 "Rajinikanth’s Gilded Honour: What is the Golden Visa that UAE has given to the superstar?")
In a momentous recognition of his contributions to cinema and culture, legendary actor Rajinikanth has been granted the esteemed golden visa by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The superstar who was recently in Abu Dhabi, thanked the UAE government’s department of culture and tourism. He said he was “honoured” to receive the prestigious visa. The veteran actor also expressed gratitude towards his friend and business magnate MA Yusuff Ali, the chairman and managing director of Lulu Group, for helping him secure the visa.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the prestigious UAE Golden visa from Abu Dhabi government. My heartfelt thanks to the Abu Dhabi government, and also to my good friend Mr Yusuff Ali, CMD of Lulu Group, for facilitating this visa and for all the support,” said Rajinikanth.
Superstar #Rajinikanth received the UAE's prestigious Golden Visa..🔥 pic.twitter.com/9OhtgyNVHE
— SureshEAV (@Dir_Suresheav) May 23, 2024
What is so special about this golden visa? Who’s eligible for it? Let’s take a closer look.
Impact Shorts
View AllWhat is UAE’s golden visa?
In response to the growing demand from top talents, academicians, and businesses around the world seeking attractive work visas, citizenship opportunities, and direct real estate investment with minimal financial commitments, the Government of the UAE initiated a significant overhaul of its visa policies.
Recognising the need to transition away from relying solely on temporary expatriate labour, the UAE aimed to attract and retain global talent and investors and fortify its status as a global business and talent hub. The strategic shift culminated in the introduction of the golden visa in 2019.
What can be considered as a ticket to long-term UAE residence, the golden visa is granted to affluent and skilled individuals across various categories, including investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, exceptional students and graduates, humanitarian leaders, and frontline heroes, as per the country’s website.
It not only gives them an opportunity for an extended stay in the UAE across its seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain, but also access to healthcare, work and study in the country while enjoying a range of exclusive privileges. It also gives them ability to sponsor family members for residence visas, including spouses and children regardless of their age.
Moreover, the golden visa programme offers investors the option to secure a 10-year self-sponsored residency permit by investing in public ventures, eliminating the need for a sponsor or local host.
This approach not only streamlines the process for investors but also encourages direct investment in UAE’s economy, which is largely trying to reduce oil dependency and give a bigger boost to sectors such as technology, education, and health.
Who is eligible for golden visas?
As per the UAE government’s website, individuals who can apply are:
Real Estate Investors: Can be given a five-year golden visa. One must own property in the UAE worth at least 2 million dirhams (Rs 4.52 crore) or purchase property using a loan from specific approved local banks. This visa does not require a sponsor.
Entrepreneurs: Can be given a five-year golden visa on the condition that they own a technical or innovative economic project worth at least 500,000 dirhams (Rs 1.13 crore), with endorsements from a UAE-based auditor, relevant authorities, and an accredited UAE business incubator.
Public Investment Investors: Can be given a 10-year golden visa without a sponsor, condition that investors either must deposit AED two million in an accredited UAE investment fund, own a business with at least AED two million in capital, or pay at least AED 250,000 (Rs 56 lakh) in government taxes annually. Moreover, they must fully own invested capital (not loaned) and have medical insurance for themselves and their family.
Doctors and Scientists: Can be given a 10-year golden visa. They need approval from the UAE’s ministry of health and prevention and a letter of recommendation from suitable scientific councils.
Inventors: Can be given a 10-year Golden Visa. They must have a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy validating that the patent adds value to the UAE’s economy.
Creative People in Culture and Arts: Can be given a 10-year golden visa. They need an approval letter from the UAE’s department of culture and arts.
Executive Directors: Can be given a 10-year golden visa. They ought to have a relevant university degree, at least five years of experience in the same position, and a salary of at least AED 50,000 (Rs 11.31 lakh).
Athletes: Can be given a 10-year golden visa. One must have a recommendation letter from the UAE General Sports Authority or sports councils.
Specialists in Engineering and Science: Can be given a 10-year golden visa. One must have a relevant certified Bachelor’s and Master’s degree and a work contract.
Outstanding Students: Can be given a five-year golden visa. High school students and national toppers with high grades (at least 95 per cent), and university students with a high GPA from recognised institutions are eligible. Students require a recommendation letter from Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment).
The golden club
Rajnikanth has joined a list of various personalities and Bollywood celebrities who have been granted the Golden Visa. Earlier this year, Super 30 Founder Anand Kumar, who was nominated by the Indian Embassy, was granted a golden visa.
Kumar is known for teaching underprivileged students exams like JEE-Main and JEE-Advanced – the entrance examination for the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
In January, Bollywood actor Kriti Sanon joined the elite visa club, which includes Shah Rukh Khan and his family, Sanjay Dutt, Sania Mirza, Boney Kapoor and his children, Varun Dhawan, Ranveer Singh, Kamal Haasan, Mohanlal, Mammootty, Dulquer Salmaan, Mouni Roy, Urvashi Rautela, Suniel Shetty, Neha Kakkar, Farah Khan, Sonu Sood, Tovino Thomas, and Amala Paul.
With input from agencies
 "'Sovereignty violated, security undermined': China fumes after USS Higgins destroyer 'intrudes' into South China Sea")
 "Will Pakistan go to war with India over the Indus Waters? Or are the threats hollow?")
 "How a diamond pendant led to South Korea's former first lady's imprisonment")
 "What is the Donbas region that Zelenskyy has refused to cede to Russia?")
 "'Sovereignty violated, security undermined': China fumes after USS Higgins destroyer 'intrudes' into South China Sea")
 "Will Pakistan go to war with India over the Indus Waters? Or are the threats hollow?")
 "How a diamond pendant led to South Korea's former first lady's imprisonment")
 "What is the Donbas region that Zelenskyy has refused to cede to Russia?")
