Advancing Sustainability in the UAE: Immigration Pathways to Attract Talent for a Greener Future
December 20, 2024

Country / Territory
Related contacts
Related offices
Related contacts
Related insights
Related offices
Related contacts
Related insights
Related offices
By: Mona Ahmed, Wisal Fahd Abduldaim
Aligned with international commitments to environmental sustainability, the UAE has positioned itself as a leader within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In a region historically dependent on fossil fuels, the UAE is driving initiatives that reflect its vision for a greener, more sustainable future. The introduction of the Blue Visa, a 10-year residency for climate champions, underscores the country's commitment to advancing its transformative sustainability agenda.
The Blue Visa: A Unique Immigration Pathway for Green Transition Professionals
The green transition refers to the shift towards low-carbon and environmentally sustainable economies and societies. In the GCC region, traditionally reliant on fossil fuels, this transition has become a major focus. Qatar, for instance, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030, while the UAE and Oman target net-zero emissions by 2050. Other GCC countries are working toward net-zero emissions by 2060.
Amid this regional shift, the UAE has made significant progress under its Green Agenda 2030. Major investments have been made to develop renewable energy infrastructure, including the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai, which aims to power 800,000 homes by 2030. By hosting COP28 in 2023 and the World Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi in January 2025, the country is establishing itself as a regional leader in the green transition. The UAE Year of Sustainability 2024 further underscores the commitment to these goals.
In support of these objectives, the UAEβs Blue Visa offers a 10-year residency for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to environmental and sustainability efforts. Similarly, other countries are beginning to align their immigration policies with environmental goals. In 2023, Brazil announced plans for a pathway allowing foreign nationals to invest in its green economy sectors, while St Kitts & Nevis offers a citizenship-by-investment program to support sustainable initiatives. Unlike these investment-focused approaches, the UAEβs Blue Visa offers long-term residency across various categories including scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs.
A Strategic Tool for Attracting and Retaining Talent in the UAE
The Blue Visa builds on the UAE's long-term residency options, including the Golden Visa (10-year residency) and the Green Visa (five-year residency). Designed to attract top talent, it provides eligible professionals the opportunity to contribute to high-impact initiatives. By connecting candidates to large-scale environmental projects, the Blue Visa encourages collaboration across green sectors and allows holders to advance their work in these fields.
Beyond talent attraction, the Blue Visa serves as a crucial retention tool for climate champions already based in the UAE. The constraints of two-year employer-sponsored work permits often deter professionals, particularly those with families, from committing to long-term relocation. Offering a 10-year residency option, the Blue Visa incentivizes skilled professionals to remain in the UAE, pursue their careers, and support the countryβs ambitious sustainability goals.
Challenges and Uncertainties
The Blue Visa represents a significant step forward in expanding long-term residency opportunities in the UAE. However, its success in attracting and retaining climate champions will depend on overcoming several challenges. Degree requirements, often requiring a bachelor's degree or higher for skilled positions, could limit the pool of eligible candidates. The additional legalization process for degrees obtained outside the UAE adds another layer of complexity, particularly in fields where practical experience or alternative qualifications are equally valuable.
Additionally, there are uncertainties surrounding the implementation of the Blue Visa. Key details, such as the timeline for its availability and the application process through UAE immigration portals, have yet to be clarified. The mechanism for issuing work permits to Blue Visa holders who engage in contractual work is also unclear.
Need to know more?
For more information on the Blue Visa in the UAE, please contact Director Marcin Kubarek at [email protected] and Senior Learning & Advisory Specialist Mona Ahmed at [email protected]. Stay tuned for an upcoming Mobility Minute for details on the Blue Visaβs eligibility criteria and application process to be published in the coming weeks.
This blog was published on 20 December 2024, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.
Country / Territory
Related contacts
Related offices
Related contacts
Related insights
Related offices
Related contacts
Related insights
Related offices
Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.

Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss the SEVIS reversal and the continued challenges US international students may face.

Video
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat discusses Thailandβs Digital Nomad Visaβofficially known as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)βand how you can apply for it.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains that children of H-1B visa holders must secure a new legal status or leave the US when their H-4 dependent visas expire at age 21.

Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses unusual biometrics requests in H-1B and I-140 cases, noting they depart from standard practice.

Blog post
Regional Immigration Manager David Makau provides essential information about the launch of Bahrain's new Golden Visa portal, highlighting key details for applicants.

Video
Partner Diana Quintas shares everything you need to know about Brazilβs Digital Nomad Visa β a great option for remote workers looking to live and work in Brazil.

Media mentions
Partner Haseena Enu discussed her role in a pilot program mentoring Afghan legal professionals as they rebuild their careers in the US.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explained that SEVIS terminations are creating uncertainty for international students in the US and their employers.

Media mentions
Partner Amy Cococcia discusses the impact of tightened US immigration policies on work visa processing.

Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner comments on USCISβs atypical RFEs citing βadverse informationβ in employment-based petitions.

Blog post
Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how obtaining a business investor permit in Luxembourg can provide significant opportunities for accessing European markets and fostering business growth.

Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.

Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss the SEVIS reversal and the continued challenges US international students may face.

Video
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat discusses Thailandβs Digital Nomad Visaβofficially known as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)βand how you can apply for it.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains that children of H-1B visa holders must secure a new legal status or leave the US when their H-4 dependent visas expire at age 21.

Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses unusual biometrics requests in H-1B and I-140 cases, noting they depart from standard practice.

Blog post
Regional Immigration Manager David Makau provides essential information about the launch of Bahrain's new Golden Visa portal, highlighting key details for applicants.

Video
Partner Diana Quintas shares everything you need to know about Brazilβs Digital Nomad Visa β a great option for remote workers looking to live and work in Brazil.

Media mentions
Partner Haseena Enu discussed her role in a pilot program mentoring Afghan legal professionals as they rebuild their careers in the US.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explained that SEVIS terminations are creating uncertainty for international students in the US and their employers.

Media mentions
Partner Amy Cococcia discusses the impact of tightened US immigration policies on work visa processing.

Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner comments on USCISβs atypical RFEs citing βadverse informationβ in employment-based petitions.

Blog post
Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how obtaining a business investor permit in Luxembourg can provide significant opportunities for accessing European markets and fostering business growth.