Exceptional educators who have demonstrated outstanding performance and made significant contributions to Dubai’s private education sector will now be eligible for the golden visa, it was announced over the weekend.
The Golden Visas will be awarded to educators in private early childhood centres, schools, and higher education institutions in Dubai. The initiative will recognize those who have played a significant role in the academic success of students and have garnered positive feedback from the community for their contributions to enhancing the quality of education.
Who can apply for the golden visas?
According to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai’s education regulator, the following can apply for this golden visa:
- School principals and leaders
- Early childhood centre managers
- Academic heads of higher education institutions
- Teachers (from schools and ECCs)
- Full-time faculty and senior administrative leaders at higher education institutions
What is the eligibility criteria?
Eligibility criteria for ECC managers, principals, and academic heads of higher education institutions:
- Qualification for higher education institution (HEI): Must have an advanced degree (e.g. PhD, professional doctorate, master’s) or relevant professional qualifications (e.g. CPA, professional fellowships).
- DSIB rating (for principals only): Must have improved the school’s rating to Good or better in the Dubai Schools Inspections Bureau annual inspections; and must have maintained or further improved this rating.
- Research contributions (for HEI only): Must provide evidence of contributions to research, including published research in reputable journals, research grants and collaborations, consultative reports, or creative work/exhibitions
- Student success: Must provide clear evidence of improved student outcomes, including academic progress, and graduation outcomes.
Other requirements:
- Leadership impact and feedback: Positive feedback from students, parents, staff, and other stakeholders about the principal’s leadership and the overall school environment.
- Recognition and awards: Must have received a prestigious education award, either must have improved the school’s rating to Good or better in the Dubai Schools Inspections Bureau annual inspections, or must have maintained or further improved this rating, or received recognition through grants, competitions, or fellowships.
- Must receive a formal nomination from the school’s board of governors, citing exceptional leadership and specific reasons for the nomination.
- Demonstrate positive contribution to the wider community through educational projects, partnerships, or social initiatives.
Eligibility criteria for teachers and faculty:
Qualifications (for HEI only): Must have an advanced degree (e.g. PhD, professional doctorate, master’s) or relevant professional qualifications (e.g. CPA, professional fellowships).
Professional experience:
The teacher must provide the following:
- Nomination by principal with board of governors’ approval and endorsement
- Evidence of student success in internal and external examinations and assessments
- Positive feedback from students, parents and school leadership indicating satisfaction with their teaching performance
Faculty of higher education institutions must provide:
- Evidence of contributions to research, including published research in reputable journals, research grants and collaborations, consultative reports, or creative work/exhibitions
Support for key student groups
The teacher must provide evidence of the following:
- Demonstrated success in improving the academic performance of Emirati students
- Demonstrated success in supporting the academic and social development of students of determination
Recognition and awards:
Must have received a prestigious education award, either:
- A national education award (e.g. the Hamdan Award or similar), or
- An international education award (e.g. the Global Teacher Prize or similar)
- Recognition through grants, competitions, or fellowships
Community work
- Must have contributed to the school community or the wider community through educational or social initiatives.
Application process
Schools, ECCs, and HEIs can nominate eligible staff members who meet the above criteria.
Required documentation
Candidates must submit:
- KHDA school rating reports (for principals)
- Award certificates
- Survey results and testimonials from students and parents
- Staff testimonials (for principals, ECC managers, and academic heads)
- Evidence of community involvement
- Documentation showing improved student outcomes
- Recommendation and nomination letters from board of governors
Review process
- A dedicated committee will evaluate the applications
- Committee recommendations will be forwarded to KHDA
- KHDA will review and coordinate with relevant authorities
- Eligible educators will be informed of the successful outcome of their application
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long is the Golden Visa valid for?
The Golden Visa is valid for 10 years and is renewable if the eligibility criteria continue to be met.
How do I start the application process?
The process begins with a nomination from the institution. If they support the application, they will initiate the nomination process through the KHDA system.
What happens once the application is submitted?
Each educational institution must form an internal committee to review all the applications submitted by its educators, ensuring they meet the criteria before submitting the application to KHDA. KHDA will review the application and issue approvals. KHDA will then coordinate with the relevant entities to propose the final list of educators eligible for the Golden Visa, and eligible educators will be informed of the successful outcome of their application.
Do I need to provide original documents with my application?
You may provide coloured scans of the original documents. Original documents may be requested for verification at later stages.
Are there any fees involved in the application process?
All fees for the Golden Visa applications are outlined on official website of the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
My current visa is about to expire. Should I wait for my Golden Visa or renew my current visa?
It is recommended to renew the current visa to avoid any legal or residency issues while the Golden Visa application is being processed. The review process may take time, and it’s important to maintain valid residency status in the UAE.
How long does it take to process the Golden Visa application?
The process typically takes 45 working days from the time all required documentation is submitted and approved.
What happens after the nomination is approved?
Once the nomination is approved, the candidate will receive a message instructing him/her to approach the GDRFA to continue the Golden Visa process through their authorized outlets.
If the application is approved, who will cover the cost of the Golden Visa?
KHDA will only nominate the candidate. If the application is approved, the cost of the Golden Visa must be covered by the applicant, unless there is an agreement between the candidate and the educational institution stating they will cover the visa fees.
Can I sponsor my family if I get a Golden Visa?
Yes, after obtaining the Golden Visa, you can apply for residency permits for your family members (spouse and children), allowing them to stay in the country for the duration of your residency.
I am an educator working in an educational institute, but my residency is under my spouse’s sponsorship. Can the institution still nominate me?
Yes, as long as you hold a license from KHDA to teach at the institution.
Do I need to meet all the criteria to submit my application?
The more criteria you meet, the better your chance of being successfully nominated for the Golden Visa.
Is there an appeals process to have my application reconsidered in case it is rejected?
No, decisions on applications are made after thorough review and consideration, and there will be no opportunity to reconsider the application.
Is there a specific window to apply?
Yes, ECCs, schools, and higher education institutions will be able to nominate eligible educators from mid-October until mid-December every year.
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