Dubai: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday announced two new visa categories - green visa and freelance visa - as it aims to attract global talent for its ambitious economic transformation plans.
Top students, investors, businessmen, and those with specialized skills are eligible to get the green visa, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi announced at a press event in Dubai.
Holders of the green visa will be able to sponsor their parents, as well as their sons until the age of 25. Upon expiration of the visa, they will be given a 90 to 180 days grace period, significantly more than the traditional visas given by the UAE.
Owners of independent businesses or self-employed individuals can apply for the freelance visa, the minister said.
The announcement was made just days after the government said it was planning 50 projects to mark the UAE’s 50th year.
