The Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge (RAK DOK) has announced the launch of a golden visa program for private school educators residing in the emirate. The program grants dedicated professionals, who meet set criteria, the ability to become self-sponsored by obtaining a long-term residency in the UAE.
The golden visa aims to attract and retain exceptional talent in the education sector, including school principals, teachers, and leaders within schools in Ras Al Khaimah.
“This initiative recognizes the critical role that educators play in improving the quality of education for all students in Ras Al Khaimah. The program acknowledges the invaluable contributions of teachers and is consistent with our overarching objective of establishing a world-class education system in Ras Al Khaimah,” stated Dr. Abdulrahman Al Naqbi, RAK DOK board member.
Who is eligible?
The Ras Al Khaimah golden visa program is open to two main categories of educators:
- School leaders: This includes principals, vice principals, and school directors.
- Teachers: This includes all qualified educators currently employed in private schools in Ras Al Khaimah.
“By qualifying top educators for long-term residency, we reaffirm our dedication to nurturing a robust educational environment that fosters talent and innovation, further enhancing our educational offerings and ensuring the continued success of our students,” he added.
Eligible educators must submit an official appointment letter, proof of educational qualifications, documentation of residency and employment, and evidence of their contributions to improving school performance. Once all necessary documents are submitted, RAK DOK will review and send confirmation of eligibility to the educator to visit the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) for golden visa processing.
Eligibility criteria for principals and school leaders
The Ras Al Khaimah golden visa program for educators will follow the following criteria for principal or school leader applications:
- The principal or school leader holds an official appointment letter from the Ministry of Education (MoE) or RAK Department of Knowledge.
- The applicant possesses an advanced degree (Master’s or PhD), with an equivalent certificate from the MoE if the degree was obtained outside the UAE.
- The principal or school leader has resided and worked in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) for at least three years.
- The school leader has improved the school’s overall performance rating.
- An endorsement letter from the school board of governors confirming the school leader’s exceptional contribution to the school.
- The principal/school leader submits all the documents to RAK DOK for review.
- The principal or school leader submits the DOK golden visa eligibility letter and all required documents to ICP for processing.
Eligibility criteria for school teachers
As for school teachers, they must fit the following requirements to apply for the Ras Al Khaimah educators golden visa program:
- The teacher holds an official appointment letter from the Ministry of Education (MoE) or RAK Department of Knowledge.
- The teacher possesses an advanced degree (Master’s or PhD), with an equivalent certificate from the MoE if the degree was obtained outside the UAE.
- The teacher has resided and worked in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) for at least three years.
- Additionally, the teacher must confirm contract renewal with the same school for the upcoming academic year
The teacher must also submit an initial application to RAK DOK, providing evidence of meeting at least three three of the following criteria:
- Demonstrated positive contributions to student learning outcomes.
- Positive feedback from students, parents, and school leadership.
- Receipt of awards, honors, or formal recognition for educational contributions at the regional or national level.
- Positive impact on students of determination.
- Introduction of innovative teaching methods and effective integration of technology.
- Active participation in professional development.
Additionally, the teacher must confirm contract renewal with the same school for the upcoming academic year. The teacher must also submit all the documents to RAK DOK for review. RAK DOK will then contact the school principal to verify the teacher’s evidence and confirm eligibility. Finally, the teacher submits the DOK golden visa eligibility letter and all required documents to ICP for processing.
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Ras Al Khaimah golden visa program FAQs
I work at a private school outside RAK but reside in RAK. Can I apply for the educator golden visa?
Eligibility for the Ras Al Khaimah educator golden visa requires employment at a private school within RAK. Educators working outside RAK do not qualify, even if they reside in RAK.
As a head of department, do I apply under the teacher or school leader category?
Heads of departments fall under the school leader category. However, they must review the specific eligibility criteria outlined in the policy for confirmation.
Can school administrators apply for the RAK educator golden visa?
School administrators are not eligible for the educator golden visa. The policy is intended for educators directly involved in teaching and school leadership roles.
As a board member of a school in RAK, can I apply for the educator golden visa?
No. Only educators actively involved in teaching or school leadership roles qualify for the educator golden visa. Board members are not eligible under this policy.
Is the RAK educator golden visa limited to specific nationalities?
No, the RAK educator golden visa is open to eligible educators of all nationalities who meet the specified criteria.
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