UAE visit visa holders should be allowed to work, suggests top official

Advocating for Work Rights of UAE Visit Visa Holders

A prominent official has proposed allowing visit visa holders in the UAE to work legally, suggesting the establishment of work permits and other legal conditions for employers. Currently, working while on a visit visa is illegal, with hefty fines imposed on companies that hire visitors without the proper documentation. Dr. Ali Humaid bin Khatem emphasized the potential benefits of legally hiring visitors, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between businesses and tourists. However, he cautioned against violating existing laws and regulations, highlighting the importance of upholding legal requirements to protect both employers and employees. Additionally, concerns were raised about fake Emiratisation practices, where UAE nationals are employed in nominal roles solely to meet Emiratisation targets, without genuine tasks or responsibilities. The forum also addressed the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs and discussed the role of legislation in supporting youth initiatives and sustainable development.

A leading official has proposed a significant policy change regarding the employment rights of visit visa holders in the UAE, advocating for the legalization of work for tourists during their stay in the country. This proposal, put forth by Dr. Ali Humaid bin Khatem, advocate-general and head of Naturalisation and Residency Prosecution, suggests introducing work permits and other legal conditions to allow employers to hire visitors legally.

Currently, working while on a visit visa in the UAE is strictly prohibited under existing regulations. Companies that hire visitors without the proper documentation face severe penalties, including hefty fines. To legally employ individuals in the UAE, companies must obtain an employment visa and work permit before the employee can commence work.

Dr. Ali Humaid bin Khatem emphasized the potential benefits of allowing companies to hire visitors legally, stating that it could create a mutually beneficial relationship between businesses and tourists. By providing opportunities for visitors to work legally, businesses could benefit from a pool of potential employees while tourists could supplement their income during their stay in the UAE.

However, despite highlighting the potential advantages of this proposal, Dr. Ali Humaid bin Khatem cautioned against violating existing laws and regulations. He emphasized that visit or tourist visas do not grant individuals the right to work in the UAE, and companies found employing individuals on visit visas could face fines of up to Dh50,000 per individual. He urged businesses to adhere to legal requirements to avoid penalties and protect both employers and employees.

During a panel discussion at the Entrepreneurship Makers Forum hosted by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai, concerns were also raised about fake Emiratisation practices. Fake Emiratisation refers to situations where UAE nationals are employed in nominal positions without genuine tasks or responsibilities, solely to meet Emiratisation targets set by companies. This practice undermines the effectiveness of Emiratisation initiatives and deprives qualified individuals of meaningful employment opportunities.

Lieutenant-General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, director-general of the GDRFA, highlighted the responsibility of content creators in supporting young entrepreneurs and empowering them to succeed. He emphasized the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem that enables innovation and sustainable development.

Essam Lootah, CEO of Imtiaz Service, underscored the role of legislation and legal frameworks in supporting youth initiatives and fostering a conducive environment for entrepreneurship. He emphasized the need for robust legal mechanisms to protect the rights of entrepreneurs and facilitate their contributions to economic growth and development.

Overall, the second edition of the Entrepreneurship Makers Forum provided a platform to discuss pressing issues facing young entrepreneurs and explore strategies to address these challenges effectively. By advocating for policy changes and promoting supportive legal frameworks, stakeholders aim to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and innovation in the UAE.