Dubai will grant golden visas to imams and preachers serving for over 20 years, according to an order that has been issued by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and the Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
The new decision means that imams, preachers, muezzins, Muftis, as well as religious scholars who have worked in Dubai for more than 20 years, will benefit from the GoldenVisaProgram, Visaguide.World reports.
In addition, Sheikh Hamdan also instructed them to give them financial rewards ahead of Eid Al Fitr. Such a decision has been taken in order to show appreciation for their work in teaching Islam and promoting tolerance.
Dubai’s Golden Visa Program permits internationals to acquire residency in exchange for financial contributions. Those interested in UAE’s Golden Visa Program are also required to meet some specific conditions to benefit from this visa that is issued for five to ten years, depending on the eligibility category of the applicant.
Last year, Dubai also took a similar decision ahead of Eid Al Fitr.
Enhancing the Golden Visa Program
In order to attract a larger number of wealthy foreign investors, the UAE previously decided to abolish the Dh1 million ($272,294) minimum down payment required for those interested to acquire a golden visa through a real estate investment option.
The new changes led more people to turn eyes to this scheme. Previously, CEO of Springfield Properties, Farooq Syed, told Khaleej Times that demand for properties that make buyers eligible for the Residency by Investment Program (RIP), known as the Golden Visa scheme increased exponentially.
According to Syed, they are getting many clients from Iran, Syria, Pakistan, and other nationalities with weaker passports and are shifting from one-bedroom to two-bedroom to be eligible for the ten-year residency.
One of the clients was about to buy a Dh1.9 million property, but he changed his mind and decided to opt for a Dh2 million property due to Golden Visa eligibility. Customers who are looking to invest Dh1.5 million plus are increasing their budget to Dh2 million now.
Statistics provided previously by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) revealed that Dubai saw a 52 percent surge in the number of Golden Visas issued in the first half of 2023.