UAE grants golden visa to Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi

The government of the United Arab Emirates has issued a golden visa to Javed Afridi, the owner of the Pakistan Super League cricket franchise, Peshawar Zalmi, Afridi told Arab News on Friday, saying he was “grateful” to receive the long term travel document.

What is UAE’s Golden Visa?

The UAE’s “golden” visa system grants 10-year residency in the Gulf state to certain professionals, specialized degree-holders and others. Foreigners in the UAE usually have renewable visas valid for only a few years tied to employment. In the past few years, the government has made its visa policy more flexible, offering longer residencies for certain types of investors, students and professionals.

Peshawar Zalmi said in a handout Afridi was issued the golden visa for promoting peace through sports and achieving success in the business sector. Afridi is also the chief executive of Haier Pakistan, a consumer electronics and home appliances company.

“I am grateful to the leadership of the United Arab Emirates for granting me this long term visa,” Afridi told Arab News. “The country’s visionary leadership is a model for both emerging and several developed economies.”

“This visa is being offered to investors, entrepreneurs, researches and even exemplary students, which is evidence of the UAE’s focus on knowledge creation and excellence,” Afridi added.

“I especially wish to laud the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his leadership and compassion during this last challenging year,” the franchise owner and businessman said. “Together with His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the leaders of the Emirates have set the course for a prosperous future.”

“Will try to act as a bridge between the business communities, sports and other sectors of both the countries,” he added.