The United Arab Emirates will grant golden visas to nursing staff employed with the Dubai Health Authority who have served for over 15 years.
The decision comes following the directive issued by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, VisaGuide.World reports.
It comes as part of the efforts to recognize the contribution of nurses to the community and their role in advancing the quality of healthcare services.
Sheikh Hamdan said that nursing staff had an important role in the healthcare system, stressing that they serve as essential partners in improving the quality of life. He praised their commitment to patient care and the well-being of others.
The Sheikh also said that Dubai values excellence and honors those who serve with dedication.
The directive comes as part of International Nurses Day, on May 12, and comes as part of efforts to show the leadership’s ongoing support for healthcare workers.
It also emphasizes their aim to create an environment that helps nurses continue caring for the community.
Struggles to Attract New Recruits
In a nursing conference hosted by the Ministry of Health and Prevention and Emirates Health Services, it was discussed about the problem of attracting new recruits to the profession.
According to analyst forecasts, nursing access will continue to deteriorate and increase the estimated nurse shortage by 2030 to 11 million from 10 million.
The World Health Organisation’s eastern Mediterranean director, Dr Hanan Balkhy, said that the region is preparing to deal with a quarter of the world’s nurse shortage by 2030.
Balkhy said that the progress is lacking, stressing that without intensified efforts, the shortage of nurses will continue beyond 2030, particularly in the most vulnerable regions.
We face tough realities: deteriorating working conditions, gaps in education and training, weak regulation, deep inequities, and the immigration of nurses. To make matters worse, more than 60 per cent of global attacks on health care occur in our region. We urgently need targeted, high-impact and sustainable investments in jobs, education, leadership and service delivery.
Facilitated Rules For the Golden Visa Program
The United Arab Emirates’ Golden Visa Program grants residency to wealthy foreign nationals in exchange for financial investments, provided applicants meet the required requirements.
In a bid to attract a larger number of wealthy foreign nationals, in February 2024, the UAE abolished the minimum down payment of one million Dirhams (approximately Rs 2,26,31,327) for investors.