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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: New Rules for Work Permit Renewals
February 18, 2020
Effective immediately, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) has published a new occupation list of permitted occupations and, relatedly, introduced new rules for work permit renewals.
What has changed?
- Employers of foreign nationals in mainland UAE applying to renew their work permits must now carefully select a permitted job title if their current job title is not on the latest list of occupations. Previously, the job title did not have to be changed for renewals even if it was not in line with the most recent occupation list.
- Applicants renewing their work permit or amending their job title or salary information must provide legalised educational certificates if required for their job title. Previously, this was only required for new work permit applications or for job title amendment, not for renewals or salary amendment. Legalisation of certificates (or attestation as it is called in UAE) may delay the renewal process.
- Note also that, due to differences between the occupation lists used by different government authorities, if the job titles printed on a foreign employee’s work permit and visa sticker are not the same, the employer must update the foreign employee’s file with the immigration authorities, or risk penalties.
Our Advice
Employers who may be affected are encouraged to contact a Newland Chase immigration specialist for case-specific advice.
For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to the UAE, please contact us.
