As Celebrities Secure UAE Golden Visas, Emirati Women and Bidoon Demand Equality
Lebanese singer Najwa Karam, footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, Egyptian actor Nelly Karim, and Tajik influencer Abdu Rozik share a notable distinction: they are all recipients of the United Arab Emirates’ prestigious “golden visa.” This visa offers a 10-year renewable residency in a nation increasingly recognized as a hub for influencers and celebrities.
The appeal of this visa is evident for high-profile individuals, while the UAE benefits from enhanced global visibility as a sought-after destination. However, the growing list of celebrities receiving this privilege has sparked discontent among certain groups, particularly Emirati women who cannot pass citizenship to their children and the stateless Bidoon population.
Sofia Kaltenbrunner, campaign manager at the International Campaign for Freedom in the UAE, emphasizes the stark inequality present in the system. She asserts that while the UAE is entitled to attract foreign investment through citizenship laws, it must address the significant discrimination faced by women and stateless individuals.
Disparities in Citizenship Rights
The UAE’s golden visa initiative, launched in 2019, aims to bolster the entertainment industry and attract investment by targeting investors, entrepreneurs, and high-achieving students. This program also acknowledges the cultural contributions of celebrities, expanding its reach over the years. However, it remains accessible only to a select few. Approximately 90% of the UAE’s population comprises expatriate workers, who must navigate a complicated process of renewing their work visas every two to three years.
Recent social media backlash has highlighted the disparity between the privileges granted to celebrities and the rights afforded to Emirati women, Bidoon, and expatriate workers. The announcement of Abdu Rozik receiving the golden visa drew widespread criticism online, with many calling for reforms to Emirati citizenship laws.
Egyptian singer and actor Mohamed Ramadan also publicly celebrated his golden visa, which allows him to reside and work in the UAE until 2030. His announcement garnered significant attention, reflecting the trend of celebrities expressing gratitude for their golden visas on social media.
Calls for Reform
Despite the potential repercussions of dissent in the UAE, prominent figures are increasingly vocal about the need for reform in citizenship laws. Earlier this year, Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi, wife of the ruler of Sharjah, advocated for naturalization rights for children of Emirati women, emphasizing the need for job opportunities for Emirati children.
Kaltenbrunner points out that Emirati citizenship laws discriminate against mothers with foreign husbands and the Bidoon population, who are excluded from obtaining Emirati nationality regardless of their long-term residency. The current nationality law grants automatic citizenship to children of Emirati fathers, while children of Emirati mothers must navigate a lengthy application process.
Laura Van Waas, co-director of the Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion, notes that the UAE is among 25 countries that do not guarantee equal citizenship rights for women. This discrimination contravenes international human rights law and adversely affects the rights of children and families.
The UAE’s Image and Human Rights Concerns
Kaltenbrunner argues that the UAE’s strategy to issue golden visas to influencers and celebrities serves as a public relations campaign to project an image of a modern and tolerant state. However, she highlights the stark contrast between this portrayal and the reality of repression within the country, where an estimated 200 political prisoners are incarcerated.
The consequences of citizenship revocation can be severe for prisoners’ families, impacting their access to employment, education, and healthcare. The case of Alaa al-Siddiq, daughter of political prisoner Mohammed al-Siddiq, exemplifies these challenges. After being stripped of her citizenship, Alaa sought asylum in the UK and became a vocal advocate for political prisoners.
Devin Kenney, a researcher for Amnesty International, views the golden visa initiative as a marketing strategy aimed at enhancing the UAE’s image by associating it with accomplished individuals. He emphasizes the need for the UAE’s laws to align with international standards on gender equality and nationality rights.
Kaltenbrunner echoes this sentiment, calling for an end to the discrimination embedded in UAE citizenship laws and advocating for equal recognition of children born to Emirati mothers and stateless individuals.
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Published on 2021-09-03 11:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk