UAE Introduces Advanced Travel Support for Golden Visa Holders
The United Arab Emirates has rolled out a major upgrade to its flagship Golden Visa programme, offering enhanced consular and travel assistance to long-term residents abroad. Announced at GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai, the reforms include an expedited 30-minute online “Return Document” for visa-holders who lose or damage their passports abroad, and a 24-hour dedicated emergency hotline to support travellers in crisis.
The initiative is delivered in partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UAE) (MoFA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). It extends consular protections previously reserved for UAE nationals to foreign residents holding the Golden Visa, covering scenarios such as emergency evacuation, crisis response, repatriation of remains, and 24/7 global support.
By ensuring that skilled professionals, investors and entrepreneurs enjoy robust support while travelling or living abroad, the UAE reinforces its goal of making the Golden Visa a truly global-class residency offering. Legal experts describe the package as setting a new benchmark in the Gulf region for expatriate protection and service.
These enhancements align with the UAE’s broader ambition to attract and retain international talent, strengthen its economic diversification agenda, and signal that the country is committed to supporting its global residents — not just as visitors, but as partners in its future.
