♦ The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new nomination-based Golden Visa programme, offering Indian citizens lifetime residency without the need for large property or business investments.

♦ This move marks a shift from the existing visa framework and is part of a pilot project that begins with India and Bangladesh. 

♦ Under the current rules, Indian citizens typically secure the UAE’s Golden Visa by investing a minimum of AED 2 million (around ₹4.66 crore) in property or making substantial business investments.

♦ The new nomination-based system, however, allows eligible applicants to obtain lifetime residency by paying a fee of AED 1,00,000 (approximately Rs.23.3 lakh), subject to background checks and approval by UAE authorities.