With around half of its 1.7 million population made up of foreigners, Bahrain has often been viewed as a hub for professional expatriates
Bahrain, in an effort to “boost the economy”, recently announced that it had organized long-term visas for foreigners. The move by Bahrain comes in the wake of similar efforts by its Gulf neighbours. With around half of its 1.7 million population made up of foreigners, Bahrain has often been viewed as a hub for professional expatriates.
With oil prices in a volatile condition, many of the Gulf countries have been seeking to move away from dependence on fossil fuels. The relaxation in immigration laws is a bid to attract talent. Dubbed the “golden residence”, the new Bahraini visa can be allocated to those who receive a salary of at least IQD 2,000 (about USD 5,300) or pensioners with an income of IQD 4,000, the interior ministry said. Those who own properties worth at least IQD 200,000 are also eligible to receive the golden residence, as well “talented” individuals, the ministry added.
Qatar too announced in late 2020 that property or business owners would be granted the right to residence permits
The visa offers 10 years of residency in the kingdom, which can be renewed “indefinitely”, provided certain criteria are met. “The golden residency, which comes within the economic recovery plan… will contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of the Kingdom of Bahrain and supporting development paths,” the ministry said. The move would “attract talent”.
The move is similar to the one taken by the United Arab Emirates, which in late 2020 also announced the creation of a “golden residence” of 10 years for doctors, PhD holders and engineers. Then came the “green visa” in September 2021, which allows UAE residents to work without direct visa sponsorship by their employers, in what is known as the “kafala” system that is common throughout the region.
Qatar too announced in late 2020 that property or business owners would be granted the right to residence permits.
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