UAE Golden Visa: 16,500 Students and Educators Receive Long-term Residency
The UAE’s Golden Residency scheme has reached 16,456 recipients, with high school students forming the largest group at 10,710. Learn how this initiative supports educational excellence.
By Vadim Kouznetsov, published
In a remarkable advancement for the UAE’s education sector, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has announced that 16,456 individuals have now benefited from the Golden Residency scheme. This prestigious programme encompasses high-achieving high school graduates, educational specialists, and exceptional university graduates from both domestic and international institutions.
Golden Visa Distribution Across Educational Categories
High school students with outstanding academic performance represent the largest group of Golden Residency holders in the UAE, with 10,710 recipients. The second largest category comprises 5,246 exceptional graduates from accredited universities within the country.
The remaining allocations are distributed among:
- 337 education specialists
- 147 outstanding graduates from accredited universities abroad
- 16 scholars (elite educational professionals)
This announcement was made by Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, during the celebration of Emirati Education Day on 28 February. He emphasised that “the UAE is one of the leading countries in the field of education.”
Strategic Vision for Educational Excellence
“The Emirati educational strategy aims to build aware and educated national cadres capable of acquiring the latest skills and knowledge,” stated Al Khaili. He further highlighted the ICP’s dedication to supporting the directives of the leadership and relevant authorities within the country’s educational framework.
Al Khaili explained that awarding Golden Residency to exceptional individuals in the education sector and those from accredited global universities represents one of the innovative initiatives implemented by the Authority to strengthen the UAE’s educational strategy and national economy.
“This initiative has served as an incentive for many workers, students, and their families to achieve excellence and stability in the UAE,” he added.
Key Takeaway
The UAE’s Golden Visa programme demonstrates the country’s strategic commitment to attracting and retaining top academic talent, creating a sustainable knowledge economy, and positioning itself as a global education hub by providing long-term residency benefits to outstanding students and educational professionals.
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- UAE Golden Visa Guide 2025: Complete 10-Year Residency Requirements & Benefits
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