Foreigners who have made significant contributions to environmental conservation will be able to apply for a 10-year Blue Residency visa. This new type of visa was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Emirates.
The Blue visa will be issued to foreigners who help conserve both water and land resources and improve air quality, as well as to those who implement new environmental technologies. This applies to conservation initiatives both in the UAE and abroad.
The following individuals are eligible to receive a visa:
- Members of international and non-governmental organisations and associations
- World-award winners
- Environmental activists and researchers
In order to be considered for the visa, eligible candidates must submit an application to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, who can independently grant visas.
As the Prime Minister of the Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Ashid Al Maktoum, noted, the sustainability of the country’s economy largely depends on the state of the environment, thus prompting local authorities to take considerable actions to develop this sector. It is worth noting that 2023 and 2024 are known as the ‘years of sustainable development’ in the UAE.