The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a new phase in modernising work permit services, with a goal of making it easier, more flexible and more digital.
The initiative was introduced by the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), aims to streamline the transaction process, enhance the customer’s journey and boost the UAE labour market competitiveness.
MoHRE has started an online public consultation period until July 30, where employers, workers and the public can provide suggestions on the current work permit services and propose improvements.
The ministry is looking to redesign the procedure involved in getting permits and to make it easier to comply with the labour laws so that permits are issued quickly.
The shift comes as part of the UAE’s Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme.
Recent updates streamlined the entire process for permits, removed the requirement to provide supporting documents, and cut up to 97% of the mandatory data fields for some permits.
A single digital platform has been introduced to provide work permit services and applications are now submitted online by employers and workers.
MoHRE currently has 13 types of work permits, which are offered to address different employment requirements. These range from recruitment in the UAE, transfer of employment, family sponsored residents, temporary work, part-time work and freelance work.
The ministry also offers permissions for private tutoring, project-based assignments and Golden Residence holders.
Also, students, juveniles (aged 15 to 18), UAE nationals, GCC citizens and Emirati trainees who are interested in professional experience are eligible for special permits.
These reforms highlight the ministry’s efforts to provide integrated and efficient government services and promote growth in the private sector, safeguard workers’ rights and strengthen the UAE’s appeal as a country where people can work and invest.
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