Manama: Foreign students in the UAE can bring and sponsor their families, according to a new visa and residency rules.
The UAE cabinet on Sunday approved the new rule, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai tweeted announcing the decision on Sunday.
The new move will be subject to the financial capability of the student. The students’ families will be allowed to live with them in the country, but they have sufficient income to support the move.
The UAE has more than 77 universities and tens of thousands of students annually and become a regional educational hub, Sheikh Mohammed noted.
A student visa of one year is issued to expat students who are over 18 years and residing in the UAE. The student must be sponsored by a parent or accredited university. Under the long-term residency scheme or 'gold' visa, outstanding students can apply to get a long-term visa of 5 years.
According to academicians and many universities, the latest decision will give a fillip to student enrollment in the UAE universities. This has many advantages and helps to boost the psychological well-being of students. Diversifying the economy and attracting talents are also key outcomes that would be seen.
The UAE universities are expected to start in-person classes by the spring semester. In order to curb the spread of coronavirus, universities are currently conducting online classes.
