no real or remarkable increase in the number of cancelled...

"Statistics that were available at Naturalisation and Residency Department last year refute what foreign media said on the presence of mass exodus or cancellation of collective residences due to the impact of international financial crisis on UAE," Al Menhali said yesterday in a statement to Emirates Business.

 

"The total number of cancelled collective residences in 2009 was lower than 2007 and 2008 and there was no real or remarkable increase in the number of cancelled collective residences in 2009. This confirms UAE economy is still sound."

 

"Some 21,065,229 people entered into UAE via air, land and sea outlets in 2009. This figure is the biggest evidence UAE was, and is still, attractive. In addition, the figure is higher than the one registered in 2007 and 2008. The number of people who went out the country last year totaled 20, 682, 623."

 

"Currently, we do not have any intention to grant foreign investors eternal residency in UAE. The residency granted currently is the six-month residency approved by cabinet according to certain conditions. We do not have any intention to change these conditions or set period of time," he said at a press conference held yesterday at the Naturalisation and Residency Department in Abu Dhabi on the announcement of NRD's achievements last year.

"MoI is determined to open offices at emirates for the issuance of visas, especially in areas of dense population, rather than the issuance of visas from one main place.

 

"There is an electronic connection in the meantime between MoI and Ministry of Labour to facilitate the procedures of issuance and cancellation of visas. This connection proved its effectiveness and distinction and saved time and effort for the two ministries and staff. The connection was successfully done and we will attempt to circulate it across UAE in next period.

 

"During the new year, MoI is looking forward to establish an electronic connection with Ministry of Health (MoH) and local health authorities in UAE, especially preventive medicine departments. This connection is very important for us. MoH and local health authorities are our partners. I think this connection will be useful for the country, especially for labour and tourism sectors.

 

"MoI set up an institute for training of staff on modern training systems related to visas, residency and exits. An agreement was reached with a US academy to operate the institute for five years for the training of employees."