According to officials, the UAE has revealed a world-first consular package for its Golden Visa holders overseas, promising quicker assistance in times of need. This includes providing repatriation services, a dedicated 24/7 hotline, and return documents in 30 minutes.
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Omar Obaid Al Hassan Al Shamsi, and officials, staff, and guests attending the ongoing GITEX Global in Dubai were present when the news was made.
Aligning with the Year of Community
The inauguration is in line with the vision of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who declared 2025 to be the “Year of Community” with the theme “Hand in Hand.” The program demonstrates the UAE leadership’s dedication to creating a thriving, united society while combining government agencies to provide cutting-edge, seamless services.
The initiative also strengthens the UAE’s reputation as a worldwide center that draws top talent, investors, innovators, and experts who can help advance the country.
Strategic collaboration to foster talent
The new consular services package, according to Omar Obaid Al Hassan Al Shamsi, is in line with leadership directions to improve the UAE’s competitiveness in the global talent market. He pointed out that by ensuring care and assistance both inside and outside the UAE, the collaboration between MoFA and ICP builds an integrated ecosystem that makes Golden Residency holders’ lives easier.
Improving the integration of institutions
The project is a qualitative step that improves institutional integration in serving citizens, according to Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili. ICP is working with MoFA to create clever, creative solutions that are suited to Golden Residency holders’ requirements and offer a safe, sustainable environment that reflects the UAE’s values of leadership, humanity, and generosity.
Return document in 30 minutes
Shama Aldhaheri, SDO specialist at the ministry, said the package ensures “continuous care and support for residents holding the Golden Visa while they are abroad.”
The first service enables issuance of a return document if a visa holder’s passport is lost or damaged during travel. “We issue this document within 30 minutes,” she said.
Essential services for holders of Golden Visas
Only Golden Visa holders will have access to a 24-hour hotline for questions, emergencies, or evacuation requests. When someone dies overseas, the ministry will help families set up funeral arrangements in the United Arab Emirates and offer assistance with repatriation or burial.
Aldhaheri responded that the return document is available “on our website or on our app” when asked if the service is provided through an app or a website.
In actuality, this eliminates the need for lengthy embassy trips for a person whose passport was misplaced overseas. Instead, individuals can quickly reenter the UAE by requesting a return document online or through an app. Additionally, the dedicated hotline will expedite crisis response in conflict or disaster areas.
The package would be made available to Golden Visa holders right away by the ministry. It is anticipated that additional information will be released through official government channels, such as eligibility requirements or the app deployment schedule.
For Golden Residency holders and their families, the new package provides an extensive array of services:
Returning documents overseas: Support in the event that a passport is misplaced or damaged while traveling.
Dedicated hotline: MoFA Call Center (0097124931133) offers round-the-clock assistance for questions and emergency situations.
Support for emergencies and crises: Quick action for locals in times of need, including international evacuations.
Repatriation services: arranging for the return of a deceased person’s body to their family in the event of an overseas death, including all necessary administrative and logistical assistance to lessen the strain on them.