UAE has unveiled a new 10-year Blue Residency visa.

The United Arab Emirates has declared a permanent residence for environmentalists. The 10-year visa, known as "Blue Residency," will be given to people who have demonstrated "exceptional contributions and efforts" toward environmental protection. This includes efforts to promote sustainability both inside and outside of the UAE.

The Blue Residency will be awarded to advocates of environmental action, spanning members of international corporations, associations, and non-governmental organizations, recipients of global awards, as well as esteemed activists and researchers in the field of environmental work.

Qualified individuals are invited to apply via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. Moreover, authorized entities have the prerogative to nominate candidates for long-term residency.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated that:

“The sustainability of our economy has become linked to the sustainability of our environment,” during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

The latest residency program is among the initiatives launched by the nation to commemorate 2024 as the year dedicated to sustainability. Following the prevalence of green themes last year, which prompted the country to encourage residents to partake in collective endeavors towards embracing sustainable practices, the sustainability campaign has been prolonged into 2024.

Residency visas to the UAE are normally granted for a period of two years. The nation unveiled Golden Visas, a 10-year residency program, in 2019 for a variety of individuals, including investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, exceptional students and graduates, and humanitarian trailblazers. Three years later, the nation introduced "green visas," five-year residence permits intended for skilled workers, independent contractors, investors, and business owners.