We’re living in an era of unprecedented mobility, where a record 281 million people around the globe are on the move, seeking better economic prospects, safety, and stability. With immigration on a scale this big, it’s little wonder that it’s a topic that polarises opinion so much.

Some worry about its impact on jobs, national identity, and public resources, but when strategically and thoughtfully implemented, a structured and well-managed immigration policy is a vital cog in building strong, diverse, and resilient economies.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the UAE, a country that’s built its national development on the diverse talents and skills of a global workforce. With a population made up of almost 90% expatriates, the UAE’s approach to immigration has been a key element in driving its economic success and making it a competitive player on the international stage.

But what has been the secret of the UAE’s success and what can other countries learn from this model?

A Historical Perspective

In just a few decades, the UAE has gone from being heavily reliant on its oil reserves to becoming the most diversified economy in the GCC. Through a succession of development and diversification initiatives, it has managed to increase the non-oil sector’s contribution to GDP from just 6.2% in 1994 to over 70% today.

It is now recognised as one of the foremost financial, business and tourism hubs in the world and the fastest growing investment destination in the Middle East.

Much of this can be attributed to visionary leadership and proactive economic policies that prioritise sustainable development and innovation. Key initiatives such as the UAE Vision 2021 and the Centennial 2071 plan have played crucial roles in transforming the economic landscape, focusing on knowledge-based industries, advanced technologies, and a strong push for entrepreneurship.

Today, the UAE is seen as the land of opportunity, with those that come to the country recognising that their stay in the country can lay the foundations for the rest of their lives.

There are several key policies that have shaped this current economic landscape and are mirrored in other countries that have had similar success but at the heart of it is an open and welcoming stance on immigration.

Global Benchmarks

Countries with successful immigration policies all share a common approach: They design visa and entry rules that benefit both the immigrant and the host country. Through well managed open borders, these nations tap into the economic potential of immigrants while offering access to new job markets and investment opportunities in return.

The UAE Golden Visa programme is a prime example of this strategy in action. Originally launched in 2019, it has successfully attracted a diverse group of expatriates by offering a stable and long-term option to live, work, and study in the UAE without the traditional requirement for a national sponsor. It also allows foreign nationals the opportunity to own real estate and start businesses: a win-win strategy that allows foreign participation in the economy while also fuelling the UAE’s economic development.

Countries like Canada and Australia also follow similar models, using immigration to spur economic growth and enhance societal diversity. Canada’s Express Entry system and Australia’s points-based immigration both streamline the entry of skilled workers who contribute to their economies through high-demand industries. These systems have been largely successful, increasing workforce diversity and driving economic growth through sectors such as technology and healthcare.

Aligning with Economic Goals

The real success of any immigration policy lies in its alignment with a country’s broader economic ambitions. A well-designed immigration strategy shouldn’t just fill immediate labour market gaps, it should also have one eye on the future. This involves attracting talent in sectors critical to a nation’s economic plans. For the UAE, this increasingly means incentivising individuals with talents in technology, green energy, healthcare and life sciences.

To do this, it’s essential to provide them with the environment and resources to thrive. With ecosystems such as Dubai’s Silicon Oasis and Abu Dhabi’s Hub71, the UAE’s done just that. It’s created focal points for nurturing startups, fostering research and development, and attracting top tech talent from around the world.

There are now more than 40 free zones across the UAE and what sets them apart are the benefits and incentives they offer. In addition to state-of-the-art infrastructure and networking opportunities, companies in these hubs often benefit from government support, access to funding, mentorship programmes, and streamlined regulatory processes. They also offer 100% foreign ownership, simplified and cost-effective setup procedures, access to global markets, and industry-specific clusters that encourage collaboration and synergy.

They work together with smart immigration policies to attract top talent and entrepreneurs from around the world.

Redefining the Narrative

The pervasive belief that immigration is solely a burden on resources and employment opportunities is misled and short sighted. It is in fact the opposite. Well governed migration in tandem with economic planning brings profound benefits to both countries that welcome immigrants and those they depart from. For host nations, immigrants provide valuable labour, filling essential roles in the workforce and enriching the cultural fabric. Meanwhile, countries of origin benefit from the financial support sent back by migrants, as well as from the investments and expertise they bring upon their return. This reciprocal flow of people and resources helps to strengthen global connections and generate economic growth on multiple fronts.

Others could take from the UAE’s example by implementing similar well-structured immigration policies that prioritise economic integration and mutual benefit.