🌟 What is the new nomination‑based Golden Visa?
- Lifetime residency (not the traditional 5–10 year visa) available to Indian and Bangladeshi nationals for a one‑time fee of AED 100,000 (≈₹23.3 lakh)
- No requirement to invest in real estate or business—eligibility hinges on professional merit and nomination by approved agencies like Rayad Group, VFS Global, and One‐VASCO
Who is eligible? Golden Visa
- Target groups include mid-career professionals (e.g. healthcare, education, IT, digital media), entrepreneurs, researchers, outstanding students, philanthropic or humanitarian contributors .
- Applicants undergo rigorous checks: criminal records, AML, social media audits, and assessment of how they’d benefit UAE’s economy/culture
Key Features & Benefits
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | Lifetime residency; still renewable |
| Family Sponsorship | Spouse, children, parents, and domestic help eligible |
| No sponsor required | Complete freedom to live/work/study in UAE |
| Flexible residency | Can live outside UAE for over 6 months without losing visa |
| Streamlined services | ‘One‑Touch’ portal simplifies paperwork |
UPSC-Relevant Insights
- India–UAE ties: Aligned with CEPA to deepen diaspora engagement and talent exchange indiatimes.com+11insightsonindia.com+11timesofindia.indiatimes.com+11.
- Economic & governance angle: Signals UAE’s pivot to a knowledge-based economy—attracting talent over capital—while balancing security with liberal residency policies.
- Social impact: Raises policy considerations on brain drain, talent flow, and diaspora’s role in bilateral relations.
Points to watch
UPSC Exam Pointers
- Interlinkages: Think GS Paper II (IR & treaties), GS III (economic diversification, FDI, talent migration), and Essay/GS IV (ethics, privacy).
- Comparisons: Useful contrast with Golden Visa programs in Portugal, Greece, etc.—emphasize nomination‑based vs investment‑based routes.
- Bilateral diplomacy: Reflect on diaspora’s role in soft power and strategic partnerships.
Let me know if you’d like a detailed case study, comparative chart with other Golden Visas, or practice questions tailored for UPSC preparation!
Table of Contents
OUR SOCIAL HANDLE
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🧭 Topic-Wise UPSC IR PYQs (with years)
🌐 International Groupings
- BIMSTEC vs SAARC – 2022
- I2U2 & India’s global image – 2022
- AUKUS vs Quad relevance – 2021
- SCO: Relevance and India’s role – 2021
- UNHRC & India – 2020
🕊️ India & Its Neighbours
- India–Sri Lanka: Economic crisis & support – 2022, 2023
- India–Maldives maritime strategy – 2020
- India–Nepal boundary issues – 2015
🌏 Global Strategic Issues
- India’s stance on climate diplomacy – 2023
- Indo-Pacific strategy & free sea routes – 2020
- India’s refugee policy and Rohingyas – 2018
- India–Iran–Chabahar Port – 2018
📝 Sample Prelims Questions from 2024
- Which one of the following countries is not a member of BIMSTEC?
a) Bhutan
b) Thailand
c) Maldives
d) Nepal
✅ Answer: c) Maldives - With reference to I2U2 group, consider the following statements:
- It includes India, Israel, USA, UAE
- It focuses on joint investments in water, energy, transportation
✅ Correct: Both statements
- Bidibidi and Dadaab camps are located in which region?
a) Middle East
b) Central Asia
c) East Africa
d) West Africa
✅ Answer: c) East Africa
🎯 Pro Tip for UPSC IR
Create Issue–Based Notes like this:
| Issue | Country/Region | UPSC Year | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| I2U2 | India–Israel–UAE–USA | 2022, 2023 | Mini Quad / Strategic Grouping |
| SAARC Decline | South Asia | 2022 | Regional integration |
| AUKUS & QUAD | Indo-Pacific | 2021 | Balance of power |
| Chabahar | India–Iran–Afghanistan | 2018 | Connectivity & Diplomacy |
📘 UPSC Mains IR PYQs (2013–2023)
🔹 2023
- “India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.” Examine India’s role in recent developments in Sri Lanka.
- Evaluate the role of BIMSTEC vis-à-vis SAARC in meeting India’s strategic goals.
- Assess how I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA) enhances India’s global influence.
- Examine India’s climate diplomacy through global forums and summits.
🔹 2022
- Critically examine the implications of India’s membership in QUAD and Indo-Pacific initiatives.
- “Neighbourhood First” policy has bolstered India’s regional leadership. Discuss with examples.
- Discuss the strategic significance of India’s development partnerships in Africa.
🔹 2021
- Evaluate the significance of AUKUS in the Indo-Pacific region and its impact on India.
- Compare and contrast India’s relations with USA vs Russia in the current geopolitical scenario.
- Examine India’s evolving ties with Central Asia post the fall of Kabul in 2021.
🔹 2020
- Analyze the significance of Indo-US defense agreements (like COMCASA, BECA) on India’s strategic autonomy.
- India’s engagement with West Asia is rising; discuss the balancing act between Israel and Gulf countries.
- Examine the impact of India–China standoff in Galwan on regional security.
🔹 2019
- Discuss the role of Diaspora in India’s foreign policy.
- “Act East policy” is the cornerstone of India’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Explain.
- India’s involvement in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) – opportunities and challenges.
🔹 2018
- Discuss the significance of Chabahar Port for India’s connectivity strategy.
- “India’s foreign policy is becoming more assertive and pragmatic.” Examine with examples.
- Role of UN Reforms and India’s bid for a permanent UNSC seat.
🔹 2017
- India–USA relations are shifting from transactional to strategic. Elucidate.
- Analyze the challenges and opportunities in India–China relations.
- India’s role in BRICS and its economic diplomacy.
🔹 2016
- India’s neighborhood policy is facing new strategic challenges. Comment.
- Role of India in combating global terrorism in international platforms.
🔹 2015
- Discuss the emerging role of India in the climate change negotiations.
- Examine India’s strategic interests in South China Sea.