LONDON: The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday described recent media reports about changes to the residency status of Iranians in the country as “inaccurate.” Some of the stories included claims that visas had been revoked.
The Iranian community is a respected and appreciated part of the country’s social fabric, the ministry said. It added that it works to preserve the safety and well-being of all residents, without exception, in accordance with institutional guidelines, and approved procedures and frameworks.
Iran is one of more than 200 countries with citizens who live in the UAE and contribute to the country’s diversity and openness, the ministry said. The UAE remains committed to the rule of law, the protection of residents’ rights, and upholding the values of tolerance and coexistence, it added.
The UAE is one of several countries in the region that has been facing ongoing Iranian aggression since the US and Israel launched a military campaign against Iran on Feb. 28.
On Thursday, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President, Anwar Gargash, said Iran had transformed the north coast of the Arabian Gulf into a "platform for it's aggression against it's neighbours after it had once been a bridge for rapproachment and development."
"The UAE hosts an Iranian community that enjoys respect and appreciation, within a model based on tolerance and the rule of law," he said in a post on X
"And here the difference is revealed: between a mind that builds life… and another that sees only in destruction a path."
