The United Arab Emirates is the country with strong economy, developed infrastructure and high living standards. The State takes all effort to provide citizens with high level of life standard and guarantee of social stability.

Social policy of the UAE is primarily aimed at boosting welfare of native population. Citizens of the Emirates are provided with various financial benefits and privileges, and all possibilities for obtaining high level education (including overseas) and medical services. In addition, social policy is designed to ensure good level of life, and provision of subsidies for construction of properties for private use.

The United Arab Emirates hold 14th place in the world rating of the countries in terms of social development, level of education and healthcare. Below is the list of basic social benefits in the United Arab Emirates for natives:

• no fees for land, water and electricity;
• loans are provided for 30 years at the rate of 2.5% per annum;
• free secondary and higher education;
• study programs in universities are paid by the state;
• 119 thousand dollars are paid in case of marriage, and interest-free loan is provided for residential construction purposes as well;
• free healthcare, including core treatment overseas;
• allowance for contract soldier is 2000 dollars, upon completion of service, compensation in the amount of 25 thousand dollars is paid.

In addition, specific laws have been enacted ensuring social security of disabled citizens and pensioner. The average age of residents of the United Arab Emirates: 76.5 years for women and 73.9 years for men.

Citizenship in the UAE

High standard of life and social policy have attracted many people to the UAE. However, the country is noted for its strict laws relating to citizenship. A child is deemed a citizen of the United Arab Emirates only if his father is a citizen of the United Arab Emirates. Extramarital child may receive citizenship upon acknowledgment of paternity subject to prescribed procedure. Also, a child may be a citizen of the Emirates if his mother is a citizen of the United Arab Emirates, whereas father is unknown. Place of birth of the child in both cases is irrelevant.

Foreign women may obtain citizenship through marriage, provided that they have renounced previous citizenship and have resided in the country for at least three years from the date of application and the approval from the Ministry of Interior of the UAE has been obtained. Such right does not apply to foreign men.

The UAE migration policy features

In order to enter the UAE visa is required. It can be obtained from private person, a company or organization that is entitled to apply for visa. The term of validity of transit visa is 14 days, and of normal visitor visa is 30 days.

Immigration policy of the UAE prescribes special terms and conditions of entry for single, young women. For young ladies under 30 years old who have booked a room in the hotel which is not four stars or higher, the travel agency shall pay a deposit of 1.5 thousand dollars. This amount is payable to the State in case of failure of young lady to leave the UAE upon completion of visit. Married ladies under 30 years old, having surname other than her husband’s surname or travelling alone, shall submit a copy of marriage certificate.