Gulf news readers had a very strong response to the comment published in the views on the issue of expatriates being given the opportunity to seek UAE citizenship. Most of them welcomed the idea, while some expressed reservations and felt that it might dilute the culture and identity of the country. We present a selection of views.
Great hospitality
This is a fantastic article as it has finally spelled out the thoughts in the minds of many expatriates (‘Give expats an opportunity to earn UAE citizenship,’ Gulf News, September 23). Keeping in mind the population of the Emiratis, I think there is a need to give citizenship to foreigners. This will intensify national growth and innovation. Diversity is our key difference from other developed countries in the world. I hope this change happens soon. Accepting others as family is a gesture of hospitality and Emiratis bestow hospitality in abundance.
From Mr Rudresh
Dubai
Thank you, but no
I’m against giving citizenship to all. There are many reasons that still need to be worked on and studied before implementing this. Most expatriates that have been living in the UAE for over 20 years do not speak Arabic. Learning the local language is the first step towards the plea for citizenship. It’s a rule in other countries that do give citizenship. Secondly, I don’t know how acceptable the expatriates will be to the local culture and society or vice versa. I would take an opportunity to thank all expatriates who have worked and supported us in the last 20 years or more. I wish them the best in life. The UAE is your home and you’re welcome to spend time here anytime.
From Mr Dawood
Dubai
No criminal records
This is a great article by the writer, Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi. Expatriates have been waiting for this move for a very long time. My father came to the UAE in early 1970s and ever since then has been living here. If not citizenship, at least a permanent residency can be granted to people with no criminal records, with the police and the banks. When expatriates go back home they feel like strangers, because they are so used to living in the UAE. This has become our home. I was brought up here, now I’m working here and I have children who are born here. Burj Khalifa was one of the first few words they uttered. Thank you Gulf News for bringing this subject to light.
From Mr Omer
Abu Dhabi
It’s a must
It is for sure a breath of fresh air for thousands of expatriates who have given their toil, blood, dedication and sweat including the best days of their lives to their adopted country, the UAE. It is heartening to know, realise and understand that at least somebody is talking about this crucial issue, which is definitely a step in the right direction. I thank Gulf News, by far the number one English daily of the Middle East, to provide due coverage to this very important matter. History provides testimony to the fact that sooner or later, UAE citizenship will have to be provided to the expatriates through some process.
From Dr Salaria Aamir Ahmad
Missouri, US
Disagree
Even as an expat I do not agree with the idea of citizenship. However, permanent residency for selective personalities is a great idea. People who have lived here for decades, I want to remind then that UAE was never your home country. Just by wishing it to be so, it won’t happen. Yes, you gave this country your best years, your youth, energy and in some cases even your life, but there were certainly reasons and benefits for you to do that. You were not doing it out of love for the UAE. So, please have pride in your own nationality, culture and language. In the end we all have our own culture and responsibilities, don’t we?
From Ms Pari
Dubai
Safe and secure
Although it would be great to gain citizenship in this place, I feel the reason why this particular country is one of the safest is because they don’t give citizenship.
From Mr Zaid
Sharjah
Relieve our fears
Good job Mr Qassemi! We expatriates fear that no matter how much we care for and love this country, there will be a day when we have to return to our home countries. Spending all these years in this country, facing good and bad times makes us very attached to the UAE. Giving citizenship is a way to relieve us of our fear.
From Ms Neha
Dubai
Cannot adjust
My father, after working in the UAE for 35 years, retired from a reputed organisation. Since he can’t start a business here, my parents will be going back to our home country. I thank the UAE and its Rulers for giving foreign citizens an opportunity to live here and earn a tax-free income. For my parents the UAE is home and they are accustomed to its luxurious life. I am worried about how they will adjust to living conditions back home.
From Mr Mohammad Adil Mirza
Abu Dhabi
United
Citizenship must not be offered as it includes progeny. Yes, certain individuals probably deserve to be citizens, but that mustn’t be extended to their families. If a man gives you a room to stay in and he allows you to stay there for 30 years it does not mean that it becomes your room. Today all expatriates are equal and all Emiratis are equal. If the authorities start giving citizenship to a certain category of expatriates, it will create divisions within society.
From Mr John
Dubai
Loss of talent
This is definitely something that the concerned authorities need to consider. My relatives and friends who had lived here for more than 60 years left due to the lack of stability and moved to places like Singapore, where citizenship is given. Why should the UAE lose out on good talent due to these technicalities? By not opening citizenship to expatriates is the UAE gaining anything? I don’t think so.
From Mr S G
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Where do I belong?
I’m glad this subject has been brought to light. My immediate family has spent over 48 years in the UAE, but we still don’t belong here. Unfortunately, this isn’t home. But neither can I think of any other place that is home.
From Ms Farah
UAE
Long term plans
A permanent residency status given to expatriates with a UAE income will encourage them to save and make investments.
From Mr Hussain Fahmy
Sharjah
Website comment
Regard and loyalty
Certain categories of expatriates should be given permanent residency. Expatriates with exceptional academic qualification, those who run successful businesses and those who have been living here for over 25 years must be considered for permanent residency or citizenship. I have a number of friends who have been here for more than 30 years. They’ve raised their families in the UAE and cannot think of going back home after retirement.They are completely unfamiliar with their home country. I welcome this scheme for long term expatriates who have great regard and loyalty for the UAE.
From Ms Sarah Louise
Sharjah
Preserve the culture
Though being an expatriate who was born and brought up in the UAE. I have been living here for four decades, but I do not agree with the idea of giving citizenship to expatriates. It will affect the political, economic and cultural stability of this beautiful country. Presently expatriates clearly understand that they will have to return home someday and they live accordingly. It is the best to keep it this way, until we have a plan that will not affect the stability of this country.
From Mr Sameer
Dubai
Lifetime visa
I am happy to know that people are seriously thinking about this issue. I have been living here for the past 28 years. I feel like this is my home. At least the children who are born and brought up in the UAE should be treated differently. I still go to immigration for a visa, and I’m treated the same way as a new resident in the UAE. A free lifetime entry or visa is what I am asking for.
From Ms Sadia
Al Ain
Doubtful
This is a very optimistic article. Let’s start with giving residence permits to long-term residents and home owners to start with. That sounds more probable than citizenship. Also, it will benefit the property and housing industry. Citizenship, I’m doubtful it will ever materialise, but residence permits will.
From Mr Simon
Abu Dhabi
Learn Arabic
I support the idea of granting citizenship to expatriates, but based on certain conditions. The first should be a fluency in Arabic language. The government should design a test and set a passing grade to be considered eligible for citizenship.
From Mr Salem
Dubai
Minimum requirements
Excellent article! I completely agree with the writer’s views. The population of UAE nationals right now is so little that it is not possible for the country to sustain rapid long-term growth without depending on foreign expatriates, who ultimately think of themselves as foreigners and as such have no commitment to the UAE.
From Mr Ashok Sridharan
Ras Al Khaimah
Insecure expatriates
Our roots into the UAE run very deep, almost spanning a century. Our families have been doing business in the UAE since the late 1800s. I am the third generation of my family living in the UAE, different from people who are the third generation of their family brought up in the UAE. When I went to study abroad I was asked, where are you from? I said the UAE. What’s your address? I live in the UAE. Where are your parents? Both work and live in the UAE. My contact numbers are in the UAE. Where were you born? I was born in the UAE. What’s you nationality? Indian. Everyone wonders why my nationality is still Indian. Expatriates have contributed immensely to the economy of the UAE and the Emiratis have always welcomed them with open arms. But in the minds of the expatriates they know they are not 100 per cent sure of calling the UAE their home. As a result, they feel insecure.
From Mr Ravinder
Dubai
Alternative solution
The UAE has its identity and I have mine. My father was here for 38 years and I have been here for 32 years now. I was born and raised in Dubai. I got married here and my three children were born here. Although the UAE is my home and there is an emotional attachment, I would still like to stick to my actual passport. But if they could come up with a solution where people could get lifetime visas, it would really help. People would invest more, travel more and there would be a guaranteed input from people like me. We love it here, that’s why we are here.
From Mr Kamran Haider
Dubai
We miss UAE
This is a very stimulating article that struck the right chord. I had lived in UAE for 19 years with wife and three children. I built a successful professional career through hard work and integrity. The biggest compliment I received while working in Abu Dhabi is from one of my Emirati friend and colleague. He said your honesty and professional integrity is hard to find even in my own countrymen. Currently we live in Sydney, which is also a nice city but we dearly miss UAE.
From Mr Abdul
Sydney, Australia
Why change?
There is a saying, if it works then do not fix it. The UAE system is working extremely well so why change? However, the retirement market is so huge it should not be ignored. Potentially, millions of people would flock to a warm country to live out the last few years in a pleasant and safe environment and bring with them tremendous wealth for the economy.
From Mr Nadir
Abu Dhabi
Pension plan
Citizenship would be a very generous idea. But a pension plan would do better for expats working here so that they can have a peaceful life after retirement and some leverage for visiting UAE after retirement would be a good option.
From Mr Anwar
Dubai
Editor’s note: What do you think of this page and the content featured on it? How can we change and improve? Share your views on the newspaper’s content with us on readers@gulfnews.com or our Facebook page.
