UAE retirement visa: Residents thrilled, say they have been waiting for new scheme

For many UAE expats, the new retirement visa is a dream come true.

The UAE Cabinet recently announced amendments to make it easier for expats to retire in the country, and long-term residents are all for it.

As per the amendments, residents will be eligible for the retirement residency if they fulfil one of the following criteria: A single property or more than one property worth Dh1 million (evaluation to be carried out by the related entity in each emirate), or a bank deposit of no less than Dh1 million, or an active income of no less than Dh180,000 per annum.

Sariha Delli, an American expat who moved to the UAE in the February this year, said: "I just love it here."

The mix of nationalities and religions are an example of people living in harmony, she added.

“We have left America to retire here. I am a practising Muslim and the country is Islamic with mix of modern beliefs,” she said.

Delli's husband, 65, owns two companies in the US. They haven't started a business here, but are planning to in the near future. Their earnings comes from the two companies back home.

“We have bought an apartment in Sharjah and spent around $10,000 every month,” Delli said.

Meanwhile, Mukhtar Khalid, a Pakistani expat who has been staying in Dubai for the past 12 years, said he has been impressed by the lifestyle and environment.

"This law amendment is something I have been waiting for,” he said.

Khalid works as a manager at an aviation firm in Jafza. What sticks out to him about the UAE is that it is a friendly country with a high tolerance rate.

"I did not find anything intolerant in this country and wasn’t discriminated with anything,” he said.

Khalid, who owns an apartment in The Green Community, said this move will benefit several older people. The only concern is the health insurance.

ayaz@khaleejtimes.com