Visa reforms for UAE residents: What’s new?
Several initiatives have been announced over the past couple of weeks in the UAE that include new changes for current and potential residents, a new visa, and a work permit for students. What do these changes mean, and what do people think about them?
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September kicked off with new announcements as a part of the ‘Projects of the 50,’ which is a series of economic projects ahead of the UAE’s golden jubilee, designed as a roadmap for the next 50 years. Retaining and attracting talent being one of the Gulf country’s goals means that changes also include more residency options.
A green visa
A green visa has been launched to be granted to entrepreneurs, investors, highly skilled individuals, top students and graduates. This visa will allow UAE residents to sponsor their parents, and their children up until the age of 25 instead of 18 years old. It also grants its holder a longer grace period to leave the country after the visa is cancelled, up to 180 days compared to the current 30 days.
Having more time as a grace period before having to leave the country, either to look for another job or get a new life in order, can provide some relief to job seekers. How will a longer grace period affect residents? We asked LinkedIn News Gulf followers to weigh in. Here’s what they said.
"As an employer, I welcome this and think it's a fantastic initiative. We often see talented people leaving the country because they haven't finalised the perfect role. Extending the grace period means we're more likely to retain talent in the country and make it a more attractive place to live and work." Kate Midttun commented.
"In my UAE life of 10 years I have lost a job two times. Both times I have managed to land a job better than before. But most of the times when we loose a job the first thing on our mind is cancellation of the visa." Commented Kishore Abdulla.
Freelancers visa
A ‘Freelancers Visa’ was also announced last week, making it easier for self-employed residents to work without the need for work permits and employment contracts. This follows the already existing freelance permit.
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Making it easier for the self-employed should be good news for UAE residents, 62% of whom said they would prefer to be self-employed given the chance, according to the ‘Entrepreneurship in the Middle East and North Africa 2021’ survey by Bayt.com and YouGov.
Students will be able to have part-time jobs
Teenagers between the ages of 15 and 18 years old will soon be able to apply for a part-time work permit that is valid for one year. Both residents and expats can apply for the temporary visa scheme and be able to work in the UAE with their guardian’s approval. More on conditions and requirements here.
In a LinkedIn News Gulf poll, members shared that getting a part-time job while in school is important for students’ development, especially when it comes to gaining exposure to skills that will help them later in their careers.
“Having a part-time job gives you a reality check and real-life exposure. If students can reflect on these part-time experiences combined with their academic learnings, they can learn invaluable lessons and integrate their knowledge in novel ways.” wrote Mohammed Al Moalim, manager at Aramco.
UAE private sector companies have some work to do
A dedicated plan to boost the number of employed UAE citizens within private sector companies aims to provide 75,000 jobs within the next 5 years. Companies will have to hire Emiratis in 10% of their workforce by 2026.
From its side, the government said it will spend 24 billion dirhams to get citizens into private sector jobs, adding perks including salary top-ups, training grants, pension subsidies and child allowances.
Beaverage maker(Barista) at BCoffee
3yThis is actually great!!! ...students are going to reduce burdens on parents by being engaged in something doing with thier free hours. Also the fact that people with resident visa can get more than 2 jobs will also improve thier well being for the fact that if one job could not help the go along with all thier bills and expenses the second job could be as backup.
Managing Director at GASFLY INT'L TRAVELS & LOGISTICS LTD
3yWho can help me for job placement in expo 2020
Act-On Growth Marketing and DTC Acceleration 2025 - Phygital Marketing Consultant
3yIn my opinion Freedom to Do self business initiated by UAE is a tremendous change in MENA 😊
Golf Operation Attendant at Yas Links
3yHas UAE stop giving visas to Residents?
Senior Project Engineer - Naval Architecture / Structure / Outfitting @ Kleindienst Group
3yWe must also extend the grace period for the "Normal 2 year Limited / Unlimited Contract Visas" from the current 30 days to 90/120 days. Many companies here don't leave the people after their resignation and visa cancellation, holding up their passports too, which leads the migrants to bare the fine at Airports while exiting the country after successful resignation from their companies. This is a necessary requirement, which the so called "Developed Country" like the UAE must implement.