UAE passport named the world’s strongest
The United Arab Emirates passport has been named the world’s most powerful passport – up 30 points in the region compared to last year, according to a ranking by offshore consultancy firm Nomad Capitalist.
The Emirati passport ranked 35th in 2022, visa-free entry to 181 countries worldwide, no income taxes and a recognised reputation helped it climb to the top spot.
Whereas the Henley Passport Index ranking assesses only visa-free passport opportunities, the Nomad Passport Index ranking is based on five criteria, which include visa-free travel, taxation of citizens, perception of the country in the world, willingness to grant dual citizenship and personal freedom.
“The Emirates has made it into the top 10 countries for the first time, moving up to the top spot from 35th. This is largely due to recent changes allowing foreigners to apply for a passport, as well as due to a favourable business environment and tax system,” the ranking specifies.
It is worth noting that the United Arab Emirates was the only Middle Eastern country represented in the ranking. The top five also include Luxembourg, Switzerland, Ireland and Portugal.
Earlier, the United Arab Emirates authorities approved amendments to the law granting local citizenship to foreigners, including investors, valuable professionals and their family members. The move is aimed at attracting prominent people to Emirati society.
Thus, the following are now eligible for UAE citizenship: investors, doctors, professionals, scientists, creative people, including artists, as well as family members of all the above categories.
The acquisition of Emirati citizenship will be through nomination by the courts of rulers and crown princes, the executive councils of the Emirates and the cabinet.
UAE citizenship offers a wide range of benefits, including the right to own commercial enterprises and real estate. Investors are required to own real estate in the UAE.
Doctors must specialise in one of the unique medical fields and have research of scientific value, at least 10 years’ experience in their field and membership of a relevant reputable organisation.
Researchers must have at least 10 years’ experience in the field they are researching: at a university, research centre or in the private sector, and be holders of prestigious scientific awards or grants. In addition, they need to provide a letter of recommendation from UAE scientific institutions to apply for citizenship.
Inventors must have one or more patents approved by the UAE Ministry of Economy or any other reputable international body, in addition to a letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Economy.
Intellectual or creative workers must be pioneers in the field of culture and art and recipients of one or more international awards. They must also receive letters of recommendation from supervising government agencies.
Source: The National
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