Maple News reports that each year, thousands of residents from the United Arab Emirates—both Emirati citizens and expatriates—apply to immigrate to Canada in search of better opportunities and long-term stability. The UAE currently ranks fifth in the world for the number of successful Express Entry applicants, following Canada, India, the United States, and Nigeria.
Despite the UAE offering a high standard of living, many residents are drawn to Canada for its clear pathway to citizenship, publicly funded healthcare, high-quality education system, abundant job market, and natural beauty. These long-term benefits make Canada a compelling destination for those seeking a more permanent and inclusive future.
The most common route for immigration from the UAE is through Canada’s Express Entry system for skilled workers. This points-based application process evaluates candidates based on factors like age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Applicants with a strong command of English—common among UAE expatriates—often gain a competitive edge in the system.
Canada’s immigration goals remain ambitious. According to the country’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2020–2022, the government intended to welcome over one million new immigrants within that timeframe. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic presented operational delays, Canada continues to prioritize skilled worker applications.
Express Entry and similar economic immigration streams are essential to Canada’s workforce and long-term demographic growth. For qualified professionals in the UAE, this presents a valuable window of opportunity for a fresh start in a high-opportunity market.
Looking ahead, Canada’s welcoming immigration policies and strong labor demand make it a prime choice for Emiratis and expats alike aiming to secure permanent residence and eventually citizenship.
Maple News will continue to monitor changes to Canadian immigration pathways and provide reliable updates for international professionals considering life in Canada.