The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has introduced a new digital work permit service to bring in employees from abroad.
Under the new facility, registered establishments will be able to submit applications online from the comfort of their homes, completely eliminating paperwork and lengthy administrative procedures.
The United Arab Emirates has taken another major step toward attracting global talent and further digitising its economy.
According to the guidelines issued by the ministry, employers will be able to upload the required information and all necessary documents through the online portal and complete the recruitment process in a much shorter time.
The main objective of this initiative is to make the recruitment process easier, faster and more efficient, saving valuable time for businesses.
Employer Responsible for All Recruitment Costs
The new guidelines clearly state that all expenses incurred while bringing workers from abroad will be the sole responsibility of the employer.
These expenses include recruitment fees, government employment fees, medical examinations, health insurance, required contributions and other guarantees.
This means that no hidden fees of any kind can be charged to employees, which is a highly welcome development for foreign workers.
UAE’s Smart Vision
The new service is part of the United Arab Emirates’ broader vision to make all government services 100% digital and paperless.
Over the past few years, the UAE has introduced several facilities for foreigners, including the Golden Visa, Green Visa and freelance permits, with the aim of becoming a leading global hub for talent.
The new digital work permit is also part of efforts to make doing business in the country easier.
Impact on Businesses and Workers
The UAE’s initiative can be described as achieving two objectives with one move. On the one hand, it is a major convenience for businesses, as they will no longer need to visit different government offices or waste time dealing with piles of paperwork. With just a few clicks, they will be able to hire the best talent directly from anywhere in the world.
On the other hand, the initiative provides protection to foreign workers. In the past, recruitment agents were often seen charging heavy fees to workers from poorer countries. Now that the law places all expenses on the employer and the process has been made transparent and digital, the chances of fraud and exploitation are expected to be significantly reduced.
Overall, the new system is expected to make the UAE’s labour market more transparent, attractive and aligned with international standards.
