Abu Dhabi: Companies and businesses can now replace unused work permits within six months of their issue free of charge up to four times as long as it is for the same profession and gender, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiritisation announced on Tuesday.
The ministry said firms can cancel unused work permits and apply for new one without the need to apply for quota in order to obtain a permit.
Previously, if the employer and employee decided to not go ahead with the employment after the job offer was signed and the work permit was issued, the employer had to pay charges for a new work permit to replace the employee. The new decision by the ministry would mean that in case the parties involved decide to not go ahead with the employment, the employer has six months to find a replacement for the employee and obtain a work permit free of charge. A maximum replacement of four times is permitted as long as the replacement is for the same profession and of the same gender.
According to the Ministry, around 20,000 firms have replaced about 60,000 unused work permit over the past year and 27,000 firms cancelled 68,000 unused permits during the same period.
Humaid Bin Deemas Al Suwaidi, Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Affairs, said, “Following the directions of Saqr Ghobash, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the ministry decided to grant owners the ability to avoid charges on replacing unused permits and keep the quota when applying for new ones helps us provide better customer services more efficiently, lessen money expenditures, keep business interests running and simplifying procedures.”
“Previously, firms used to follow a two-month deadline to approach the ministry and replace unused work permits after reapplying for a new quota; extra charges were included. However, in response to several inquiries of reaching a deadline extension, the ministry decided to extend the deadline to six months and drop the fees yet new employees must apply for the profession and be of the same gender of the previous permit owner,” Bin Deemas said.
The ministry said that it believes that six months is considered long enough for employers to fill the available profession. However, if the deadline is crossed, the permit will be cancelled and the employers will have to restart the process all over again.
To obtain a new two-year work permit the applicant has to undergo three stages. Firstly, the employer shall apply for new quota then following the second stage send the job offer to the worker electronically for viewing and approval (with signature). The third phase urges the employer to attach the signed job offer along with the required documents for the initial permit approval. The ministry then audits the application, approves it, and issues a labour contract which in turn shall be signed by the worker upon entry to the UAE.
Ministry services are provided to customers electronically and via smartphone applications and through Tas’heel customer service centres. Additionally, firms registered with Tas’heel systems and employ 50 plus workers can self-issue work permits online.
Bin Deemas said the ministry is keen on connecting with customers to note down opinions, views and suggestions which in turn can be studied, provide law provisions to simplify procedures and provide better and high quality services.
The public can contact the ministry via a number of channels including the toll-free number 800665, the customer service email callcenter@moher.gov.ae in addition to the ministry’s social media platforms, along with the newly updated website www.moher.gov.ae
