This new policy follows the trajectory of decisions made in the last few years, to draw more foreign residents, especially international students into the country. In October 2020, Dubai launched a program that allows overseas professionals to emigrate to Dubai but continue working remotely for the company in their country of origin. Remote workers, gig workers, and those with flexible work schedules can choose to relocate, with their families, on an annual basis and experience the life and pace of Dubai. A valid passport, health insurance with UAE coverage, and a minimum monthly salary of $5000 are what you need to qualify for this plan. The Retire in Dubai plan is also up and running for foreigners aged 55 and over.
A Cabinet resulted passed in 2018 also brought into effect the Golden visa. Typically, an expatriate student studying in the UAE would have to renew their visa every year. However, a student who graduated with a GPA of 3.75 or above, from within or outside the Emirates, can apply for the Golden visa that would be valid for 5 years. In November 2020, this decision was ratified to also allow for a 10-year provision for Ph.D. holders, doctors, engineers in the fields of computer engineering, electronics, programming, electricity, and biotechnology, and “outstanding” students with a GPA of 3.8 or more.