The UAE extends consular services to Golden Visa holders

According to the ministry's press release, the package was announced at GITEX Global 2025 by Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the ICP. Al Khaili said the services represent a "qualitative leap" in government integration and serve to empower distinguished residents. The ministry linked the step to the 2025 "Year of Community" theme and to the aim of keeping the UAE a global hub for talent and investment.

The package has four elements. The electronic Return Document is for people whose passport is lost or damaged abroad and who wish to return to the UAE. The dedicated hotline is available 24 hours a day through the ministry's call centre. Emergency and crisis assistance covers emergencies abroad, coordination with diplomatic missions and inclusion in evacuation plans. The fourth element is consular handling of the repatriation of the mortal remains of deceased visa holders.

According to Khaleej Times, these services were previously available only to UAE citizens. The return document is single-entry, valid for 7 days and free of charge; the cost of repatriation is borne by the family. The services apply to Golden Visa holders with valid residency and may extend to officially registered spouses and children holding valid residence permits.