Officials claim that the UAE has unveiled a first-of-its-kind consular package for Golden Visa holders abroad, guaranteeing speedier aid in times of need. This includes offering return documentation within 30 minutes, a dedicated hotline that is open around-the-clock, and repatriation assistance.
The announcement was delivered in front of Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Omar Obaid Al Hassan Al Shamsi, as well as authorities, employees, and visitors to the ongoing GITEX Global in Dubai.
Complementing the Community Year
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the United Arab Emirates, has designated 2025 to be the “Year of Community” with the theme “Hand in Hand,” and the inauguration is in keeping with his vision. Through the integration of government agencies to deliver innovative, seamless services, the program exemplifies the UAE leadership’s commitment to building a prosperous, cohesive society.
Additionally, the project enhances the UAE’s standing as a global hub that attracts top talent, investors, innovators, and specialists who can contribute to the nation’s progress.
Strategic collaboration to develop talent
According to Omar Obaid Al Hassan Al Shamsi, the new consular services package aligns with leadership goals to boost the UAE’s competitiveness in the global talent market. He stated that by providing care and assistance both within and outside of the UAE, the collaboration between MoFA and ICP creates an integrated ecosystem that makes the lives of Golden Residency holders easier.
Improving Institutional Integration
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili describes the project as a qualitative stride that promotes institutional cohesion in serving citizens. ICP is working with MoFA to develop intelligent, creative solutions that meet the needs of Golden Residency holders while also providing a secure, sustainable environment that embodies the UAE’s values of leadership, humanity, and generosity.
Return document in 30 minutes
Shama Aldhaheri, SDO specialist at the ministry, said the package ensures “continuous care and support for residents holding the Golden Visa while they are abroad.”
The first service enables issuance of a return document if a visa holder’s passport is lost or damaged during travel. “We issue this document within 30 minutes,” she said.
Essential services for holders of Golden Visas
Only Golden Visa holders will have access to a 24-hour hotline for inquiries, emergencies, and evacuation requests. When someone dies overseas, the ministry will assist families in making funeral arrangements in the UAE, as well as with repatriation or burial.
When questioned if the service is supplied via an app or a website, Aldhaheri replied that the return paperwork is available “on our website or on our app.”
In reality, this avoids the need for lengthy embassy visits for someone whose passport has been misplaced overseas. Instead, individuals can rapidly reenter the UAE by requesting a return document online or using an app. Additionally, the specialized hotline would speed up crisis response in conflict or catastrophe zones.
The package would be made accessible to Golden Visa holders immediately by the Ministry. Additional information, such as eligibility conditions or app deployment date, is expected to be made available through official government channels.
The new package offers a comprehensive range of services to Golden Residency holders and their families, including:
Returning papers overseas: Assistance in the event that a passport is missing or damaged while travel.
Dedicated hotline: The MoFA Call Center (0097124931133) provides round-the-clock assistance with questions and emergency circumstances.
Support for emergencies and crises: Quick response for locals in times of need, including international evacuations.
Repatriation services include arranging for the return of a deceased person’s body to their family in the event of an overseas death, as well as providing the necessary administrative and logistical support to reduce their burden.
