Japan, Singapore, and South Korea have the strongest passports this year as the world continues to recover from the Corona epidemic. The UAE passport has achieved gains over the last 10 years and became the top winner during the pandemic.
These arrangements are included in the latest Henley Passport Index rankings of immigration consultancy firm Henley & Partners.
The Japanese passport allows entry to 193 countries without any hassles, followed by the Singaporean and South Korean passports.
Russian travel documents are ranked 50th, they allow entry to 119 countries. The Chinese passport ranked 69th with access to 80 countries, the Indian passport ranked 87th, while the Afghani passport is the weakest as its holders can access only 27 countries.
UAE a ‘Pandemic Winner’
With regard to the UAE passport, according to the statement issued by Henley & Partners, “Throughout the turmoil of the past two years, one thing has remained constant: the growing strength of the UAE passport, which now ranks 15th in the ranking, with the exemption from Visa or Visa on Arrival with 176 countries.
In the past decade, the country has made unparalleled gains as the highest climber on the index – in 2012, it was ranked 64th in the rankings, with a score of just 106. It has become the focus of intense interest among wealthy investors, and is expected to witness the highest net inflow of HNWIs globally in 2022, with a projected net increase of 4,000 – a whopping 208 percent increase versus 2019’s net inflow of 1,300, and one of the largest on record.”
Dr. Robert Mogielnicki, Senior Resident Researcher at the Arab Gulf States Institute and member of the Henley Advisory Committee, says GCC member states continue to roll out ambitious initiatives and plans to attract high-level companies that deserve skilled expatriate individuals and professionals.
He added, “Investment migration efforts and new labor market policies are part of a broader strategy to position the GCC as hubs for global capital and talent. Likewise, visa requirements for GCC nationals who visit major travel hubs and malls are simplified.
The UK has announced that citizens of the GCC will be the first to benefit from the new UK Electronic Travel Permit Scheme starting in 2023, ensuring that these visitors can enjoy visa-free travel across the UK. He pointed out that both the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman have signed sovereign investment partnerships with the UK.
