‘Taxpayers Looking For First Opportunity To Exit’: UAE’s Golden Visa Launch Sparks Social Media Frenzy

The easing of Golden Visa rule by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has set off a lively debate across social media platforms, especially among Indians. Many people have started weighing in on everything from migration dreams and tax-saving opportunities to status symbolism and policy implications.

Originally introduced in 2019, the Golden Visa was aimed at attracting high-net-worth individuals, often requiring hefty real estate investments. Over the years, the eligibility threshold was lowered. Now, with a fresh nomination-based approach, the special visa is being extended to professionals like teachers, nurses, podcasters, YouTubers, e-sports players and even content creators and luxury yacht owners.

The lifetime residency visa is now available for AED 1,00,000 (around Rs 23.3 lakh). The updated policy has been initially rolled out for citizens from India and Bangladesh, countries that represent a significant share of the UAE’s expat population. The scheme will be later expanded to the partner nations of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The UAE entered into the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with India in 2022.

The UAE’s expanded visa criteria have triggered a wave of reactions online. Many social media posts reflected not just excitement, but also frustrations about the Indian system.

One user on X (formerly Twitter) commented, “The UAE is giving Golden Visa for Rs 23 lakhs and taxpayers are celebrating it as if they won a lottery. It's such a hopeless situation for taxpayers in this country that even after paying so much tax, they don't get anything in return. They're just looking for the first opportunity to exit from the country.”

Another post read, “The Rs 23-lakh UAE Golden Visa seems like a migration ticket. For many HNIs, the Golden Visa isn’t about leaving India; it’s about a backup option, global mobility and just something to flaunt at a party.”

Some users expressed concern over how the policy could be misused. One comment read, “This is a pilot; nevertheless, if it is abused by Indians/Banglas - it will be revoked instantly.”

One user even called the UAE’s Golden Visa programme a “game changer,” saying, “Many Indians will lap it up. The quality of life and other basic amenities are far superior in the UAE.”

Another user highlighted the UAE’s appeal to Indian professionals and wealthy individuals, stating it’s something “incredible for Indian professionals and HNIs” and cited the reasons, “Zero income tax, strict law and order, ease of doing business and world-class infrastructure.”

As the UAE opens its doors to a wider pool of applicants under the Golden Visa scheme, social media continues to reflect both aspiration and critique. While many see it as a step toward better opportunities, others view it as a reflection of the reality of the heavy tax burden in India and aspirations yet to be fulfilled.