The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced new regulations allowing expatriate retirees aged 55 and above to apply for a 5-year residency visa.

The move is part of the government’s effort to provide greater flexibility for retirees who wish to live in the country after their working years.

According to Gulf News, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) introduced the new residency and ID card regulations for retirees.

The new visa will allow retirees to stay in the UAE for five years and can be renewed if the applicant continues to meet the specified requirements.

Eligibility requirements for the new residency visa 

To qualify for the 5-year residency visa, expatriates must meet several criteria. Firstly, applicants must have worked for at least 15 years, either inside or outside the UAE. Additionally, applicants must fulfil one of the following financial conditions:

• Own property worth at least Dh1 million, or
• Have savings of at least Dh1 million, or
• Receive a monthly income of at least Dh20,000 (or Dh15,000 if residing in Dubai).

Furthermore, applicants must provide a bank statement from the last six months to verify their financial status. The residency visa will be valid for five years and is renewable if the individual continues to meet the necessary conditions.

The application process for retired residents 

According to reports, the ICP has outlined a clear process for applying for a residency visa and UAE ID card for retirees.

• The application can be completed through the official ICP website or the UAEICP smart application.
• Applicants will need to log in using their UAE Pass, select the appropriate residency and ID services, and then review and update their data.
• After this, the required fees must be paid, and the residency card will be delivered through approved companies.

Special regulations for retirees in Dubai 

In addition to the federal regulations, Dubai has introduced its own set of regulations designed specifically to attract retirees.

The Dubai program allows foreign nationals, their spouses, and dependents to apply for a renewable 5-year residency visa, provided certain financial conditions are met. The applicant must be at least 55 years old and meet one of the following financial criteria:

• An annual income of at least Dh180,000 or a monthly income of Dh15,000,
• Financial savings of Dh1 million in a fixed deposit for three years,
• Investment in unmortgaged property worth at least Dh1 million,
• A combination of the second and third options, totalling Dh1 million, with at least Dh500,000 allocated to a fixed deposit for three years and the remaining Dh500,000 in the property.

These options aim to offer retirees flexibility in meeting the financial requirements for long-term residency in Dubai.

Providing security for retirees 

Reports inform that the introduction of these residency visas is part of the UAE’s ongoing effort to create a more welcoming environment for expatriates.

• The new initiatives offer retirees the opportunity to settle in the country, enjoying their retirement years with greater financial security and flexibility.
• Further details reveal that the UAE has been focusing on attracting long-term residents, including retirees, through various visa programs designed to support both economic growth and community stability.
• These steps are expected to help retirees feel more secure in their post-retirement life, knowing they can continue to live in a country with a high standard of living and comprehensive healthcare services.
• The move also aligns with the UAE’s broader vision to diversify its economy and attract global talent across various sectors.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, on Friday, ordered MTN Nigeria Communications Limited to pay N15 million damages over the unlawful deduction of a subscriber’s airtime through unsolicited services.

The appellate court, in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel of Justices, described as fraudulent, the regular deduction of airtime of customers by the telecommunication giant, for the auto-renewal of services not subscribed to.

It further held that the sending of unwarranted text messages by the company amounted to a breach of subscribers’ right to privacy under section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as well as the violation of Regulation 28 of Consumer Code of Practice Regulations.

The judgement followed an appeal marked: CA/ABJ/CV/137/2022, which was brought before the court by an aggrieved customer, Mr. Ezugwu Anene.

Anene had approached the court, alleging that he received over 244 unsolicited text messages from MTN for Weekly Guidance and Counseling, a service he said he did not subscribe to.

He told the court that from 2016 to 2018, N20 was unlawfully deducted from his airtime balance, each time he received the text message on his mobile telephone line he gave as 08030735301.

The Appellant alleged that MTN continued to deduct his airtime for Caller Tune Services that was imposed on him.

He told the court that the unwanted deductions persisted, even though he protested at the Abuja office of the telecommunication company and also used a code, 2442, which he was told would activate a Do Not Disturb service on his line.

The festive season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, but it is also a period that can present unique safety challenges. With increased travel, bustling crowds, and heightened activities, staying vigilant and prioritising your well-being is essential.

Whether shopping, attending events, or hosting gatherings, a few practical tips can help you navigate the season safely while ensuring your festivities remain memorable for all the right reasons.

In this piece, BODEX BLOG highlights valuable tips to keep you and your loved ones safe indoors and outdoors during the festive period.

1. Be Alert in Crowded Areas

Crowded places such as markets and events are common during the festive period. Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid carrying large sums of cash.

2. Secure Your Home
Install security systems, lock all doors and windows, and inform trusted neighbours if you will be away.

3. Avoid Oversharing on Social Media
Posting your travel plans or expensive purchases can make you a target for burglars or scammers.

4. Drive Carefully
Roads tend to be busier during the holidays. Follow traffic rules, avoid driving under the influence, and plan trips during the day if possible.

5. Shop Responsibly
Use trusted vendors, avoid late-night shopping, and ensure your online transactions are done on secure platforms.

6. Stay Healthy
Avoid overindulgence in food and drinks. Also, maintain proper hygiene to prevent the spread of illnesses during gatherings.

7. Plan Your Finances
Create a budget to avoid overspending. Be cautious of scams or unsolicited investment offers.

8. Be Vigilant About Fire Safety
Inspect holiday lights, candles, and cooking appliances. Ensure fire extinguishers and smoke alarms are functional.

9. Keep Emergency Numbers Handy
Save contact numbers for local police, fire services, and emergency medical services for quick access.

10. Practise COVID-19 Safety

t crowded events, consider wearing a mask if needed, and maintain hygiene by washing hands or using hand sanitisers.

In an exclusive interview with PUNCH Online, the Lagos State Public Enlightenment Officer for the Federal Road Safety Commission, Route Commander Elizabeth Oluwadamilola Jayeola, shared vital safety precautions for the festive season.

She noted, “The festive season is a time of joy, travel, and heightened road activities. However, it is also a period when road accidents tend to increase due to factors like speeding, fatigue, and general disregard for traffic laws.

“To ensure safety, motorists and commuters must take deliberate steps to prioritise their safety on the road.”

Tips for Motorists:

1. Ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition by checking brakes, tyres, engine oil, lights, and wipers. Fix any faults promptly to avoid breakdowns or accidents.

2. Adhere strictly to speed limits and adjust based on road and weather conditions.

3. Avoid distractions, such as using your phone while driving. Stay focused on the road.

4. Fatigue impairs judgment. Ensure you are well-rested before embarking on any journey.

5. Start trips early to avoid night travel, which carries higher risks due to reduced visibility.

6. Respect your vehicle’s load-carrying capacity to ensure control and balance.

7. Prioritise passengers’ safety and comfort over profit.

Tips for Commuters:

1. Speak up against reckless driving.

2. Patronise reputable and well-maintained transport companies or vehicles.

3. Avoid boarding vehicles driven by drunken drivers.

4. Always fasten your seatbelt, even as a passenger.

5. Motorcyclists should always wear helmets.

6. Stay focused while riding and avoid distractions.

7. Report unsafe driving to relevant authorities.

8. Avoid last-minute trips to reduce rushed decisions and risk.

Similarly, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority Public Relations Officer, Adebayo Taofiq, outlined proactive strategies to ensure seamless traffic flow and safety during the Yuletide season.

“These strategies include stakeholder engagement, community enlightenment campaigns, media sensitisation, and enhanced deployment of officers to manage traffic hotspots. LASTMA has also provided heavy-duty towing vehicles for prompt responses to breakdowns and emergencies”, he stated.