to appoint a Chief Executive for AI in Principal Federal Entities: In light of the nationwide focus on artificial intelligence, the Cabinet authorized the appointment of a chief executive for AI in all principal federal entities. Accelerating the adoption of sophisticated technologies at all levels of government is the objective of this position.
• Developments in the Space Sector: The Cabinet deliberated on recent progress in the nation’s space industry, which witnessed an expenditure surge of 14%, thereby emphasizing the UAE’s dedication to augmenting its footprint in the realm of space exploration and technology.
• Another expert identified the industries where jobs will be created as a result of the visa. and the long-term residency will increase career opportunities in environmental sustainability:

• Environmental, conservation, and governance (ECG) sector: jobs that come up with policies and procedures that improve environmental management and rules.
• Sustainable development: Experts will lead efforts to incorporate sustainability into many fields, ensuring that economic growth and environmental protection are balanced for future generations.
• Marine life protection: jobs that involve researching, keeping an eye on, and working on active conservation projects to protect and restore marine ecosystems.
• Action on climate change: jobs in this area will be created to help reach international climate goals, such as lowering carbon emissions and promoting clean energy sources.

“These roles will be very important in making the UAE a leader in sustainability and protecting the environment,” experts stated.

Green skills

The 10-year visa is available to people who have helped protect the environment, according to the government. Some of these are marine life, ecosystems on land, air quality, tools that help the environment, and the circular economy. Members of international organizations, associations, and non-governmental organizations, winners of global awards, and well-known activists and experts will be able to get it.

The expert believes that the new rules on visas will be good for workers and advisors in the UAE. “The Blue Visa makes things a lot better for freelancers and consultants who work in the sustainability and environmental fields.” Pros can stay in the UAE for longer amounts of time, which gives them a stable and appealing place to work. This helps them grow as people and as professionals.

The implementation of the Blue Residency visa serves as an indication of the UAE’s ongoing dedication to environmental protection and sustainability. By bestowing awards upon individuals who have made significant contributions to these fields, the UAE not only recognizes their accomplishments but also fosters additional innovation and dedication to a sustainable future. In addition to other strategic decisions implemented by the UAE Cabinet, this undertaking exemplifies the nation’s forward-thinking stance on matters pertaining to education, technological advancement, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment.