Dubai agreement to issue special visas, residency permits

An agreement signed in Dubai on Wednesday will promote online services and platforms designed to facilitate processes for the issuance of residency permits for various investor programmes and special visas.

These include the ‘Distinguished Guests and the Virtual Working’ programmes, ‘Golden Visas’ for investors, and retirement visas.

The “strategic partnership” agreement was inked between the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai (GDRFA–Dubai) and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism).

The “strategic partnership” agreement was inked between the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai (GDRFA–Dubai) and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism).

What the agreement covers

The partnership agreement will facilitate the issuance of residency permits for investors, entrepreneurs, and retirees. It also covers processes like application assessment procedures.

.@GDRFADUBAI and @DubaiTourism sign a strategic partnership agreement to enhance cooperation and promote online services and platforms designed to facilitate processes for the issuance of residency permits for various investor programmes and special visashttps://t.co/vszMMf5RAj pic.twitter.com/t0YpmihRhe

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 13, 2021

GDRFA-Dubai and Dubai Tourism will collaborate on online services, providing “useful links” to various services, along with the necessary authorisation. It will allow people to apply for these special residency permits, in addition to online access to applicant data.

The two entities will cooperate in providing technical support to these online platforms and services.

They will work closely to market the programmes covered by the agreement, and will provide information and services that are necessary to issue residency permits and visas. They will also implement joint activities, including marketing programmes, and share expertise and best practices.

Cruise ships and yachts are also covered by the agreement. This facilitates entry and exit procedures for crews and passengers.

“GDRFA-Dubai and Dubai Tourism will have additional discussions to better understand the needs of cruise ship and yacht owners,” a Dubai Tourism Press release said.

The agreement also allows for the training of employees under jointly organised annual programmes. Every year, Dubai Tourism will also offer two GDRFA employees the opportunity to join a Diploma programme offered by the Dubai College of Tourism free of charge.

Enhancing the Dubai image

Major-General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General, GDRFA - Dubai, said: “This agreement further enhances the existing strategic relations between GDRFA - Dubai and Dubai Tourism and our efforts to ... boost Dubai’s image as the preferred tourism and global investment destination.

“It is noteworthy that during the challenging times, Dubai was able to preserve its global reputation and stand with strength and confidence in effectively dealing with the impact of the pandemic.”

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General, Dubai Tourism, said: “With a modern lifestyle, world class infrastructure and healthcare system, and a diversity of tourism experiences, Dubai offers the perfect residency option for entrepreneurs, investors and professionals.

“ ... Our partnership with GDRFA will help further enhance the initiatives launched by Dubai Tourism, including the ‘Retire in Dubai’ and ‘Virtual Working’ programmes aimed at reinforcing Dubai’s status as the lifestyle and tourism destination of choice and the leading hub for remote work, entrepreneurship and investment.”