In a symbolic expression of thank you and reward, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence has ordered the awarding of golden visas to nurses who have served Dubai Health sector for more than 15 years. This announcement which was made on International Nurses Day (May 12) highlights the UAE’s own profound appreciation of the indomitable pounding of the nursing professionals to build a healthier and tougher society.
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Honouring Dedication with Golden Residency
The prestigious 10-year residency permit is given to the individuals who have made outstanding contribution to the UAE; skilled professionals and workers of vitally important for the development of UAE sectors. In this scenario, which rewards the nursing profession that has been declared indispensable to the nation’s healthcare system.
“Sheikh Hamdan applauded the crucial role played by nurses as frontline fighters in the medical field” said the Dubai Media Office as it added their “dedication to patient care and commitment to the wellbeing of others” should be given the highest level of recognition.
An Essential Support of the Healthcare System
Nurses are usually under pressure performing crucial support, comfort, and treatment to patients day and night. Their dedication throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and going forward, also showed the invaluable nature of their profession. This golden visa initiative is a practical recognition of their lifelong service, loyalty and contribution to public health.
Not only will the golden visas provide long term residency but the allure of stability and security will enable nurses and their families to plan their lives in the UAE with confidence.
Addressing the Global Nursing Shortage
The announcement has been made at a time the world is currently suffering from a nursing deficit. At a nursing conference organised by the Ministry of Health and Prevention and Emirates Health Services in Dubai, the difficulties involved in pulling in and retaining talent in the profession were discussed among healthcare leaders.
In the face of a rise in global nursing staff from 27.9 to 29.8 million people within five years, 2018-23, rises in global populations and demand for care are overtaking growth. Analysts report that the global nursing crisis will rise to 11 million by 2030, with a quarter of that shortfall expected to hit Eastern Mediterranean.
WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Director, Dr Hanan Balkhy raised the alarm about “deteriorating working conditions, gaps in education, and the migration of nurses”, all of which are slowing down progress. She stressed for “sustainable investments in jobs, education, leadership, and healthcare infrastructure” that are necessary now.
A Step in the Right Direction
Sheikh Hamdan’s golden visa directive is a powerful message of support and empowerment to nursing community – not only in Dubai but throughout the region. It exposes the forward thinking health workforce development in the UAE as well as their focus on valuing human capital.
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The project is expected to raise spirits among the healthcare workers, maintain rates of retention among them, and create a model for nations in being able to pre-emptively fix significant staffing problems in key areas.
Celebrating Nurses, Building a Healthier Future
By rewarding long-serving nurses with golden visas, the futuristic city of Dubai is promising to continue promoting its identity as a leading innovation and healthcare service provider on earth; an image of compassion, excellence and gratitude. Such visas go beyond being residency permits – they are gestures of national recognition of the silent heroes of healthcare. To all nurses in Dubai and everywhere else: your service counts and your passion inspires.