Give Residency To Long-Term UAE Expats
Having helped build the country’s economy, expatriates should be allowed to live permanently in the UAE.
It stands to reason that expatriates who have spent years living in the UAE should be granted permanent residency. This view is shared by Emirati businessman Mishal Kanoo, who as deputy chairman of the Kanoo Group oversees one of the country’s biggest family-run businesses.
Speaking to Arabian Business, he said a foreigner who has spent “30-odd years” in the country should be allowed to stay indefinitely without need for a visa.
“I have no issues with residency,” Kanoo added. “As long as people are coming in to add value, why not? I think anyone who is willing to come and invest in my country, why should I say no to the best and the brightest?”
His comments have caused a stir among some Emiratis, who believe such a move would further threaten the local culture and national identity. Considering only 20% of the UAE population is Emirati, their concerns are understandable. Arabic is second to English as the most commonly used language, while the rise in tourism has seen a shift to a more western lifestyle. This is particularly true in Dubai where five-star hotels and huge shopping malls dominate the landscape.
Nevertheless, the economy is built on the back of skilled expatriates that have lived in the UAE. Without them, a country that once relied heavily on oil would have struggled to cultivate other industries, such as construction, property and tourism.
It’s also worth noting that granting residency visas would not further threaten the local culture. Expatriates make up the bulk of the population, regardless of whether they’re allowed to live permanently in the UAE or stay on a work visa. The cultural risk that some locals believe foreigners pose remains in either case, so letting people stay indefinitely doesn’t make a difference.
Taking all this into account, offering residency to people who have spent most of their working lives helping build the country’s foundations isn’t asking too much.
Unfortunately the laws seem to be moving in the other direction and are acting as yet another disincentive for people to buy property. I know of several cases of property owners who have had the terms of the visas that were initially given suddenly revoked meaning they have to renew every 6 months and for a not-inconsiderable cost. It is counter-intuitive to revitalising the economy – Dubai should welcome property-owning residents with disposable income not make it even harder for them to stay here.