There’s more good news for Indian environment experts and NRIs planning to move to the UAE, with the country introducing a new 10-year residency. Named the Blue Residency, it was announced by UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Those with domain expertise in green technology and air quality are eligible for the visa. “In alignment with the national directives declared by the UAE President, to designate 2024 as the year of sustainability in the UAE, we introduced the Blue Residency, a ten-year residency granted to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to environment protection, whether in marine life, land-based ecosystems, or air quality, sustainability technologies, the circular economy, or related fields.

“The sustainability of our economy is now linked to the sustainability of our environment… Our national orientations are clear and firm in this area.”,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid at the meeting.

The Blue Residency will specifically be granted to supporters of environmental action, including members of international organisations, international companies, members of associations and non-governmental organisations, global award winners, and distinguished activists and researchers in environmental work from both Emirati nationals and responsible residents advocate of environment protection.

Sustainability advocates and experts who are interested in the Residency are invited to submit their applications directly through the services of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, or through nominations by competent authorities.

Last year, the UAE hosted the COP28 conference where countries adopted the UAE Consensus to move away from fossil fuels.

The UAE is seen as a leader in sustainability as it launches several initiatives for the environment and preservation of wildlife.

As part of visa reforms three years ago, it introduced the 10-year Golden Visa for specialists in various fields, senior managers and investors. It also launched a 5-year Green Visa. – editor@nrifocus.com