Will UAE’s liberalised immigration policies attract Indian professionals and students?

As a result of the economic slowdown before the outbreak of COVID-19, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries began to give indicators that they were keen to reduce dependence on expatriates. Saudi Arabia’s ‘Nitaqat Program’ sought to raise the number of Saudi employees in companies which Oman has brought in policy to limit the number of expats employed in the Health Sector, and job reservations for nationals in certain government departments.

There is no doubt that Indian workers in the Gulf, who have worked hard and contributed to India’s economic growth through their remittances, have already suffered as a result of COVID-19 and will be further impacted by such policies in the short run. Moreover, the economy of a number of states, especially Kerala, is also dependent upon the remittances from the Gulf.

Focus on attracting professionals

While on one hand, GCC countries have introduced certain policies to give preference to locals, countries like the UAE have taken tangible steps with an eye on attracting not just businesses, but those who possess skills and talent.

If one were to look at the UAE, the first step in this direction was providing the equivalent of Golden Visas which provide for residency for a period of 5 years or 10 years. Under this arrangement, foreigners can study, work and reside in the UAE without any sponsor. Apart from this, businesses do not need a local partner. Either investors and entrepreneurs are eligible for the Golden Visa, or researchers and medical professionals.

While it is true that the UAE has emerged as an attractive destination for professionals from South Asia, especially India, in the recent years, one of the reasons why it has been losing out is the lack of long-term residency. The Golden Visa seeks to provide a sense of security to expats. It also sends out a strong message that UAE is not keen only to attract businessmen, but also individuals who can contribute to sectors such as R&D and medicine.

Another important step, which the UAE took recently was the introduction of the Green Visa, which means that workers do not need any sponsors. The Green Visa is also important for another reason. Earlier, individuals who lost their jobs needed to leave UAE immediately. But with the introduction of the Green Visa, they can stay on in the UAE even after they lose their jobs. This gives them a chance to look for opportunities. Significantly, those holding a Green Visa can also sponsor their parents and children up to the age of 25 years. 

Can UAE emerge as a favoured destination for Indian students?

In a post pandemic world, immigration to the west and countries like Australia, New Zealand and Singapore is likely to become tougher. And with the changes which the UAE has made to its immigration policy, it is likely to emerge as a favoured destination not only for Indian businesses and talented professionals, but also for students seeking to study abroad.

A number of top western universities (from UK and the US) have set up campuses in the UAE. In a post-COVID world, and given the changes in the UAE’s immigration policies, many Indian students may look at the option of securing degrees from western universities which have campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Apart from this, Indian professionals who have lost their jobs in western countries or are looking for another base may now be attracted towards the UAE.

The UAE has numerous advantages, for potential immigrants from India; a strong Indian diaspora, geographical location (proximity to India) and close business links with India.

With the changes in its immigration policy, UAE is likely to draw businesses, professionals and researchers from India. It needs to be credited for its far sightedness, in focusing not just on being a global economic hub, but also in attracting talent and emerging as a knowledge economy in the Middle East.

The author is a New Delhi-based policy analyst associated with the OP Jindal Global University, Sonipat

(Disclaimer: The views expressed above are the author's own and do not reflect those of DNA.)