The much-sought after golden visa is a long-term residence visa which enables foreign talents to live, work or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits.

The latest announcement means the best-performing students at schools and universities in the country will be granted the Golden Visa.

A statement on state news agency WAM said high school students with a score of 95 per cent or above would be granted a Golden Visa.

The awarding is in recognition and appreciation of the students’ efforts, determination, and insistence on excelling in the pursuit of knowledge.

The benefits of the Golden Visa would be extended to family members.

A UAE Golden Visa will also be offered to students of local and international universities, on condition that students obtained an honours grade, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 or 3.75.

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the Authority, said the Government’s granting of golden residency to leading graduates confirms the direction and approach of the wise leadership of the UAE in appreciating promising scientific competencies and talents and attracting them to study and work in the country and providing them with the opportunity to contribute to the process of development and progress.

He went on to congratulate high school and university graduates for their efforts.

The Ministry of Education and the Emirates Foundation for School Education will co-ordinate with the Government to form a list of valid candidates for a UAE Golden Visa.