Web desk: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has removed mandatory supporting-document requirements for 13 categories of work permits under its Zero Bureaucracy programme, introducing major changes aimed at simplifying recruitment and accelerating employment procedures for foreign workers, including Pakistanis.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has streamlined application procedures, reducing the number of required data fields by 75% to 97% for selected permits.
According to Gulf media reports, the reforms will also significantly shorten processing times, allowing employers to recruit workers and complete employment-related procedures more efficiently.
The changes could benefit thousands of Pakistanis seeking employment in the UAE, particularly those applying for jobs through overseas recruitment channels.
Reports indicate that approximately 30,000 Pakistanis obtain UAE visas each month, highlighting the potential significance of the simplified procedures.
Moreover, employers can now access all 13 work permit services through the ministry’s unified digital channels, eliminating the need to upload supporting documents for the specified applications.
The revised procedures apply to 13 categories, including two-year overseas recruitment permits, two-year employment transfer permits, Golden Residency work permits and freelance work permits.
Other categories include permits for family-sponsored residents, part-time workers, temporary employees, mission workers, private tutors, students undergoing training or employment, and juveniles aged 15 to under 18.
Additionally, the reforms cover work permits for UAE and Gulf Cooperation Council nationals and national trainees.
Under the new system, employers can submit applications online with substantially fewer information fields and without uploading supporting documents for the covered services.
Consequently, businesses are expected to complete overseas recruitment, employee transfers and new hiring procedures more quickly.
The ministry said the initiative aims to reduce administrative burdens on private businesses while improving labour market efficiency and safeguarding workers’ rights.
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