First-of-its-Kind Consular Services Launched for UAE Golden Visa Holders

The UAE just launched the world's first specialized consular services for Golden Visa holders at GITEX Global 2025. This groundbreaking initiative comes from a partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, marking a major step in how countries support their premium residents abroad.

The timing isn't coincidental. This launch aligns with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's declaration of 2025 as the "Year of Community" under the theme "Hand in Hand." The UAE is doubling down on its strategy to become the world's top destination for global talent, investors, and innovators.

Omar Obaid Al Hassan Al Shamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explained that these services directly support the leadership's vision to cement the UAE's position among the world's best countries for global talent competitiveness. The strategic cooperation between government entities creates an integrated system that makes life easier for Golden Visa holders both inside and outside the UAE.

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili from the Federal Authority emphasized that this represents a qualitative step in institutional integration. The authority is working with the Foreign Ministry to develop smart, innovative solutions that meet Golden Visa holders' specific needs.

**Here's what Golden Visa holders and their families get:**

The services include issuing return documents if passports are lost or damaged while abroad. There's a dedicated hotline (009712493113) for support and inquiries. Emergency response gets priority treatment through the Foreign Ministry's 24/7 contact center.

But it goes further. Golden Visa holders now receive the same crisis support and emergency evacuation services previously reserved for UAE citizens. This includes assistance during international crises and natural disasters.

The package also covers repatriation procedures if a Golden Visa holder dies abroad. The government coordinates with health and official authorities to speed up processes and reduce the burden on families during difficult times.

**Why this matters for global mobility:**

This move signals how countries are competing for high-value residents. The UAE's Golden Visa program already offers long-term residency for investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals. Now it's adding consular protection that rivals what many countries offer their own citizens.

For investors and skilled professionals considering the UAE, this creates a new level of security and support. It's one thing to get residency in a country, but quite another to receive diplomatic protection when traveling globally.

The announcement at GITEX, the region's biggest tech conference, wasn't accidental either. The UAE is targeting the exact demographic that attends such events - tech entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators who value both opportunity and security.

This could pressure other countries with similar programs to enhance their offerings. Nations like Portugal, Canada, and Australia all compete for the same pool of global talent through their investor and skilled worker programs.

The UAE continues building its reputation as more than just a business hub. It's positioning itself as a place where high-value residents get treated with the same care and protection as citizens, even when they're thousands of miles away.