Latest news with #Nationality
Arab Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
What You Should Know About Bahrain's Golden Visa—Flexible, Affordable, Powerful
MANAMA, July 16: Bahrain's Golden Residency Visa is emerging as a powerful alternative to Gulf-based long-term residency programs, offering greater freedom, lower costs, and access to full residency rights for professionals, investors, retirees, and high achievers from around the world. Launched as part of Bahrain's Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy, the program offers a renewable 10-year residency permit, enabling foreign nationals to reside, work, invest, and sponsor family members without requiring employer-based sponsorship. Eligibility Categories Bahrain's Golden Visa targets five main applicant groups: Employees: Individuals who have lived in Bahrain for at least five years and earn a minimum of BHD 2,000 (USD 5,300) per month. Property Owners: Investors who own real estate worth BHD 200,000 (USD 530,000) or more. Retirees: Bahrain residents with 15+ years of residence and pensions of at least BHD 2,000/month are eligible; for non-resident retirees, the threshold is BHD 4,000/month. Talented Individuals: Artists, scientists, athletes, and entrepreneurs recognized for significant achievements may be nominated by a Bahraini government body. Key Benefits Golden Residency holders enjoy: Full residency rights including the ability to live, work, or invest in Bahrain. No employer sponsorship required, making it easier to change jobs or operate a business. Family sponsorship, including spouses, children, and even parents. No minimum stay requirement, though 90 days per year is advised to maintain active status. Access to national ID (CPR), banking, education, and healthcare services. Eligibility to apply for a work permit through Bahrain's LMRA for a nominal additional fee Application Process and Costs Applications can be submitted through the official Golden Residency portal or Bahrain's Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) platform. Initial application fee: BHD 5 Visa issuance fee: BHD 300 LMRA work permit fee (if required): BHD 172 + BHD 5 monthly admin fee Processing time: Typically 5 working days for salaried and property applicants; up to 10 for talent-based cases Private agents suggest total costs, including medical, legal, and insurance documents, range between BHD 2,000–3,000, depending on the applicant's profile. International observers note that Bahrain's visa is more cost-effective and flexible than similar schemes in the UAE or Qatar, especially for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, or retirees seeking a Gulf base without the high overhead. 'This is one of the few residency programs in the region where applicants can work, invest, and live freely without being locked to a sponsor,' said a Gulf migration advisor. 'Bahrain is positioning itself as a hub for talent and innovation. The government has encouraged eligible individuals to explore the program as a long-term opportunity to contribute to Bahrain's economic development while enjoying secure residency in one of the Gulf's most welcoming environments.
Khaleej Times
08-07-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE denies rumours of lifetime Golden Visa for select nationalities
The Federal Authority for Identity, Nationality, Customs and Port Security (ICP) debunked on Tuesday rumors 'circulating in some local and foreign media and websites about the UAE granting' a lifetime golden residence for a number of nationalities are not true. ICP pointed out that the categories of golden residence, their conditions and controls are determined in accordance with the laws, legislation and official ministerial decisions, and those wishing to know them can obtain them through the Authority's website or smart application.
Gulf Insider
30-05-2025
- Gulf Insider
Runaway Domestic Workers And Illegal Employer
The Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), in coordination with the Verdict Enforcement Directorate under the General Directorate of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing, has apprehended several runaway domestic workers along with an individual who facilitated their illegal employment. According to a statement issued by the NPRA, the arrests follow a thorough investigation prompted by multiple reports concerning workers violating Bahrain's residency and labour laws. Authorities discovered that the individuals had been working illegally on an hourly basis through the assistance of a third party who had been employing them unlawfully. The NPRA confirmed that all parties involved were successfully identified and detained as a result of the coordinated efforts between the agencies. Legal actions have been taken against the violators, and they have been referred to the Public Prosecution for further investigation and judicial proceedings. The NPRA reiterated its commitment to upholding Bahrain's residency and labour regulations, and warned against harbouring or employing workers in violation of the law, emphasizing that such offences will be met with strict legal action. Also read: Eid Al Adha: Six-Day Holiday In Bahrain
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE authority bust drug smuggling attempt, seize marijuana at Zayed International Airport
Authorities in the UAE thwarted an attempt to smuggle 5kg of marijuana at Zayed International Airport, the Federal Authority for Identity, Nationality, Customs and Ports Security announced on Wednesday. The General Administration of Ports seized the narcotic substances, which were found professionally hidden inside the luggage of an inbound traveller. According to official sources, the bust took place after Customs inspection teams grew suspicious of the traveller's baggage as it passed through the airport's advanced screening systems. The scanning equipment indicated the presence of abnormal materials concealed within the luggage, prompting a meticulous manual search. 'This necessitated the intervention of manual inspection teams to conduct an accurate examination that resulted in the finding of narcotic substances,' the authority stated. The operation was carried out in cooperation with the specialized K9 customs dog teams from the Customs and Security Support Management, which are trained in drug detection. Security, safety of community The ICP reiterated its unwavering commitment to enhancing its inspection capabilities by employing the latest devices and cutting-edge technologies. This strategy, the authority emphasised, is crucial for 'ensuring the protection of society from the dangers of narcotic substances and constitutes a deterrent to all those who would consider tampering with the security of the state". Officials highlighted that these efforts are part of a broader national strategy aimed at preserving the security and safety of the community. The authority also stressed its dedication to adopting innovative and advanced methodologies to combat drug smuggling and the movement of other dangerous materials, particularly in light of the increasing challenges and evolving tactics employed by criminal gangs. 'Protecting the security of society, preserving its stability, and protecting youth from the negative effects of drugs is a top priority,' the authority affirmed, underscoring the significance of such operations in maintaining public welfare.
Daily Tribune
13-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
HRH Crown Prince Salman Honours 29 Government Centres with Gold & Platinum in 'Taqyeem' Awards 2025
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister awards 29 government service centres and remote government service centres with gold and platinum classifications under the "Taqyeem" program: 13 May 2025 His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today awarded 29 government service centres and remote service centres with gold and platinum classifications under the fifth edition of the 'Taqyeem' evaluation program, at Gudaibiya Palace. The awards recognise outstanding performance in public service delivery. His Royal Highness emphasised the dedication and efforts of Bahraini citizens, which continue to drive the Kingdom's comprehensive development, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad expressed his pride in the national workforce, whose passion and ambition are key enablers of the Kingdom's ongoing progress. His Royal Highness commended the development of the fifth edition of the 'Taqyeem' evaluation program, noting the introduction of a new platinum classification for remote government service centres, reflecting their excellence in delivering government services. His Royal Highness emphasised that the programme's updated evaluation criteria and expanded scope are aligned with Bahrain's digital transformation goals and public sector competitiveness. His Royal Highness awarded the following 27 government service centres: • The Royal Humanitarian Foundation Customer Service Centre. Entities affiliated with the Ministry of Interior: • The Customs Clearance Service's Centre, Sea Port Customs Directorate – Customs Affairs • The Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (Muharraq Branch) • The Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (Isa Town Branch) • The Land Ports Customs Directorate – Customs Affairs • The General Directorate of Civil Defence – (Muharraq Security Complex branch) • The General Directorate of Traffic – the Driving School – Drivers Licenses • The Information and eGovernment Authority - ID Card Center (Seef Mall, Arad). • The Directorate of Criminal Information – Southern Branch • The General Directorate of Traffic - (Muharraq Security Complex branch) • The General Directorate of Traffic - (main building) • The General Directorate of Traffic - (Traffic Operations and Monitoring Center) • The General Directorate of Traffic – (Dana Mall branch) • The General Directorate of Traffic - (Wadi Al-Sail Mall). Entities affiliated with the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture: • The Southern Municipality - Customer Service Center • The Northern Municipality - A'ali District - Customer Service Center Entities affiliated with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce • The Metal Inspection Center Entities affiliated with the Ministry of Transportation & Telecommunications: • The Muharraq Post Office • The Isa Town Post Office • The Budaiya Post Office • The Bahrain Mall Post Office • The Hamad Town Post Office • The Sitra Post Office • The Hidd Post Office Additional Entities: • The Customer Service Centre of the affairs and funds of minors of the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry • The Abdullah bin Yousef Fakhro Social Development Center of the Ministry of Social Development • The Customer Service Center of the Survey and Land Registration Bureau His Royal Highness also honoured the remote government service centres that received the newly introduced platinum classification: • The Ministry of Interior Customs Affairs remote customer service centre • The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning's remote customer service centre His Royal Highness extended his congratulations to the awarded centres for their efforts and excellence, noting that these accomplishments should serve as a baseline to further elevate service standards and achieve the Kingdom's desired aspirations and goals. His Royal Highness commended the continuous development of government entities, which is a result of the efforts to improve efficiency and sharing best practices. HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad also commended the ministries that maintained high standards following previous awards, as well as those that improved their performance over the years. His Royal Highness highlighted that these efforts reflect the determination in providing quality service delivery and commitment to develop national efforts. His Royal Highness emphasised that the government service centres awarded gold and platinum awards for distinguished achievements are a model of excellence for all government centres to meet. His Royal Highness expressed his gratitude to the evaluation committee for its work, noting the Kingdom's broader strategy to foster innovation and efficiency across government workstreams, including through new policies and updated evaluation frameworks. According to several outcome indicators, 88% of government service centres met the excellence criteria in the fifth edition of "Taqyeem", while 56 out of 64 government entities achieved 90% of the excellence criteria. This achievement reflects the effectiveness of the evaluation criteria and its role in promoting ongoing improvement. Since the programme's launch, 58 service centers that did not meet the required standards have been closed or merged as part of a national effort to enhance service delivery efficiency and performance across the public sector. This was done after ensuring that services continue to be provided with the required quality, excellence, and efficiency to citizens, residents, and visitors through other government centers. For their part, the ministers and officials in charge of the awarded government service centres expressed their thanks and appreciation to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for honouring them with this recognition. They emphasised that the award constitutes a badge of honour and an incentive to continue striving for excellence in serving Bahrain's citizens and residents. His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and a number of senior officials attended the ceremony.
