Will the UAE Residency be affected if you apply for citizenship in other countries? GDRFA explains the major rules. world News
Several UAE residents with valid visas are considering the citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs introduced by Dominica and Caribbean and other countries in Latin America. While these programs increase global mobility, they increase important concerns about legal status and possible challenges in the UAE when going to Europe or North America.Lieutenant General Mohammad Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, confirmed Gulf News in a special interview, that residents with legal status in UAE are eligible to apply for CBI programs. However, he emphasized that obtaining a second passport does not guarantee easy entry into the US or European Union due to changing immigration laws.
What is citizenship and investment?
Citizenship-by-investment (CBI) is a legal process that allows individuals to obtain citizenship in a country by making sufficient financial contribution. These contributions often take the form of investment in real estate, government approved projects, or create employment opportunities that contribute to the economic development of the country. Countries offering such programs use them to promote foreign direct investment and economic growth, as well as provide new opportunities to individuals with more and more global mobility. However, as General Al Mary has clarified, it is free to carry out these programs to the UAE residents with legal status, the acquisition of each other does not automatically give them the right to live in Europe or North America.
UAE Residence and migration with Investment passport
- Residence in UAE,
Lieutenant General Al Marree confirmed that individuals receiving investment-based passports while staying in the UAE live in the country, as long as they maintain a legal residence by organizing valid visas and complying with local immigration laws. His new nationality will not affect his right to live in the UAE.
- Migrate,
While some investors seek citizenship-investment to achieve easy access to Europe or North America, Al Mary insisted that such passports do not guarantee entry into the European Union, America or Canada. These individuals should still follow the entry laws and rules of their destination countries.
- Verification of investment passport,
For the safety of the residents, GDRFA provides a free service to verify the authenticity of the newly acquired investment passport. Through a dedicated forensic laboratory, GDRFA ensures passport’s travel-usableness, protects individuals from fraud and ensures their legal recognition.
New immigration rules in America and European Union
General Al Marri also explained recent changes in immigration laws in both the United States and the European Union. These new rules face possible challenges for the holders of other passports received through CBI programs. A growing anxiety in both regions is an increasing investigation of citizenship-by-investment schemes, especially introduced by Caribbean, Dominican and Latin American countries. In the United States and the European Union, these programs are often seen as a convenience of “money migration”, which leads to more examining the legal processes that control these investments. Al Marri said, “Recent changes in immigration laws of the US and European Union are affecting those with investment-based passports, especially keen to migrate in these areas.” “If they do not comply with updated procedures, they can withstand complications when trying to enter or settle into these countries.”
Guidance for UAE residents with second passport
For those who have received a second passport and are considering migration in America or Europe, a UAE-based citizenship-by-investment service office advised him to consult with the relevant embassy. According to a source by Gulf News, “Anyone who has received a second passport with the intention of migrating to America or Europe should contact the country’s embassy who issued a passport to understand new requirements and necessary steps.The source said, “The source also assured the residents that as long as they maintain a legal residence in the UAE, there should be no problem with their situation within the country.” His presence in the UAE should not have any problem until his residency status is legal and his permits are valid, “the source said.
More on citizenship-by-investment programs
His ability to provide wide opportunities for international travel and business has increased the citizenship-by-investment programs in popularity. The general process of obtaining citizenship through investment includes the following stages:
- eligibility criteria: Applicants should fulfill specific conditions, such as a clean criminal record, having good health, and having enough financial resources to invest necessary.
- Type of investment: On the basis of the country, from investment donations to government funds, real estate purchases, business enterprises that create jobs. Each country has its own set of requirements, such as the minimum financial limit or specific sectors of investment that must be targeted.
- Application process: After selecting a country and investment type, the person must submit an application with the required documents. This is then a proper diligence process to verify the background of the applicant and their validity of their financial resources.
- Approval and citizenship: Once an applicant is approved, they are provided citizenship with a certificate of passport and naturalization, which provides all the rights and privileges of a citizen in the new country.
