New Delhi, Oct. 17 -- The United Arab Emirates' Golden Visa programme offers eligible foreign nationals long-term residency without requiring a conventional sponsor. The initiative aims to attract investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals and exceptional talent, including internationally recognised sporting personalities.

Several footballers, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba and Didier Drogba, have been named among its recipients. Their inclusion highlights the programme's reach beyond business and investment.

The Golden Visa is a renewable residence permit that allows eligible foreign nationals to live, work, study and invest in the UAE. Depending on the category, residency is generally granted for five or 10 years.

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