Dubai: Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, the man who founded the region’s largest healthcare groups is the latest person to be granted Golden Card permanent residency in UAE.

Dr Shamsheer, chairman and managing director of VPS Healthcare, was issued the permanent residency visa by Brig Saeed Al Shamsi, executive director of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs, on Monday.

“I am humbled and extremely grateful,” said Dr Shamsheer. “I have been in the UAE for just over a decade and this is a very proud moment for us.”

His wife and children have also been granted the Golden Card — announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, for certain investors and residents, last month.

“My family joins me in expressing our sincere appreciation to the leaders of the country for their kindness and care for expatriates in the UAE,” said Dr Shamsheer.

He is also the youngest of three businessmen to be granted the Golden Card so far. He joins Firoz Merchant, a self-made millionaire and founder of jewellery business Pure Gold, and Yusuff Ali, chairman and managing director of Lulu Group.