High-school pupils who achieved top marks in their final exams will be granted golden visas by the UAE government.
Children who scored 95 per cent or more will receive a 10-year visa for themselves and their immediate families.
The UAE government said that move was an "appreciation of the efforts of outstanding students and their families, and within the framework of the UAE government's direction to create an attractive and encouraging environment for talented people".
The country aims "to attract exceptional minds and talents to be permanent partners in the development process in the UAE", state news agency Wam said.
Pupils in private and government schools are eligible for the visa.
As was previously announced by the authorities, university students with a gross point average of 3.75 – who are either studying in the Emirates or are abroad and considering a move here – are also eligible for the 10-year golden visa.
The long-term visa system has been rapidly expanded to residents in recent months, including everyone from scientists and academics to businesspeople and public figures.
Fiona Cottam, principal at Hartland International School in Dubai, said the decision offered security and peace of mind for the hardest working pupils and their families.
"It is a huge recognition ... certainly for families it's significant," Ms Cottam said.
A child sponsoring their family is a radical departure from how the UAE's immigration and visa system works.
"It is ultimately parents' jobs that keep families in the country as opposed to visas. It is difficult to know what the long-term impact will be," she said.
Clearly this offer from the government will further ensure that the top pupil talent will return to the UAE, after studying in the world's top universities
Alan Williamson,
Taaleem
The fact that the visa is paid for would help to cut costs for families, she said.
Last week, Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation officials set out some details of how someone on a golden visa could change jobs, which would be relevant for parents who are effectively sponsored by their children.
Alan Williamson, chief executive of Taaleem, which runs 13 schools in the Emirates, said the visa was an "exciting opportunity to motivate our pupils".
"What a wonderful reward for their academic endeavours, for themselves as individuals and their families.
"Clearly this offer from the government will further ensure that the top pupil talent will return to the UAE, after studying in the world's top universities."
“The move to offer golden residency to outstanding high school and university graduates along with their families will help attract and retain the brightest brains and boost nation-building efforts,” said Prof Ammar Kaka, provost and vice-principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai.
Exam joy for final-year pupils - in pictures
The Light of the Moon
Director: Jessica M Thompson
Starring: Stephanie Beatriz, Michael Stahl-David
Three stars
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
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4,872 matches
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Changing visa rules
For decades the UAE has granted two and three year visas to foreign workers, tied to their current employer. Now that's changing.
Last year, the UAE cabinet also approved providing 10-year visas to foreigners with investments in the UAE of at least Dh10 million, if non-real estate assets account for at least 60 per cent of the total. Investors can bring their spouses and children into the country.
It also approved five-year residency to owners of UAE real estate worth at least 5 million dirhams.
The government also said that leading academics, medical doctors, scientists, engineers and star students would be eligible for similar long-term visas, without the need for financial investments in the country.
The first batch - 20 finalists for the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Distinction.- were awarded in January and more are expected to follow.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Difference between fractional ownership and timeshare
Although similar in its appearance, the concept of a fractional title deed is unlike that of a timeshare, which usually involves multiple investors buying “time” in a property whereby the owner has the right to occupation for a specified period of time in any year, as opposed to the actual real estate, said John Peacock, Head of Indirect Tax and Conveyancing, BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates, a law firm.
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AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
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Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
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