In a significant move to honour the tireless contributions of nurses to the UAE’s healthcare system, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, has announced the expansion of the UAE Golden Visa program to include nursing professionals.

This decision reinforces the UAE government’s commitment to strengthening its healthcare workforce while recognising the pivotal role played by nurses, especially during public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement also aligns with the UAE’s long-term strategy of attracting and retaining skilled professionals in vital sectors.

 

Golden Visa Expansion: A Strategic Move

The Golden Visa initiative, introduced in 2019, grants long-term residency, ranging from 5 to 10 years, to individuals who contribute significantly to the nation’s economy, scientific progress, cultural development, and public well-being. By including nurses in this category, the UAE joins global efforts to provide stability and recognition to frontline healthcare staff.

Sheikh Hamdan’s directive will make nurses across the public and private health sectors eligible for the 10-year visa, provided they meet the relevant professional licensing, employment, and background verification criteria. Authorities are expected to begin accepting applications under this new category imminently.

“Nurses are the backbone of any healthcare system. Their role during times of crisis and everyday care has been indispensable to safeguarding community health in the UAE,” Sheikh Hamdan stated while announcing the policy extension.

Legal Framework and Eligibility

The Golden Visa is governed by UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 56 of 2018 concerning the Regulation of Residence Permits for Investors, Entrepreneurs, and Specialised Talents. While earlier iterations of the law focused on investors, doctors, scientists, and technologists, the recent expansion underlines the flexibility of the UAE’s immigration framework in addressing societal and sectoral needs.

To be eligible, nursing professionals must:

• Possess a valid nursing license issued by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), DHA, or the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.

• Have a clean criminal record.

• Demonstrate professional excellence and commitment to the healthcare field.

• Provide employer support or recommendation letters, where applicable.

According to the UAE Digital Government Portal, applicants must undergo a security background check and medical fitness test to qualify for long-term residency.

 

Impact on the Healthcare Sector

The UAE’s healthcare system employs more than 38,000 nurses, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Health and Prevention. These professionals are integral to the country’s efforts in delivering high-quality care across hospitals, clinics, and community health programs.

By offering nurses the opportunity to obtain a 10-year visa, the government acknowledges their contribution, enhances sector stability, reduces staff turnover, and encourages the long-term settlement of highly skilled expatriates.

In light of the visa announcement, Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) have been instructed to coordinate with immigration authorities to facilitate fast-track processing for eligible applicants.

 

Expert Legal Insight

Legal professionals welcomed the move, noting its broader implications for immigration and employment law in the UAE.

“This announcement strengthens the UAE’s image as a progressive jurisdiction that rewards merit and service. From a legal standpoint, it simplifies residency compliance and offers job security to nurses, which has a direct impact on workforce retention and healthcare quality,” said Sunil Ambalavelil, Managing Partner at NYK Law Firm, Dubai.

Ambalavelil added that the decision would likely lead to reforms in employment contracts and end-of-service benefit policies to accommodate long-term visa holders.

Social and Economic Benefits

Beyond the healthcare sector, the decision is expected to have ripple effects across the UAE's economy and society. The country encourages professionals to invest in real estate, education, and entrepreneurship by granting long-term visas.

Healthcare workers who previously operated on two-year renewable contracts now gain the flexibility to plan their futures in the UAE with greater certainty.

According to a 2023 report by Oxford Economics, long-term visa programs positively affect local economies, as residents are more likely to invest and contribute to community development when granted immigration stability.

 

Regional and Global Relevance

This policy initiative comes at a time when countries across the Gulf and beyond are competing for global healthcare talent. Saudi Arabia, for example, recently launched its healthcare residency scheme for foreign professionals. However, the UAE remains at the forefront due to its advanced infrastructure, safety, and progressive immigration policies.

Global health organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) have repeatedly emphasised the shortage of nursing professionals worldwide. The WHO estimates a shortfall of 5.9 million nurses globally, with developing countries experiencing the most significant strain. The UAE's Golden Visa initiative could serve as a model for other nations aiming to retain healthcare talent amid these global challenges.

 

Application Process and Support Mechanisms

The UAE government has committed to streamlining the application process via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). DHA, MoHAP, or SEHA facility nursing staff will receive priority review. Private sector professionals can apply through designated service centres and online portals.

Professional licensing authorities are also expected to introduce awareness campaigns to help qualified nurses understand their eligibility and navigate the application procedure.

 

Key Takeaways

• Golden Visa Eligibility Expanded: Nurses in the UAE are now eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa under Sheikh Hamdan’s directive.

• Legal Compliance Required: Applicants must meet licensing, background, and health requirements under UAE law.

• Healthcare Sector Boost: Policy will help reduce attrition and enhance sector stability.

• Immigration Reform: Reflects UAE’s dynamic legal and immigration framework tailored to national development goals.

• Positive Economic Impact: Long-term residency encourages investment, stability, and societal engagement from skilled expats.

 

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