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Discuss this article (66 Comments)Expats seeking UAE residency set to face culture test
by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Tuesday, 07 July 2009
EXPAT TEST: Expats seeking residency visas for the UAE will in future have to pass a culture test. (Getty Images)
Expats wishing to apply for residency visas for the UAE will in future have to pass a local culture test before their application is approved, it was reported on Tuesday.
The move comes after the Federal National Council (FNC) called for expats to have a better awareness of UAE values and traditions.
A committee will be set up by October to develop strategies to improve cultural understanding among expatriates, Ahmed Shabeeb Al Dhahiri, First Deputy Speaker of the FNC said in comments published by UAE daily Khaleej Times.
“Too many people don’t know anything about our culture — there are many nationalities — and every resident needs to know something about this country,” Al Dhahiri told the paper.
The committee will comprise members from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development, Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Al Dhahiri said members will draw up a series of questions that will comprise a test that expatriates must pass to get their residency visa.
The committee will also establish a guide to the country’s traditions that will be issued to local embassies and consulates while the support of the media would also be sought to raise cultural awareness levels among expats, he added.
READERS' COMMENTS
Disclaimer: The views expressed here by our readers are not necessarily shared by ArabianBusiness.com or its employees.
A Good Thing (R)
Posted by Dennis, Buenos Aires, Argentina on Tuesday 13 October 2009 at 02:07 UAE time
I cannot but agree to this initiative.
Even though I'm not currently living in the U.A.E., but planning to move in for work, I think one must first become familiar with the local culture; be it the history, language and/or customs, it's both a sign of respect and of willingness to coexist peacefully and respectfully with the host culture.
Even for temporary, work-related permanencies, it is a good measure.
(BTW, this comment comes from a liberal westerner.)
Posted by Dennis, Buenos Aires, Argentina on Tuesday 13 October 2009 at 02:07 UAE time
I cannot but agree to this initiative.
Even though I'm not currently living in the U.A.E., but planning to move in for work, I think one must first become familiar with the local culture; be it the history, language and/or customs, it's both a sign of respect and of willingness to coexist peacefully and respectfully with the host culture.
Even for temporary, work-related permanencies, it is a good measure.
(BTW, this comment comes from a liberal westerner.)
exam for residence visa
Posted by lilia, abu dhabi, united arab emirates on Thursday 30 July 2009 at 19:01 UAE time
unless u extend this residency visa for citizenship, like applying a US citizenship or UK citizenship whichever, then this is a good move. But if its only for a working visa that last only for three years, why bother.....its just a waste of time for both the government and the expats
Posted by lilia, abu dhabi, united arab emirates on Thursday 30 July 2009 at 19:01 UAE time
unless u extend this residency visa for citizenship, like applying a US citizenship or UK citizenship whichever, then this is a good move. But if its only for a working visa that last only for three years, why bother.....its just a waste of time for both the government and the expats
Visionary again!
Posted by The Don, Dubai, UAE on Tuesday 14 July 2009 at 16:22 UAE time
Giving people a course or a booklet about local culture when you apply for a visa or upon arrival in the airport is a really good thing to do and in fact is a must.
But linking the residence visa to passing in a culture test is unrealistic because simply the people coming to UAE are here to work and not to immigrate.
Posted by The Don, Dubai, UAE on Tuesday 14 July 2009 at 16:22 UAE time
Giving people a course or a booklet about local culture when you apply for a visa or upon arrival in the airport is a really good thing to do and in fact is a must.
But linking the residence visa to passing in a culture test is unrealistic because simply the people coming to UAE are here to work and not to immigrate.
Good one if its for citizenship
Posted by Leena, Dubai on Monday 13 July 2009 at 13:40 UAE time
I am living for almost 4years in dubai, I would love to live forever. The most cosmopoliton place. We all respect the local culture, but this idea will be more appropriate if you are extending citizenship.The government is complicating the situation, this will hv adverse effect than improvement.
Everyone will rethink to move to UAE for short term. This country being less populated with locals, there must be new ideas to attract residency than complicating it.
Posted by Leena, Dubai on Monday 13 July 2009 at 13:40 UAE time
I am living for almost 4years in dubai, I would love to live forever. The most cosmopoliton place. We all respect the local culture, but this idea will be more appropriate if you are extending citizenship.The government is complicating the situation, this will hv adverse effect than improvement.
Everyone will rethink to move to UAE for short term. This country being less populated with locals, there must be new ideas to attract residency than complicating it.
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