UAE launches 10-year Blue Visa for environmentalists
The UAE Cabinet approved, on 16 May, a new, long-term, self-sponsored visa category called the ‘Blue’ residency visa. It allows foreign nationals who have made “exceptional contributions” to protecting the environment to reside and work in the United Arab Emirates for up to 10 years.
The Blue Visa aligns with the UAE government announcement that 2024 will be the Year of Sustainability in the country and follows numerous initiatives to introduce long-term residency visas in the country since 2019.
The Blue Visa will be granted to individuals championing sustainability and the use of modern technologies in promoting the circular economy, and other relevant fields.
Foreign nationals will be invited to submit their Blue Visa applications directly through the electronic portal of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), or through nominations by competent authorities.
The new visa is the latest to be introduced in the UAE, following the Golden Visa, which was introduced in 2019 and offers a 10-year residency to investors, entrepreneurs, outstanding individuals, specialised talents and high-earning executives or working professionals.
In 2022, the UAE also introduced a five-year ‘Green Residence Visa’ aimed at attracting and retaining exceptional talents, skilled professionals, freelancers, investors and entrepreneurs worldwide.
“The blue residency visa aims to attract global environmental leaders to contribute to the UAE’s sustainable economic and social development,” said Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Cop28 President and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology.
“It underscores the nation’s dedication to leveraging advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to create impactful solutions. With a forward-thinking approach, these solutions will address climate challenges and transform them into opportunities for a brighter future for humanity and our planet.”
Further details on the Blue Residency visa are expected to be available in the coming months.
“The addition of the new Blue visa, further expands the attractiveness of the UAE for skilled professionals who find themselves eligible for the long-term visa.” – Zana Jablan Musa, Operations Director at Sovereign PPG Corporate Service
