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.
Funeral prayer for Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid to be held on Tuesday
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum passes away; 10-day mourning in Dubai
Abu Dhabi to host UN congress on crime and criminal justice
Abu Dhabi strengthens greenhouse gas emissions monitoring
Sharjah Ruler approves 6,700 housing support requests
Abu Dhabi court secures AED 7.8 million in workers' dues
Sheikh Abdullah to lead UAE delegation at UN General Assembly
UAE sends humanitarian aid to earthquake-hit Colombia
