Expat female lawyer Jasmin Fichte gets 10-year UAE golden visa

Dubai - She has been living and working in the UAE for over 20 years.

Jasmin Fichte, founder and managing partner of Fichte & Co, was granted a 10-year golden visa by Dubai authorities on Sunday, becoming the first female lawyer in the UAE to receive the visa.

Fichte is a German national and has been a UAE resident for more than 20 years.

The UAE government had chosen 6,800 investors and professionals based in the UAE, who hold around Dh100 billion in assets and hail from 70 countries, to receive the golden visa.

Among professionals, the UAE also granted permanent residency to 2,500 scientists, researchers and doctors who come from various backgrounds including gas and energy, nanotechnology, aviation, engineering and robotics.

Dubai has granted 10-year visa to around 212 doctors for their work to protect the residents against the coronavirus pandemic.

Top businessmen in the UAE such as LuLu Group chairman Yusuff Ali, Danube Group chairman Rizwan Sajan, Aster DM Healthcare chairman Dr. Azad Moopen and Pure Gold Jewellers chairman Firoz Merchant are also among the golden visa recipients.

"I have been working and living in the UAE for over 20 years. With me it has been the same story as with many other expats that you plan to work in the UAE for a couple of years, but then decide to stay on as it is the best place to be. I think my major commitment to this country was in 2004 when I decided to establish my own law firm. Opening an office in Dubai was also a decision to stay for good," said Fichte.

She said: "Dubai is a place where you as a person and your business can flourish. As a working woman, I cannot stress enough the opportunities provided for women and it fills me with pride to see the ever-growing number of successful female entrepreneurs. Having put all my trust and hard work into my business in Dubai, I am grateful that the city is recognising my efforts and granted me a 10-year visa."

waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai