Abu Dhabi: The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) has granted golden visas to 16,456 individuals from the education sector. The beneficiaries include top-performing high school graduates, education specialists, scientists from elite educational fields, and outstanding graduates from both local and international accredited universities.

Top-performing high school graduates represent the largest group, with 10,710 students, followed by 5,246 graduates from accredited universities who have demonstrated academic excellence. There were 337 education specialists, 147 high-achieving graduates from internationally recognised universities and 16 scientists from leading educational fields in the list.

Lieutenant General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director-General of ICP, said yesterday, which happened to be UAE Education Day, “The UAE has long been a pioneer in the education sector, and through initiatives such as the Golden Residency programme, we are reinforcing our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering innovation. This residency is not just a reward for academic excellence, but also a recognition of the dedication these individuals show towards building a better future for our nation.”

The introduction of the Golden Residency to the education sector is part of a broader initiative by the UAE government to attract global talent, encourage educational excellence, and support the country’s educational strategy. By providing long-term residency options, the UAE is making a clear statement of its commitment to offering world-class opportunities for both students and educators.

Lieutenant General Al Khaili noted that the success of the Golden Residency programme is evident in the growing number of recipients and the positive impact it is having on the UAE’s education system. The initiative is already making a significant contribution to the country’s educational landscape, and as the programme continues to expand, it is expected to attract even more highly skilled professionals and students to the UAE.

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