UAE scraps document requirement for 13 types of work permits
Application forms have been shortened by 75 to 97 percent, and employers can now apply for these permits fully online.
The UAE dropped the requirement for supporting documents for 13 types of work permits on Friday, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation said, UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation said.
The change is part of the government's "Zero Bureaucracy" programme, the ministry said, and covers golden visa, freelance and overseas recruitment permits.
A Gulf media report said the data fields on the application forms for certain permits have been cut by 75 to 97 percent, and the time taken to issue permits has also been reduced significantly.
The ministry said all 13 services are now available through its unified digital channels, allowing employers to apply entirely online.
The permits covered include overseas recruitment work permits and transfer work permits, both valid for two years, along with golden residency work permits and freelance permits, which allow foreigners to work under their own residency sponsorship.
The list also includes part-time, temporary, mission, private tutoring and trainee permits, as well as permits for juveniles aged 15 to under 18 and for national trainees.
The Gulf media report said the changes are expected to speed hiring of foreign workers, including the roughly 30,000 Pakistanis who obtain UAE work visas each month.
The reforms aim to make it easier for private businesses to operate, protect workers' rights and make the labour market more efficient, the ministry said.
The ministry also said a new phase of reforms has begun to provide simpler procedures and wider digital services.
