Five-year visas will attract international students to UAE

The UAE will face a "significant growth" in international students choosing the country for their higher education, thanks to the new five- and ten-year residency visa extension that was announced on Sunday, a KHDA official has said.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, had made the announcement on Sunday. Students that are performing exceptionally well will be eligible for a 10-year residency, while other students can get a five-year visa, and dependents will receive a visa extension to help them get started on their career after graduating.

"Dubai is a popular education destination for international students and extended visas will further enhance our position as a hub for higher education. We are expecting a significant growth in the number of students coming to study in UAE and this decision will not just benefit the UAE economy but also enable greater opportunities for higher education institutions and students," Dr Warren Fox, Chief of Higher Education at Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) said.