The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced major changes to its work permit rules for foreigners, including Pakistanis.
The country has removed the requirement for supporting documents for 13 categories of permits in a move expected to benefit foreign workers, including Pakistanis.
The reforms have been introduced by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) under the government’s Zero Bureaucracy programme, which aims to simplify administrative procedures and speed up employment-related services.
According to Gulf media reports, the changes have reduced the number of information fields required in work permit applications by between 75% and 97%. The time needed to process and issue permits has also been shortened.
The measures are expected to make recruitment and employment procedures easier for companies and overseas workers.
Under the new system, employers will no longer need to upload supporting documents for applications covering 13 categories of work permits.
These include:
1. Two-year work permits for recruiting employees from overseas.
2. Two-year work permits for transferring employees between companies.
3. Work permits for Golden Residency holders.
4. Freelance work permits.
5. Work permits for people sponsored by their families.
6. Part-time work permits.
7. Temporary work permits.
8. Mission-based work permits.
9. Private tutoring work permits.
10. Work permits for students undergoing training or employment.
11. Work permits for young people aged 15 to 18.
12. Work permits for Emirati and GCC citizens.
13. Work permits for national trainees.
The changes allow employers to submit applications online through unified digital channels, reducing paperwork and the need for repeated document submissions.
The reforms could benefit thousands of Pakistani nationals seeking employment in the UAE.
According to the information provided, approximately 30,000 Pakistanis obtain UAE visas every month, making the Gulf country an important destination for Pakistani workers.
Under the revised system, employers recruiting workers from Pakistan may benefit from simpler application procedures and reduced administrative requirements.
However, the removal of supporting document requirements does not mean that workers are exempt from meeting employment, residency, identity or other eligibility conditions.
The reforms cover several employment processes, including overseas recruitment, the creation of new job positions and the transfer of employees between companies.
The UAE government says the changes are designed to reduce administrative delays while improving the efficiency of the labour market.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has also started the next phase of its digital transformation programme to further simplify services and improve the experience of employers and employees.
The latest measures form part of the UAE government’s wider Zero Bureaucracy initiative, which seeks to eliminate unnecessary procedures, reduce paperwork and make government services faster and more accessible.
The ministry says the reforms are intended to support private-sector businesses, protect employees’ rights and improve the competitiveness of the UAE labour market.
For foreign workers, including Pakistanis, the changes could make the process of obtaining employment permits more straightforward, although the actual requirements will continue to depend on the type of permit and the applicant’s eligibility.
