Category: News

Saudi Shura Council Approves ‘Green-Card’ Residency Scheme for Expats

The new ‘privileged’ iqama (residency permit) law will seek to provide “highly-skilled” and “qualified” foreigners residency without the need for a Saudi sponsor. Under the law, the holder of such an iqama will have family status, can recruit workers, own property and transport in the kingdom, can obtain visit visas for relatives, can freely enter […]

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Overseas Long-Term Visa Applicants Can Apply Online for Six-Month Entry Permits

Foreigners eligible for long-term residency in the UAE can now apply online for a six-month entry permit to complete any paperwork needed to secure a five or 10-year visa. The six-month permit applies to all long-term visa candidates including entrepreneurs, investors, individuals with exceptional talents and outstanding students, according to Fragomen Worldwide, which specialises in […]

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Abu Dhabi Allows Foreigners to Own Freehold Properties in Investment Areas

The new rights also empower them to develop properties for the land thus acquired. The United Arab Emirates capital previously limited ownership largely to Emiratis and citizens of the neighbouring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. “The modernisation of the real estate law reflects the government vision to support and develop the business environment in Abu Dhabi, […]

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Bahrain’s King Reinstates Citizenship of 551 Tried in Courts

No reason was given for the decision and those affected were not named. At least 990 Bahrainis have reportedly lost their citizenship through court decisions or executive orders since 2012. Most have been left effectively stateless, and some have been deported. They have included many human rights defenders, political activists, journalists and religious scholars. Last […]

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Russia Offers Citizenship to Ukrainians in Breakaway Regions in a Provocative Move

Russia said Wednesday that it will offer citizenship to Ukrainians living in the breakaway territories of the country’s eastern flank, a provocative move that President Vladimir Putin signed into law just three days after Ukraine’s presidential election. The move angered Kiev, where the issue of how to resolve the military conflict in the eastern region […]

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