Businessman Firoz Merchant gets UAE permanent residency

Another Indian businessman based in the UAE has been granted permanent residency. Firoz Merchant, Founder and Chairman of Pure Gold Jewellers, said the permanent residential permit would "boost confidence and loyalty" among investors residing in the UAE.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Merchant said the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Abu Dhabi called him on June 1 and asked him to submit his and his family's passports for permanent residency. "I visited the GDRFA office the next day and within no time, they stamped the 10-year auto-renewable permanent residency.
"The UAE is the university of the universe and among the greatest and most beautiful countries in the world. The country provides world class safety, security, education and heathcare facilities to its residents to live a valuable life.
"Over 250 nationalities residing in the UAE are united as a family trying to fulfil their dreams and live a better future. I am very grateful and thankful to the government for granting me the lifetime permit to reside in the UAE with my family," he added.
Many other businessmen have been granted either long-term 10-year visas or permanent residency known as the Gold Card announced earlier this year. Among them are Lulu Group chairman Yusuff Ali MA; Regal Group chairman Vasudev Shamdas Shroff; owner of Khushi Jewellers Khushi Khatwani; founder chairman and managing director of Aster DM Healthcare Dr Azad Moopen; founder and chairman of Danube Group Rizwan Sajan; and chairman of ITL Cosmos Group Dr Ram Buxani.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com