GCC Immigration System

What is the GCC Immigration System?

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) immigration system refers to the policies and visa requirements that govern the movement of foreign nationals into the six member countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The GCC region is known for its economic prosperity, particularly in sectors like oil and gas, finance, technology, and construction, which has attracted a large number of skilled workers, professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs from around the world. The GCC countries have their own immigration policies, but they share common features, including work visas, investment visas, residency permits, and family visas.

Each GCC country offers a range of immigration options, and the immigration system is typically geared towards attracting foreign talent to fill high-demand roles, promote economic development, and attract investors.

How Does the UK Immigration System Work?

The GCC immigration system is largely based on work visas, residency permits, and investment-based routes. Each country within the GCC has its own specific visa requirements, but the general process remains similar.

 

Work Visas: These are typically the most common type of visa, as the majority of immigrants to the GCC region come for employment. Work visas are generally sponsored by a company or employer in the host country.
Residency Programs: Some GCC countries offer long-term residency options to attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and wealthy individuals.
Investor and Entrepreneur Visas: Many GCC countries have introduced specific routes for investors, entrepreneurs, and business owners to contribute to the local economy.
Family Visas: Family members of residents and workers can usually join their relatives in the GCC countries through family sponsorship programs.
Tourist and Short-Term Visas: GCC countries also provide tourist visas, which can be converted into work or residency permits under certain conditions.

Key GCC Visa Categories for Immigration

Each of the six GCC member states has unique visa categories, but the general pathways for immigration remain similar across the region. Below are the most common visa routes:

How to Calculate Your Eligibility for GCC Immigration

To calculate your eligibility for UK immigtion, you need to understand the points-based system used for most visa categories. Points are awarded based on factors like job offers, salary, English language skills, qualifications, and financial resource

Here’s how to assess your eligibility:

Age: • 18-25 years: Maximum points (around 10-15 points) • 26-35 years: Moderate points (around 8-12 points) • 36-45 years: Fewer points (around 5-8 points) • Over 45 years: Typically no points or very few points Note: Age is a significant factor in GCC countries, as younger applicants are typically prioritized for long-term residency or work permits.
Education: • Bachelor’s Degree: Base points (typically 5-10 points) • Master’s Degree: Higher points (typically 10-15 points) • Doctorate/PhD: Maximum points (typically 15-20 points) Note: GCC countries often prioritize highly educated workers in specialized fields like engineering, IT, healthcare, and management. A higher level of education can provide additional eligibility and faster processing.
Work Experience: • Less than 2 years: Minimal or no points • 2-5 years: Moderate points (typically 5-10 points) • 5-10 years: Significant points (typically 10-15 points) • Over 10 years: Maximum points (typically 15-20 points) Note: Experience in specialized fields like oil and gas, construction, engineering, technology, healthcare, and finance is highly valued in the GCC region.
Salary / Job Offer: • Salary Below Threshold: Typically no points • Salary Above Threshold (Mid-Range): Moderate points (typically 10-15 points) • Salary Above High Threshold (Senior Positions): Maximum points (typically 15-20 points) Note: Many GCC countries have specific salary thresholds for work permits or residency. Applicants with high-paying jobs in skilled sectors may be prioritized, especially in the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Language Proficiency: • Basic proficiency (Arabic/English): Low or no points • Intermediate proficiency (Arabic/English): Moderate points (typically 5-10 points) • Fluent proficiency (Arabic/English): Maximum points (typically 10-15 points) Note:English is widely spoken and accepted for many professional roles, especially in multinational companies. Proficiency in Arabic can be a bonus, particularly for roles requiring local communication.
Occupation / Sector-Specific Criteria: • High-Demand Occupations (Shortage Occupations): Additional points (typically 10-20 points) • Key sectors include construction, engineering, IT, healthcare, finance, hospitality, education, and skilled trades. Note: Countries like Qatar and the UAE have a high demand for skilled workers in engineering, construction, and healthcare. Professionals in these fields can often receive additional preference.
Family & Adaptability Factors: • Spouse’s Education/Work Experience: Some GCC countries award points for a spouse with higher education or specialized work experience • Previous Work/Residency in GCC: Points for applicants who have worked or studied in GCC countries previously • Dependents: Some programs allow additional points or privileges for applicants with dependents, especially for long-term residency options.
Minimum Points Requirement for Eligibility: • While GCC countries generally do not have a formalized points-based system like Canada or Australia, many countries require skilled workers to meet salary and educational qualifications to obtain a work permit or residency. However, for those countries that do use some form of points-based assessment (like for permanent residency or long-term visas), typically around 50-70 points would be the threshold for eligibility.

By meeting the required points for your visa category, you can determine if you’re eligible to apply. For assistance with your application, Globally Career can guide you through the process.

Consult Globally Career for Your GCC Immigration Pathway
If you’re considering immigrating to any of the GCC countries, Globally Career is here to assist you in understanding and navigating the immigration process. Whether you're looking for a work visa, investor visa, long-term residency, or family visa, our team of experts can help you through the entire process. We provide personalized advice on choosing the right visa, gathering necessary documentation, and ensuring a smooth application process.
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