The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced the Blue Visa for the first time in May last year. Now the UAE has started accepting applications for the 10-year Blue Residency Visa. This visa will be issued to people who make significant contributions to environmental protection and sustainability.
The aim of the UAE Blue Visa is to attract environmental sustainability and climate change experts to the country so that they can contribute to enhancing the environmental, economic and social development of the UAE.
This visa can be applied for through the online visa service platform smartservices.icp.gov.ae of the UAE Federal Authority for Identity Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
What is a Blue Visa?
The Blue Visa is a 10-year residence visa issued by the UAE government to individuals who have made significant contributions to protecting and sustaining the environment within the country and globally.
The Blue Residence Visa is granted to key advocates of environmental action, including members of international organisations and companies, NGOs, recipients of prestigious global environmental awards, prominent environmental activists and researchers.
What is the eligibility for Blue Visa?
According to the ICP, the Blue Residency Visa is for exceptional individuals in the environmental field, including scientists, researchers, investors, entrepreneurs, inventors, experts in environmental sustainability, energy and climate change.
Who is eligible-
-Distinguished international organisations working for environment, energy, sustainability and climate change.
-Notable people from regional, national and international associations and organizations working for the environment.
-People giving financial support to work being done for the environment.
-People who have received global, regional or national awards in environmental sustainability and climate change.
-People with a master’s or doctorate degree in environmental science, energy, sustainability, or climate change.
-Researcher in environment, energy, sustainability and climate change.
Requirements for Blue Visa
-Evidence of work and achievements in the environmental field.
-Valid passport with minimum six months validity.
For applicants from outside the UAE
If you are outside the UAE and have been nominated for a Blue Visa, you will first have to apply for a six-month multiple entry visa for Blue Residency. This will be your entry permit into the UAE which costs 1,250 dirhams (Rs 29,747). After this, you can apply for a Blue Visa.
