59A7D41EB44EABC4F2C2B68D88211BF4 U.A.E Visa Rules and Procedures-Law updates -free legal advice: March 2011

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Sponsor system in UAE to stay for foreseeable future

Flexibility in transferring sponsor will benefit market, say legal experts

Recent proposed changes to UAE law relating to the sponsorship system will result in a more flexible labour market, but it is unlikely to lead to the abolition of the system any time soon, say experts.

According to Alexander McGeoch, Head/Employment & General Legal Services at Hadef & Partners, Dubai, the impact of the easing of certain restriction on switching sponsors may not be as big as some employees are hoping for.

“It is doubtful whether, in the UAE, we will see greatly increased flexibility in the sponsorship transfer process – still less the complete abolition of the ‘sponsor’ requirement – either this year or in the foreseeable future,” he told Emirates 24|7.

“The reason is that the sponsorship system is seen by UAE authorities not only as a means of ensuring a degree of stability in the labour market but also, to an extent, as a method of guaranteeing social cohesion,” he added.

In its recent bulletin, legal firm Clyde & Co too echoes the sentiment. “Perhaps keen to stabilise an often transient workforce, the UAE Ministry of Labour previously enforced a rigid sponsorship transfer regime which curbed the ability of expatriate employees to change their jobs too frequently,” it said.

According to a study, the sponsorship system costs the country about Dh50 billion per annum to host 4 million foreign workers, or an average of Dh12,500 per worker every year. In 2009, GCC peer Bahrain scrapped the traditional sponsorship system that allows the government to have great control over the movement of workers.

The UAE too has taken steps recently that ease certain restrictions on the movement of expatriate employees with the abolition of the requirement of a No Objection Certificates (NoC), which restricted workers from switching jobs without the express consent of their previous employer. Workers who have been in a job for two years can now move with just a stamp from the ministry.

“Over time, the strict rules regulating the transfer from one employer/sponsor to another have been relaxed. This increasing latitude has most notably occurred in the case of employees in the professional and managerial categories but the policy of granting non-nationals greater freedom to change employment has also been extended to benefit skilled workers,” McGeoch said.

“Following the global economic downturn, more flexible rules have been enacted by the Ministry of Labour to regulate the transfer of non-national workers in the UAE. The start of 2011, in particular, has seen the introduction of a number of new Cabinet and Ministerial Resolutions which affect the ability of workers in the UAE to change jobs more easily and with greater frequency,” the Clyde & Co. bulletin pointed out.

“There is no longer a requirement on an employee who has worked for his employer for less than three years to produce a NOC from his former employer in order to get the six-month employment ban lifted,” it added.

The remaining constraints, however, may be necessary in the interim to keep the labour market balanced. “These considerations are important for a small country which has traditionally relied on foreign imported labour, particularly in the construction sector, and where the expatriate workforce vastly outnumbers the local population,” explained McGeoch.

“More recently, there has been some liberalisation of the ‘sponsorship transfer’ rules applying to lower paid manual workers. However, it seems most unlikely, for the reasons indicated, that there will any significant further moves in that direction any time soon,” he said.

“[I]t is hoped that the introduction of the new rules to regulate the transfer of employees in the UAE and new work permits, aimed at making it easier for a broader cross-section of society to enter the workforce, will result in a more flexible labour market,” the Clyde & Co. bulletin said.

According to experts at Michael Page Consultants, “the revised regulations should allow for increased movement for expatriate professionals and introduce flexibility to the local labour market.”

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Student Visa Dubai

The UAE educational system comprises of a variety of academic institutions - Schools, Colleges and Universities. Furthermore, there are several Training Institutes that offer professional qualification and training programs in various fields. Each institution has its own objective, structure, and admission requirements.
 
There are a few governmental universities and colleges in UAE where admission is restricted to nationals only. However, there are several private institutions where enrollment is open to any student who meets the admission requirements.
A student may enroll in any program of his/her choice. Programs may vary from academic, technical, and professional degree programs in various disciplines, preparing students for careers in research and professional practice in every field.
Once you've identified programs of interest to you, you must apply for admission. The first step in this important process is to be sure that the institution at the top of your list is willing to accept you. The institution will need to review your academic background to determine whether you are likely to succeed in its program.
Student Visa
 
To enroll in primary, secondary or high schools a residence visa is required. However, student visas are provided by all colleges and universities and also a few training institutes. It is preferable to check this before admission. sponsor must be one of the licensed Universities or Educational Institutions in the UAE (recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education)
 
E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorized signatories (signed and stamped)
Required documents:
  • Clear passport copy of the sponsor
  • Copy of the establishment card
  • Copy of the trade license
  • Traveler insurance
Fees:
AED 1110 e-DNRD fees 
AED 1120 e-form fees 
AED 1000 deposit refundable upon departure of the sponsored person

Monday, March 14, 2011

Dubai Visit Visa

90 Days Long-Term Visit Visa (Individuals) 
E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsor or authorized signatories (signed and stamped)
Required documents:
  • Clear passport copy of the sponsor
  • Clear passport copy of the sponsored person
  • A copy of the salary certificate or employment contract of the sponsor (resident) must be attached
  • Proof of family relationship (kinship)
  • Traveler insurance 
Fees: 
  • AED 1110 e-DNRD fees.  
  • AED 1120 e-form fees  
  • AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person.  
  • Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable  
  • Valid for 90 days from the arrival date and non-renewable.  
30 Days Short-Term Visit Visa (Individuals) 

E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorized signatories (signed and stamped)
Required documents: 
  • Clear passport copy of the sponsor.  
  • Clear passport copy of the sponsored person  
  • A copy of the salary certificate or employment contract of the sponsor (resident) must be attached  
  • Proof of family relationship.  
  • Traveler insurance.  
Fees :
  • AED 610 e-DNRD fees.  
  • AED 620 e-form fees  
  • AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person.  
  • Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable 
  • Valid for 30 days from arrival date and non-renewable 
30 Days Short-Term Visit Visa (Companies) 

E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorized signatories (signed and stamped)
Required documents:  
  • Clear passport copy of the sponsor.  
  • Copy of the establishment card.  
  • Traveler insurance 
Fees:
  • AED 610 e-DNRD fees.  
  • AED 620 e-form fees 
  • AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person. 
  • Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable 
  • Valid for 30 days from the arrival date and non-renewable  
90 Days Long-term Visit Visa (Companies)  
E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorized signatories (signed and stamped)
Required documents: 
  • Clear passport copy of the sponsor.  
  • Copy of the establishment card.  
  • Traveler insurance
Fees: 
  • AED 1100 e-DNRD fees 
  • AED 1120 e-form fees 
  • AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person.  
  • Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable 
  • Valid for 90 days from the arrival date and non-renewable

Thursday, March 10, 2011

How Expatriates protect their money and property and distributed after his or her death in UAE

"Since the UAE is a Muslim country, all courts adhere to Sharia laws in regard to inheritance in case of no wills. However as a result of the Personal Affairs Law (No 28 of 2005), a non- Muslim expatriate who is resident in the UAE can opt for the law of their Domicile Home Country to be applied to the distribution of their UAE assets, provided they have a legally recognized will".

An informal survey of lawyers in Dubai who advise clients on freehold property investment reveals that only about 5% of buyers are aware of the laws regarding non-Muslim, foreign nationals and the purchase of freehold property. If you have a legal will and you want your home country laws to apply to the way your inheritance is distributed to heirs, your case will have to be proved before a UAE judge.
As property investors in the UAE start to focus on the long term, they will seek more clarity on how their freehold property ownership could be passed on to their descendents when they die. It is a controversial issue, still open to many interpretations, and at present one that sparks intense debate among lawyers.
The rule in the UAE is that the home country law of the deceased will apply to general, non-real estate matters of inheritance only, and this principle has been confirmed by various judgments issued by the local courts.If you are a non-Muslim expatriate and want your home country laws to apply to the way your inheritance is distributed amongst your heirs, they or their legal representatives would be required to bring a case before a judge in a UAE court

For example in 2000, the Dubai Court of Cassation (Supreme Court) issued a ruling (No. 49 & 50) that in matters of personal status, such as marriage, inheritance and succession, claims made by non-Muslim, foreign nationals would be decided by a UAE judge using the home country law of the non-national as the rule of reference. However, there is a caveat, being that this should only be the case if the country from which the non-national comes from, itself has an inheritance law in place. Also, only if there are no UAE legal conflicts with the home country law. These aspects would be investigated and determined by a judge.
Make a will and register it
A will is a legal document declaring a person's wish about how his or her money and property are to be distributed after his or her death.
As UAE is a Muslim country, all courts adhere to the Sharia in regard to inheritance for Muslim expatriates and Emiratis.

But despite the fact that UAE courts only accept transactions related to marriage, divorce and other issues only from Muslims of any nationality, they also accept wills from expatriates of any religion or nationality as people belonging to Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh faiths reside in UAE.

Expatriate Muslims and non-Muslims who are on a visit visa cannot make a will here, and in case they die here the law of the country will not be implemented in their case.
Property

Expatriates with valid residency visa can make a will and get it registered and legalised at the courts.
The will must be legally approved and attested by the authority from the person's home country, before it can be authorised here as genuine and legal.
If the will gets authorised by the expatriate's home country authorities, then the wishes of the person can be followed regarding disposal of money and property.
But according to UAE Federal Law No. 2 of 1987, Article 17(5) on disposal of property: "The law of the UAE shall apply to wills made by aliens disposing off their property located in the UAE."

The UAE has allowed foreign ownership of land in some areas in Dubai and in some other emirates, but no new law has been issued as to whether Sharia would apply to property owned by non-Muslims.
Expatriates who own property in the UAE should write a will, have it translated into Arabic and notarised at their embassy or consulate, so as to make sure the property is passed on or distributed as one wishes.
If a person dies 'intestate', which means the person dies without making a will, 'inheritance shall be governed by the law of the country of the deceased at the time of death.' This is according to the UAE Civil Code, Federal Law No.2 of 198, Article 17/1. This law was promulgated to stem confusion surrounding inheritance issues for expatriates.
In the event that the deceased left no will and he was a Muslim, Sharia would apply and any debt would be first paid prior to any other disbursement of property.
Procedure: Documents needed
•Expatriates of any nationality or religion can make a will at the courts here.
•You need to have a valid residency visa.
•The person making the will needs to visit the court. The presence of two Muslim men as witnesses with him or her to attest the application of the will is also important. This is even if the applicant is not a Muslim.
•Original copies of the ID of the applicant and witnesses have to be submitted.
•Payment of Dh60 fees for application.
•You need to appear before a judge with your witnesses for an examination of the will application.
•The applicant needs to submit documents which should be authorised by his or her country, regarding the terms of the will.
•You will later return to court to receive the certificate after submitting all the information.
•But if you wish to cancel the will, you will have to return to court with the witnesses and pay a Dh60 fee and submit all needed documents to get the will annulled.



Notably, the UAE is not a common law jurisdiction, so unlike the UK and India, court decisions are not binding on future decisions the courts make. All court decisions are purely discretionary.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Pay your residency violation fines in installments - Dubai Public Prosecution

New system in Dubai allows violators to clear dues over a maximum of two years

The Dubai Public Prosecution has announced a programme that allows the payment of fines involving residency offences through an installment scheme.
The Naturalisation and Residency Prosecution in Dubai Public Prosecution has launched ‘Mayserah’, an initiative is aimed at foreigners who violate the residency law and as a result have to pay a hefty fine.
Gulf Today reported that it is the first procedural programme at the prosecution level in the country that works on payments of fines in installments.Some fines are estimated to be as high as Dh50,000.

Residency offenders are not considered dangerous and are not regarded as criminals.Their violation is based on their infringement of foreigners’ entry and residency law, in addition to Labour Law.

Hence, the “Mayserah” initiative focuses on serving the objective of the Public Prosecution in facilitating the process of the payment of fines. The initiative, which is based on Article 208 of the Federal Law of Penal Procedures, aims to aid those who are unable to clear hefty fines in one payment.
The installment plan will not exceed two years.

An offender or a legal representative has to submit an application after taking consent from the chief prosecutorOnly offenders who are unable to pay the fines immediately can apply for the programme.

The offender also has to appoint a guarantor who commits to pay the fines, in case the offender is unable to pay.The prosecution has already approved of 10 cases, in which payment of fines amounting to a total of Dh1 million has been permitted through installments.

Workers with valid labour card and residency visa can apply for temporary work permits in UAE

Earlier rule of mandatory completion of one year with an employer before requesting for a temporary work permit lifted
All workers with a valid labour card and residency visa can now apply for temporary work permits. The earlier rule which required workers to complete one year with an employer before applying for a work permit has been lifted, according to a report in 'Al Khaleej' newspaper.
However, the Ministry of Labour will issue permits only to those workers who meet the conditions stipulated by the ministry.
Eligibility criteria for obtaining a temporary work permit include a valid residency visa and labour card. Also, the application request must possess authorised signatures of both the current establishment and that of the seeker.
However, the ministry will also consider cases wherein the current employer has breached the contract with the employee; has not paid salary for more than 60days; or if the worker was not told of the planned closure of the firm; or if the company has stayed closed for more than two months.
In case of closure of company the worker is required to inform the ministry and obtain approval to that effect from the Department of Labour Inspection officials before applying for a temporary work permit.
The permit will be valid strictly only for a period of six months or until the validity of the labour card, which ever comes first.