Labour Ministry to be flexible on visa transfer

The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has taken measures to facilitate the transfer of visas of expatriates who hold university degrees within a new immigration law issued recently to limit transfer of sponsorship and control the labour market.

According to Al Bayan newspaper, the ministry's undersecretary for labour affairs Dr Khaled Mohammed Al Khazraji has issued a circular to all departments to "provide more flexibility and facilities to those who hold bachelor or higher university degrees".

The circular asked ministry sections to facilitate the transfer of sponsorship of those expatriates, provided they fall within the job category defined in that law.

"The new circular clarifies that part of the law, especially the section which deals with managers and qualified personnel with long or unique job experience," it said.

The newspaper said the circular listed several sectors in which such transfer will be applicable, including institutions with government shareholding such as banking, insurance, oil, five-star hotels, representation offices, car agencies, and financial and information services.

"The ministry's sections have been instructed to comply with that circular, which will reduce complaints by those seeking to transfer their sponsorships."