Can plan for future: UAE new Golden Visa for RAK educators offers stability, job security
The new Golden Visa scheme has been warmly received by the educators in Ras Al Khaimah claiming that it will provide them scope of coming up with future plans.
Ras Al Khaimah is like a second home to American expat Lydia, who has been in the emirate for four years now teaching. This 25 year old special education teacher at Wellspring School, noted, “This long-term visa will bring stability and recognition and also help me plan better for the future.”
According to Lydia, the programme is an affirmation of her commitment to the community and motivates her to make further investment in her position as an educator. “I would love to see some of the children whom I have taught since moving here, grow and succeed (in life).”
Earlier this month, the emirate introduced the Golden Visa programme for educators in private schools, to recognize the vital contribution of the teachers in molding the future of the emirate. This was launched by the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge (RAK DOK) to allow long term self-sponsored residency to school heads and teachers who fulfill the laid requirements. The programme aims at providing job security and acquiring highly qualified professionals to support the emirate’s plans for a top class educational structure.
Job security
A British kindergarten teacher working at the Ras Al Khaimah Academy, Catherine, poured praise on the Golden Visa classifying it as “a game changer in education”. It is fascinating and surprising. As the program focuses on key factors such as short term contracts, it engenders job security and a feeling of belonging to the 36-year-old.
Her expectations are that the scheme should reduce teacher turnover rates and provide further incentive for the enhancement of the teaching profession. “It makes us strive to put our best foot forward and gives us targets to work towards achieving. This provides teachers with more reasons to relocate to Ras Al Khaimah when seeking career regression and improved standards of living.” She highlighted that the Golden Visa is important for family stability which in turn increases the sustainability of the profession.
Those eligible for the course have to be in Ras Al Khaimah for not less than three years, possess an advanced degree and show evidence of improving the performance of the school. The scheme also provides benefits to the families of educators, making them more stable and instilling a sense of belonging.
Candace, a high school science teacher from South Africa working at Wellspring School, said; “The Golden Visa provides room for development and growth”. “This inspires individuals to sign up to longer contracts, something that was iffy with contracts lasting two years.”
The 51-year-old thinks this is a long overdue solution for the teachers and finally they have the support they need.
After living for four years in Ras Al Khaimah, Candace appreciates the sense of community and inclusiveness in the emirate. “This programme changes my thoughts about living here in such a way that it is not just temporary anymore.” She is convinced that the initiative will help attract top-notch educators and enhance the education sector in the emirate in the next three to four years.
Temitope, who has been in Ras Al Khaimah for almost 10 years, lauded the initiative saying it solves the issues of employment recognition and security for educators.
The Nigerian assistant head of secondary at GEMS Westminster School explains that ‘The Golden Visa creates a steady situation for educators, which is a positive thing. Such an arrangement makes a teacher feel secure, causing them to be devoted to their jobs. It also takes away the pressure of constantly renewing residency, allowing for focusing on career progression and family matters.’
The 41-year-old educator underscored Ras Al Khaimah’s capacity to draw very qualified teachers who would turn it into a strong education center.
For Ras Al Khaimah teachers like Lydia, Catherine, Candace, and Temitope, the appeal of the Golden Visa goes beyond rewarding them for their services, it is also an opportunity for them to establish their future in Ras Al Khaimah.
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