The United Arab Emirates has announced a new 'Green Visa' scheme for foreign workers. The purpose of this is to ease the restrictions faced by foreigners in pursuing employment opportunities in the country. 

WHAT IS GREEN VISA?

 The 'Green Visa' will allow foreigners to work in the country without the need for sponsorship by an employer.

The UAE Green Visa is essentially a new residency visa category that distinguishes between work and residency permits. The Green Visa will allow highly skilled people, investors, entrepreneurs and top students and graduates to sponsor themselves without having to first associate themselves with companies based in the UAE.

BENEFITS OF GREEN VISA

Holders of the new 'Green Visa' will be able to work in the country without company sponsorship, and can sponsor their parents and children up to 25 years old, officials said. Other Arab countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar have recently opened up their countries to wealthy investors. Reforms have been made to their paid permanent residency programs and property ownership rules.

Green Visa holders are also granted the leniency of staying within the UAE for a maximum period of 180 days following their dismissal from their place of employment. This provides Green Visa holders with an advantage over most other visas that are tied to employment contracts.

Who is the UAE Green Visa for?

Golden visa scheme is issued for 5 or 10 years to high-net-worth individuals, who bring large investments into UAE. The 'Green Visa' targets highly skilled individuals, investors, business people, entrepreneurs, as well as exceptional students and postgraduates, a media report said.

Freelancers are also encouraged to ply their trade in the UAE by utilizing the federal visa for freelancers. Self-employed workers based in the UAE and abroad in specialist fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain and digital currencies are welcome to apply for the freelancer visa.

What are the requirements of the UAE Green Visa?

Details regarding the various requirements of the UAE Green Visa have not become available 

How much is the fee for UAE Green Visa?

The cost for the visa has yet to be released.