Souad El Skaf

DUBAI — Dubai has granted on Wednesday 212 doctors currently treating COVID-19 patients in the emirate’s hospitals with permanent Golden Residency visas in appreciation for their work as part of the UAE’s efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

The announcement, made by Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Humaid al-Qatami, comes in response to directives issued by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council in appreciation to doctors at DHA hospitals who attend directly to COVID-19 patients.

According to Al-Qatami, the permanent residency of 10 years will be granted to qualified professionals and specialized physicians.

He noted that expenses of processing the visas will be exempted.

In a Tweet posted on Dubai Media Office account, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai announced that the gesture comes in appreciation to the frontline teams who attend directly to patients infected with the virus, securing the well-being of the society.

Sheikh Mohammed said the permanent Golden Residency visas will be given to 212 doctors (males and females) working at DHA hospitals for their hard work especially during the pandemic outbreak. — Al Arabiya English