2009 - UAE - Reform of the work permit processing system

It has been reported that the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Labour (MOL) plans to change the system by which it accepts work permit applications filed through external typing offices, following reports of abuse, including forgery.

According to Humaid bin Deemas, the ministry's acting director general, five Sharjah-based typing offices were recently caught using fake documents. They were subsequently barred from providing services to the ministry.

The external typing offices file applications to the MOL on behalf of individuals and companies, collect ministry fees and fines, and provide legal advice.

There are approximately 5,000 of these offices in the UAE.

In an attempt to stamp out the abuses, the MOL has announced plans to regulate these offices through a licensing scheme. 23 criteria, including having a convenient location and a minimum size, being owned by Emiratis..etc, will have to be met in order to acquire the licence.

These changes may affect the processing time of UAE work permits considerably.

For further information please contact our GLOBAL IMMIGRATION TEAM.