The Ministry of Labour has announced that it will not be issuing new work permits to overseas workers or renewing current permits if an employer fails to provide a signed unified contract starting next month.
The new system will require the signature of employees for contract renewal and the issuing of new work permits, said Humaid bin Deemas Al Suwaidi, Assistant Under-Secretary for Labour Affairs.
In comments published by news agency WAM, he said the new measures implement three new decrees issued by Saqr bin Ghobash Saeed Ghobash, Minister of Labour, recently with regards to regulating the labour market.
During a meeting held in Abu Dhabi, where 300 employers attended, bin Deemas said that the new procedures of recruiting foreign workers from outside the country for a two-year work visa will go through three stages.
“Employers face a 14-day deadline to complete signature procedures following the workers entry into the UAE, if the worker complains of any delays then the ministry allows him to seek a new offer,” he said.
He added: “The electronic system of the ministry will not allow new job offers for workers following the initial approval stages, and replacing work permits will be treated according to specific procedures under issuing new work permit measurements.”
Referring to contracts renewal process, bin Deemas said that the worker’s signature is also a pre-requisite as it grants workers the choice to renew or end the relationship and find a better offer or move back home.
The new contracts come within the framework of developing legislation to regulate the UAE’s labour market, with the ministry promoting a balanced and productive business relationship between both sides, based on transparency.
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