Danube Group chairman Rizwan Sajan receives 10-year UAE visa

He has become the third person in the UAE to be granted a 10-year visa by the UAE authorities.

Danube Group Chairman Rizwan Sajan has joined the league of leading businessmen who have been granted 10-year visa in the UAE.
Prior to this, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai had granted long-term visas to only two Indian businessmen, Regal Group Chairman Vasudev Shamdas Shroff and Khushi Jewellers owner Khushi Khatwani on May 21, 2019. He is reportedly the fourth businessman to receive the long-term visa.
"I am very excited and happy. We have been waiting for a while now. If you look at my investment, it runs into billions. UAE authorities recognise the value of the business community in the development of the economy and the country, hence they were the first to be awarded the long-term visa," Sajan told Khaleej Times in an interview after receiving the 10-year visa.
Also read: UAE starts issuing permanent residency 'Golden Card'
He revealed that six Sajan family members had received a long-term visa. And now he is awaiting the Golden Card.
The long-term 5-year and 10-year residency visa cost Dh650 and Dh1,150, respectively.
He suggested that long-term visas should also be issued to professionals like lawyers, doctors, bankers, CEOs who have been here for long time and have contributed immensely to the country.
As per the UAE government website, expatriates will be able to live, work and study in the UAE without the need of a national sponsor and with 100 per cent ownership of their business on the mainland under the five or 10-year visas. And the visa will be renewed automatically.   

Eligibility for a 10-year visa without a sponsor  

The following categories are entitled to apply for a 10-year residence visa in the UAE:

1. Investors in public investments of at least Dh10 million

The investment may take many forms such as:
- A deposit of at least Dh10 million in an investment fund inside the country
- Establishing a company in the UAE with a capital of not less than Dh10 million
- Partnering in an existing or a new company with a share value of not less than Dh10 million
- Having a total investment of not less than Dh10 million in all areas mentioned, on condition that the investment in sectors other than real estate is not less than 60 per cent of the total investment.
Granting a visa is subject to the following conditions:
- The amount invested must not be loaned
- The investment should be retained for at least three years
- There should be a financial solvency of up to Dh10 million
- Visa can be extended to include business partners, on the condition that each partner contributes Dh10 million
- The long-term visa can include the spouse and children, as well as one executive director and one advisor
- Investors from abroad may apply for a multiple-entry permit for a six-month period.

2. Persons with specialised talents

This includes specialised talents and researchers in the fields of science and knowledge such as doctors, specialists, scientists, inventors, as well as creative individuals in the field of culture and art. The visa advantage extends to the spouse and children. All categories are required to have a valid employment contract in a specialised field of a priority in the UAE.
Granting a visa is subject to the following conditions:
- Scientists must be accredited by Emirates Scientists Council or holders of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence
-Creative individuals in culture and art must be accredited by Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development
- Inventors must obtain a patent of value, which adds to the UAE's economy. Patents must be approved by Ministry of Economy
- Exceptional talents must be documented by patents or a scientific research published in a world-class journal
- Executives must be owners of a leading and internationally recognised company or holders of a high academic achievement and position.

3. 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 (refer to ICA for information)
- 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-year professional experience in his field
- Specialisation in areas of priority to the UAE.
- waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com