UAE passport named world’s strongest again
For the fourth year in a row, the UAE passport has been recognised as the strongest, as it allows its holders visa-free access to 90% of the world’s countries.
Thus, out of 198 countries in the world, UAE citizens can visit 133 of them without prior issuance of visas, in another 47 countries they receive a visa on arrival. Pre-arrival visas are only required in 18 countries.
Among the weakest passports in the ranking, compiled by Arton Capital, were documents from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia and Pakistan. Along with the UAE, the European Union countries are leading in the rating.
Earlier, the United Arab Emirates authorities approved amendments to the law on granting local citizenship to foreigners, including investors, valuable professionals and members of their families. This step is aimed at attracting outstanding people to the Emirati society.
Thus, the following are now eligible for UAE citizenship: investors, doctors, specialised specialists, scientists, creative personnel, including artists, as well as family members of all these categories.
Emirati citizenship is obtained by nomination by the courts of rulers and crown princes, the executive councils of the emirates and the cabinet of ministers.
UAE citizenship offers a wide range of benefits, including the right to own businesses and real estate. Investors are required to own property in the UAE.
Doctors must specialise in one of the unique medical fields and have research of scientific value, at least 10 years of experience in their field and membership of a relevant reputable organisation.
Scientists must have at least 10 years of experience in the field of study: at a university, research centre or in the private sector, and be the recipients 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 authoritative international body, in addition to a letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Economy.
Employees of intellectual or creative labour must be pioneers in the field of culture and arts and winners of one or more international awards. They must also have letters of recommendation from supervising state bodies.
Source: Arabian Business
