A total of 400 Golden Cards have been issued to outstanding expatriates since the permanent residency scheme was introduced in the UAE last month.
That's according to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, which unveiled a target of 6,800 for the year 2019.
During a media briefing on Tuesday, a top official clarified that the Golden Card has a 10-year validity and can be renewed as long as all terms and conditions are met.
Major General Mohammad Al Marri, director-general of GDRFA, explained that Golden Card holders will be allowed to travel in and out of the country at will, and the visa validity won't be impacted if they stay out of the UAE for six straight months.
Gargash urges political approach to regional security
UAE authorities confirm weather conditions now stable in region
Ras Al Khaimah records highest rainfall of 244mm on Friday
UAE respond to several missile and drone threats on Saturday
UAE, Ukraine discuss regional developments and security
Abu Dhabi contain three fires caused by missile debris, six injured
Abu Dhabi Police handle 117,000 reports during unstable weather conditions
More unsettled weather expected across UAE
