The UAE did not see a mass cancellation of residency visas in 2009 due to the impact of international financial crisis, a senior official has said.
Major General Nasser Al Awadi Al Menhali, Ministry of Interior’s Assistant Undersecretary of Naturalisation, Residency and Exits Affairs by proxy, said figures refuted claims by international media of a mass exodus by expats from the country.
“The total number of cancelled collective residences in 2009 was lower than 2007 and 2008 and there was no real or remarkable increase in the number of cancelled collective residences in 2009. This confirms UAE economy is still sound,” he said in comments published by Emirates Business on Monday.
“Some 21,065,229 people entered the UAE via air, land and sea outlets in 2009. This figure is the biggest evidence UAE was, and is still, attractive. In addition, the figure is higher than the one registered in 2007 and 2008. The number of people who went out of the country last year totalled 20,682,623,” he told the paper.
He added that the UAE did not have any intention to grant foreign investors permanent residency in UAE.
The residency granted currently is the six-month residency approved by cabinet according to certain conditions.
“We do not have any intention to change these conditions or set period of time,” he said.
Al Menhali said the number of violators who were seized last year totalled 27,550, while the number of infiltrators was 2,474.
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