In a significant development, the Federal National Council (FNC) of the UAE has given its approval to extend the duration of work permits from two years to three. The move aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with obtaining work permits for individuals and employers. Presently, work permits in the UAE are issued for a two-year period, and it is unlawful to engage in employment without a valid permit. The FNC Committee on Financial, Economic, and Industrial Affairs put forth the recommendation to extend the permit duration to three years, along with other proposals such as waiving work permit fees for job changes. The FNC also approved a requirement for workers to complete at least one year with an employer after the probationary period, although this requirement may be waived with the employer’s consent. This extension of work permit duration aligns with the UAE’s efforts to create a more stable and attractive work environment. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, responsible for issuing work permits, conducted over 72,000 inspection visits this year to ensure compliance with employment regulations. The UAE continues to implement flexible policies to safeguard workers’ rights and provide a supportive environment for employers.
