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.

UAE President, European Council chief stress need to maintain Gaza ceasefire
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed hails national media as crucial pillar of development
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador
UAE unveils first Green Innovation District at Expo City
New partnership strengthens Dubai’s waste management strategy
2 men arrested in Fujairah within 3 hours of robbing bank customer
Man honoured for saving two girls from drowning in Sharjah's Mamzar
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan highlights Dubai’s vision for sustainable urban development
