Dh2 prepaid envelopes being sold for Dh5 by typing centres

Despite the introduction of a new Dh2 prepaid envelope for labour-related official documents, some typing offices are still selling the bar-coded envelopes for Dh5.

A source at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs said a compromise had been reached with companies which found themselves with a surplus of the old and more expensive prepaid envelopes, with stamps costing Dh10 and Dh15.

The ministry has set October 8 as the deadline for selling the old envelopes, according to a circular issued by Humaid bin Deemas, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry for Administrative and Financial Affairs.

From October 9 onwards, the ministry will accept only the new envelopes, which are distributed through offices of Emirates Post. The Ministry of Finance and Industry had set a price of Dh2 for each envelope.

The ministry warned typing offices that they must not alter the price set by the Ministry of Finance and Industry.

Despite continued warnings, it has been found that some typing offices are still selling the new envelope for Dh5 instead of Dh2. Several complaints have been reported since the implementation of the ministry's new scheme.

People sending applications to the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs have called for tighter supervision of such offices, including more inspection drives.

The source said that typing offices located near the ministry's premises are committing to the price, but some offices located further away have been exploiting applicants.