For those of us fortunate to call the UAE home, we are fully aware of its nurturing and generous nature, its caring attitude and its willingness to embrace people from all cultures and to make all feel welcome. But the reality too is that there are many whose homelands are embroiled in conflict and conflagration, calamities and combat, who could benefit too from being able to live and settle within our peaceful, prosperous and secure nation. Now, in a major decision, the UAE will provide a one-year residency visa and exemption from accumulated fines to citizens of countries affected by wars and natural disasters.
In a Cabinet meeting on Monday, chaired by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, it was decided that citizens from the nations afflicted by conflict and calamity will be able to obtain one-year visas and renew them between August 1 and October 31.
This measure shows that the Leaders, Cabinet and Government of this nation, as well as caring for those within, also look with compassion and generosity to assist those less fortunate than ourselves. Indeed, from the very earliest days of this nation, and following the many examples and leadership of late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE has always reached out to help those in need and troubled by social and political strike, disasters and pestilence.
This is a generous humanitarian gesture, one that is indeed timely, and all we need is look beyond our own borders and region to those living in conditions that test the very nature and essence of the human spirit. The UAE has never shunned its responsibilities in assisting others. Yes, the UAE too is one of the most generous nations when it comes to providing financial assistance to those facing testing and trying times. And yes, this new measure complements that, offering an opportunity to those who have escaped the conditions of war and calamity, to find a safe, stable and secure home now within this country.
This special-category, renewable visa shows that the UAE is prepared to offer every reasonable measure to assist those fleeing conflicts and the nation is committed to helping where it can. Indeed, consider this measure now while nations in Europe throw up physical and legal impediments to thwart the desperate and desolate who seek a new start to their lives there. Others could follow the UAE example.
