Guyana stands on the cusp of significant transformation, both economically and demographically. The discovery and exploitation of oil resources have created a surge in demand for a skilled workforce that the country’s modest population of around 800,000 cannot fully satisfy. This situation has compelled Guyana to explore international labor markets, raising vital questions about migration, labor, and geopolitical stability.
Adding complexity to this scenario is the persistent threat of Venezuela’s territorial claims on two-thirds of Guyana’s land. Furthermore, the recent influx of Venezuelan migrants into Guyana, fleeing the economic hardships in their home country, exacerbated by the porous border between the two nations, has brought the issue of immigration to the forefront. It is a challenge that, if left unaddressed, could irreversibly alter Guyana’s social, cultural, and political landscape.
The current Guyanese government has expressed aspirations of becoming a “Dubai of the Caribbean,” reminiscent of the once-struggling Dubai, which transformed into an economic powerhouse and a magnet for global immigrants. This transformation didn’t happen overnight but was a result of careful planning and adjustments to immigration policies over the years.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), of which Dubai is a part, has seen its population grow from 75,000 in 1950 to over 9.5 million in 2023. To manage this rapid demographic change without losing its cultural identity, the UAE implemented significant changes to its immigration laws. Guyana would do well to study the UAE’s approach to harnessing the benefits of migration while preserving its cultural heritage.
In the UAE, there are several paths to citizenship, but none come with a full guarantee. One primary way is through birth, while others include citizenship through investment, ancestry, marriage, or naturalization. It is essential to recognize that acquiring UAE citizenship often requires a substantial period of residency and contributions to the country.
For Guyana, these insights from the UAE’s experience can inform the development of immigration and citizenship policies to handle the ongoing influx of workers and migrants. By examining the UAE model and adapting it to their own unique circumstances, Guyana can ensure that the wave of immigration serves its needs without compromising its cultural identity.
In January 2021, the UAE introduced amendments to its Citizenship and Passports Law, allowing certain categories of foreigners, their spouses, and children to acquire Emirati nationality. These categories include investors, doctors, specialists, inventors, scientists, intellectuals, and individuals with creative talents. Each category has specific conditions to meet, such as a property ownership requirement for investors or scientific achievements for doctors and scientists. In one category, Citizenship through Naturalization – A person from a different nation should reside in the UAE for at least 30 years. Also, they need to speak Arabic with proficiency and have a consistent supply of revenue in the UAE along with a spotless record.
Guyana could adopt a similar framework, with categories tailored to its own economic and social needs. This could help attract the skilled workforce required to sustain its economic growth while maintaining its cultural and political integrity.
Furthermore, Guyana must establish a comprehensive migration process, identifying categories of migrants and addressing constitutional gaps to prevent an immigrant culture from overshadowing the national identity. Simultaneously, the government must prepare for potential challenges posed by Venezuela, especially if its leadership changes, potentially amplifying territorial claims.
To secure its sovereignty, Guyana should rally support from the international community, including its Caribbean neighbors and allies worldwide, to reinforce the Arbitral Award of 1899, which definitively settled the land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela.
The challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Guyana are immense, and the nation must tread carefully. By learning from the UAE’s experiences and implementing prudent immigration policies, Guyana can navigate the complex waters of post-oil production and emerge as a thriving, culturally rich nation.
Various paths to UAE Citizenship.
There is no full-fledged guarantee that you would get UAE citizenship, eventually, it relies on your situation. The authorities have kept flexible rules to provide UAE citizenship to people who are living abroad and have made a commendable contribution to the country. However, the basic way to become a citizen of the UAE is by birth.
If you are unable to get citizenship by the options listed here, naturalization depending on your residential location is by far the most probable answer. However, because of the long wait duration, you should reside and serve in the UAE for at least 30 years until your proposal is accepted.
- Citizenship through investment – Although several Emirates provide an investment visa, it only allows residents to stay for a limited duration. It is not a direct path to citizenship. Regardless of how much money you have placed in the nation, you must meet the residency provision or other paths to obtain citizenship. Read More: UAE Golden Visa
- Citizen by Ascent or Ancestry – Becoming a UAE citizen by ascent occurs when either your father or both your parents are/were UAE citizens. Before the laws were liberalized, the rule stated if only your mother is from the UAE, you can apply for UAE citizenship after you’re 18. The laws were then liberalized and then it was decided that no citizenship could be provided by mother’s relation.
To accept UAE citizenship through this method, you would need a permit from your ex-pat father. The details required can be obtained through the internet, from the Emirate you reside in. - Citizenship through Marriage – If a foreign resident marries an Emirate resident for 3 years, the outsider can claim citizenship. After ten years of residency in the Emirates, you will normally be registered as a UAE resident. Your nationality will be revoked if you split with your spouse and remarry someone from another nation.
- Citizenship through Naturalization – A person from a different nation should reside in the UAE for at least 30 years. Also, they need to speak Arabic with proficiency and have a consistent supply of revenue in the UAE along with a spotless record.
In January 2021, the UAE Government approved amendments to the ‘Executive Regulation of the Citizenship and Passports Law’ (page in Arabic) allowing specific categories of foreigners, their spouses and children to acquire the Emirati nationality. The amendment stipulates certain conditions for each category and allows the naturalised citizen to retain his original nationality.
Becoming a UAE citizen,
Categories of foreigners who can be nominated for the UAE nationality:
- investors
- doctors
- specialists
- inventors
- scientists
- intellectuals
- individuals with creative talents.
Conditions for each category of nominees:
- an investor must own a property in the UAE.
- a doctor or specialist must be specialised in a scientific discipline of high demand in the UAE, and must have acknowledged scientific contributions and practical experience of not less than 10 years. He/she must have a membership in a reputable organisation in the field of specialisation.
- a scientist is required to be an active researcher either at a university, research centre or in the private sector. He/she must have practical experience of not less than 10 years in the same field and must have contributed to the said field. He/she must also have a recommendation letter from a recognised scientific institution in the UAE.
- an inventor must have one or more patents that are approved by the UAE’s Ministry of Economy (MoE) or any other reputable international body. He/she must also have a recommendation letter from MoE.
- intellectuals and other individuals with creative talent/s should be pioneers in the field of art and culture and must have won at least one international award. A recommendation letter from related government entities is required as well.
Other conditions
- Eligible candidates will need to:
- take the oath of allegiance and loyalty to the UAE
- commit to abide by the UAE’s laws
- inform the UAE government entity, in case of acquiring or losing any other citizenship.
- The citizenship can be withdrawn upon breach of the conditions.
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