The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has started issuing “golden visas“ to nurses who have worked for more than 15 years in the Dubai Health Authority, as part of a new strategy to retain qualified workers in the healthcare system.
The initiative comes from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, who stressed the key role that nurses play in the development of the UAE's healthcare system.
“Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system. They deserve not only recognition but also long-term opportunities,“ Sheikh Hamdan said.
By 2030, the global shortage of nurses could reach 11 million, with 25% of this shortage will be in the Middle East.
Industry problems: low wages, difficult working conditions, staff emigration.
“Without urgent investment in the education and protection of health workers, the crisis will continue beyond 2030“ is the opinion of Dr. Hanan Balkhy of the World Health Organization.
Previously, the “golden visa“ program in the UAE was available mainly to investors and high-paid professionals. But now the authorities have simplified the rules, canceling the mandatory contribution of 1 million dirhams (about 272,000 USD) when buying real estate in installments or mortgage.
Dubai is actively attracting foreign specialists, but now it is also betting on retaining its staff. If the experiment is successful, other countries in the region may follow its example.