The United Arab Emirates, home to a large Indian population of over 3.8 million, has announced a new visa program offering long-term residency to individuals, who significantly contribute to environmental protection and sustainability efforts. The 10-year Blue Residency Visa aims to attract and retain global leaders in environmental research, activism, and technological solutions. This visa category extends beyond the UAE’s borders, welcoming those who champion sustainability initiatives worldwide. Successful applicants can include members of international environmental organizations, award-winning researchers, and distinguished activists. The Blue Residency Visa stands in contrast to the UAE’s standard two-year residency permits. It joins previously established programs like the Golden Visa, offering a decade-long residency to investors, entrepreneurs, and specialists, and the Green Visa, granting five years to skilled professionals and business owners.

The Blue Residency Visa coincides with the UAE’s ongoing Year of sustainability, a national commitment extending the focus on environmental initiatives and the landmark UAE consensus established during COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference held in Dubai last December.