More than half of the Philippines' provinces are in drought as El Nino exacerbates hot and dry conditions typical for March, April and May
asia2 hours ago
Two Indian businessmen have become the first UAE residents to receive long-term visas. Vasudev Shamdas Shroff, chairman, Regal Group, and Khushi Khatwani, owner of Khushi Jewellers, got their 10-year UAE visas stamped on their passports on Tuesday (May 21).
Also read: UAE starts issuing permanent residency 'Golden Card'
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai posted photos of the duo - who are seen smiling - receiving their passports from top officials of the department.
The businessmen told Khaleej Times that the GDRFA called them to convey the news. "I received my visa within five minutes after making a payment of Dh1,350," said Shroff.
Read on: UAE's decision to issue Golden Card is a bold step: Experts
When asked how he felt after receiving the 10-year honour, a jubilant Shroff said: "I am home!"
The septuagenarian arrived in the UAE in 1960 on a vessel called the MV Dara from Mumbai. He started off the family business with one trading store. Now, the group has multiple businesses across the GCC. "If we had not been here at that time, we would not have experienced the UAE's growth. We have seen the UAE's open-minded and pro-business policies, which gave our company the chance to grow our businesses not only in the UAE but also in the region," said Shroff.
Important: Permanent residency: A golden boon for UAE economy
"The Indian merchant community is extremely happy about the UAE government's decision (to issue long-term visas) ... The ease of doing business here will send signals globally that the UAE is indeed a preferred destination for business and investment."
Khatwani said the long-term visas will bring about a "strong sense of permanent belonging" among UAE residents. The businessman, who has been in the UAE for the past 50 years, said: "The leadership's decision to issue the 10-year visa will encourage a lot of expatriates to have long-term plans here."
sandhya@khaleejtimes.com
More than half of the Philippines' provinces are in drought as El Nino exacerbates hot and dry conditions typical for March, April and May
asia2 hours ago
Court opened investigation into Sanchez's wife in response to a complaint by anti-corruption pressure group, whose leader is linked to the far right
europe2 hours ago
Chang'e-6 to return with soil samples from moon's far side; the mission expected to last 53 days
asia3 hours ago
The breed, prized for profitability and an ability to adapt to climate change, garners celebrity status in the Central Asian country
asia3 hours ago
Thousands of schools have suspended classes due to the heat, affecting more than 3.6 million students, education ministry data shows
asia3 hours ago
Despite the growing market share of domestic automakers, Teslas remain among the best-selling EVs in the Asian country
auto3 hours ago
The entire plan will see cow-breeding and poultry projects come up near the massive wheat farm and the dairy farm will form the third phase
uae3 hours ago
Modi, 73, remains resoundingly popular after a decade in office, and he is widely expected to win a third term
asia3 hours ago