UAE extends visa for property investors to 3 years

Decision taken at Federal Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.The UAE federal government has extended visa for real estate investors from six months to three years.

This decision was taken by the Federal Cabinet on Tuesday.“The government took a raft of measures as part of its efforts to underpin economic growth within its strategic plan 2011-2013, including extension of visa for real estate investors to three years instead of six months,” Wam said.

The government also gave instructions for drafting a federal law regarding competition and another bill for reviewing provisions of federal law 6 of 2007 regarding the establishment of the Federal Insurance Authority and its mandate

Analysts said the decision will boost the property sector in the country as will impact on the growth of the overall economy.

End of service benefit should be calculated basis of total salary -Dubai Court

A worker’s end of service benefit should be calculated with respect to his total salary and not just the basic payment, according to a new ruling by the Dubai Court of Cassation.The decision comes in a case where an employee sought dues of up to Dh159,000 from his employer, which was rejected by the Court of First Instance and later overturned another court.

However, there was no indication from the court whether this was a precedent or only a ruling for this particular case.
Accusing the company of his arbitrary suspension, the employee in his lawsuit demands three months’ salary as compensation for sacking him without notice, Dh11,000 as salary of the last month he worked, Dh22,000 as leave allowance and ticket to his home country and Dh82,000 as his end of service gratuity.
The plaintiff also claimed in the lawsuit that he worked in the company as a Director of Advertising and Editor of a magazine owned by the company.
However, Court of First Instance in its judgment rejected his lawsuit and ordered the employer to pay a total amount of Dh54,000 to the employee.
The employee appealed against the verdict to the Court of Appeal which ordered the employer to pay the value of a return ticket to the complainant’s home country in addition to the amount ordered by the earlier court.
The prosecution also appealed against the ruling on the basis that the end of service benefit of the employee was calculated only on according to the basic salary of worker, which it said was against the labour law.
The Court of Cassation accepted the appeal and directed the case to the Court of Appeal asking for a new panel judges to look into the case.
The Court of Cassation observed: "The pay in accordance with the provisions of Article I of the Labor Law includes all that a worker receives as emolument, whether in cash or in kind, hence the gratuity should be calculated according to the entire amount received by a worker, including his monthly commission.”

The most annoying bank fee in the UAE and how to avoid it

One of the less obvious side-effects of the economic slowdown is the increase in the number of bank services that were earlier offered for free but are now being charged for by the country’s banks.

Readers who’ve been around for more than a few years will remember when banks would actually honour their “free-for-life” credit card pledge and not charge customers an annual fee for such cards.

Nowadays, however, a free-for-life card comes preloaded with monthly maintenance fees, contradicting the very essence of the term “free” although we’re sure legally and technically, the banks are always right.

Also, there was a time when it used to be a customer’s privilege to have a documented proof of your bank transactions and account balance delivered to your doorstep every month – without an additional charge. Now, more often than not, you’ll have to shell out loose change every month to receive a copy, or settle for an emailed statement if you’re not inclined to dole out extra dirhams every month.

For bankers that want to give us the “green” logic: please stop bundling additional brochures and unwanted marketing material along with our bank statements and that will go a long way in going green.

A recent poll run by Emirates 24|7 shows that a majority of respondents believe that UAE banks are finding ingenious ways of relieving us of our extra dirhams, any which way they can get them off us.

The poll shows that the most annoying fees that customers in the UAE have had to pay include monthly statement charges and to get a ‘no dues’ letter after the end of a loan with the bank. Close to a third (29 per cent) of respondents branded their monthly statement charges as the most annoying bank fee they’ve had to pay while an equal number of people said paying money to get a ‘no dues’ letter after having repaid the loan with all the interest and charges was the most annoying fee for them.

“I was a good customer of my bank and prepaid my personal loan – for which my bank charged me an early settlement fee, by the way – and then asked them to give me a no liability letter. They charged me Dh200 for it. I found it ridiculous, but I’s rather pay to have the letter and be safe than not have it and be sorry,” said a respondent.

“The banks are now masters in the science of nickel-and-diming consumers with fees that start from the second you open an account to the moment you close it. I’ve moved from one bank to another and found out that it’s the same fees under different names,” said another upset respondent.

Almost a quarter (24 per cent) of respondents found paying money to close a bank account as the most annoying bank fee ever levied on them while 10 per cent said paying to talk to a human teller was the most annoying for them. “Suddenly, the once toll-free numbers have all become paid now,” a customer quipped. Another 7 per cent said that money being charged for issuing a replacement credit card was the most annoying.

lists below some tips that you can follow to avoid having to pay some of the most annoying fees charged by banks:

1. Minimum Balance Fees. While this fee is not new, some banks have now started levying this fee on even salary accounts, which were earlier exempt from it. If you find it hard to maintain a certain balance in your account and you happen to mind this fee, then your best bet is to go with banks that don’t yet have a “minimum balance required” clause, although there’s no guarantee that they wouldn’t commence this practice in the future.

2. Ubiquitous ATM Fees. These ATM fees are everywhere. You use a UAE Switch ATM machine and before you know it, you’re out Dh2 per transaction. If you use these ATMs abroad, be prepared to pay Dh15 or even more per transaction. To cut down on these costs, use debit/credit cards where possible and regularly stock up on cash at you own bank’s ATM for bills you can’t pay by cards – petrol, for instance.

3. Paper Statement Fees. Emailed statements are indeed the ‘green’ way of doing things – and more efficient too, considering the number of times I’ve lost my paper statements in the past. Online banking is much more convenient and hassle-free. But remember, once you switch to emailed statements, some UAE banks charge you a one-time fee of up to Dh100 to switch back to paper statements. So if you think that you might need to switch back to paper statements – for whatever reason – in the near future, you may be better off paying a nominal monthly fee for paper statements instead of a hefty switch-back charge.

Investor Visa in UAE

 For investor visa ,expats in a commercial license in UAE will be required to pay AED 10,000 as security deposit if his shareholding is equal to Dh 70,000 or more. If his shareholding is less than Dh70,000 he will be required to pay Dh 20,000 as security deposit.

A partner in a professional license will be required to pay Dh20,000 as security deposit, from which a partner holding a bachelor degree in the same field of his license business will be exempted.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED :

• Passport copy
• One Photograph (white background) for Visa application
• Copy of Memorandum of Association
• Trade Licence Copy
• Partners List
• Immigration computer card copy
• Last three month's Bank Statement (if the company is old)
• Two Photographs for Medical
• Two Photographs for visa stamping
• 10,000 Deposit receipt original + copy
• Original Medical Certificate

INVESTOR/PARTNER VISA EXPENSE

DESCRIPTION AMOUNT in AED NOTE INVESTOR VISA APPLICATION 220 DEPOSIT (L.L.C. Partner) 10020 20020 for professional licence partner/investor GET VISA INSIDE THE COUNTRY 530 If the applicant is inside UAE VISA POSITION AMENDMENT 530 If the applicant is inside UAE MEDICAL 300 charge varies according to hospital VISA STAMPING 370 100 extra for Urgent submission TOTAL 11980 Typing charge extra

Renewal of a partner's/Investor's residence Visa

Required Documents:

• Prepaid e-form application

• Applicant's original passport

• 2 photographs of the sponsored partner

• Original medical certificate

• Copy of valid commercial license

• Copy of the partnership contract attested by Notary Public

• Copy of receipt proving payment of the partner's security deposit:

Fees & Collection

Dh 370 for 3 years  (Typing charge extra).

Dh100 extra for urgent delivery.

Dh 15 for ordinary delivery by Empost.

Special Notes:

All fees for Residence permits shall be paid at the typing offices, while all securities shall be paid in cash to the bank at the Section hall. Fines for overstaying 17 days or less shall be paid in cash to the Fines Collection staff at the Section hall, while fines for overstaying longer than seventeen (17) days shall be paid cash to the bank at the Section hall.

Dh100,000 fine for credit card surcharge

Ministry of Economy decided to impose fines up to Dh100,000 on commercial facilities and outlets that impose a surcharge on consumers using credit cards, reported 'Emarat Al Youm' newspaper.

“The decision is in line with the new amendments to the Consumer Protection Act approved by the Council of Ministers,” said Dr Hachim Al Nuaimi, Director, Department of Consumer Protection, MoE.

He was speaking at a meeting with representatives of economic departments and local municipalities on Monday, which was convened to to implement decisions of the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection.

The decision curently applies to purchases of goods by individuals; it will be extended to different kinds of services later, he added.

Al Nuaimi said commercial foundations and retail outlets charging extra on credit cards will be fined between Dh5,000 and Dh100,000, in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act as well as taking into account factors determining the value of the violation and the number of times the party has erred.

The meeting agreed to form working groups to discuss the mechanisms of implementation of the resolution and to increase customer awareness.

Al Nuaimi urged consumers to defend their rights and file complaints when they see violations of their rights.

Private sector workers sacked during their probation period must leave the UAE

Private sector workers sacked during their probation period must leave the UAE after obtaining their dues from the employer as they are not exempt from the one-year job ban under the new law, according to the ministry of labour.

The ministry outlines this rule during its open-day meeting held every week to consider complaints from workers or their employers in line with new work laws introduced early this year to regulate the controversial ban period.

During the meeting on Monday, an expatriate female public relations employee and several other workers from the same company complained that they have just been sacked a few months after they were appointed and asked the ministry to allow them to shift to another firm and exempt them from the one-year ban.

“The ministry made clear that in case the probation period of those workers is six months and their services have been terminated during that period, then they must get their dues and leave the UAE,” Alittihad newspaper said.

“But if the probation period is set at three months in their job contract, this means they have completed their probation and they will be allowed to move to another company without having a ban since the employer violated the job contract.”

Dubai government plans to offer pensions to expats

The Dubai government is evaluating plans to give pensions to foreign workers, based on suggestions by World Bank on how to improve employment laws including staff benefits, UAE daily The National reported on Sunday

 Representatives of the UAE and the ILO have also discussed the establishment of a pension fund for expatriate workers so that the Government can guarantee that workers receive end-of-service benefits.

"The employer would have to pay regularly to a fund supervised by a Government entity," said Maurizio Bussi, the deputy regional director for Arab States at the International Labour Organization (ILO).

"This especially indicates that the UAE is not looking for short-term labour contracts," said Azeem Ibrahim, an economic adviser to the government of Pakistan. "This sends a message that their contributions will be valued."

Nasser Munder, the Filipino labour attaché in Abu Dhabi, said a pension fund for the expatriate workforce would guarantee that workers receive their end-of-service benefits from their employers.

"Workers have said they often find it difficult to get their full and final settlement from their employers at the end of their contract," he said

"We are providing technical assistance in the area of employment policy. It covers the areas of expatriate benefit treatment including pensions," the paper quoted a senior World Bank official in the region as saying.

"There's a lot of experience globally on pension schemes including some that pertain to portable pension schemes, which could be applied to expatriate labour," the official added.

Dubai employers do not provide pensions for expatriates. Financial experts say the prospect of offering pensions could help to woo more foreign workers to the emirate as well as encourage them to stay longer in the country, the paper reported.

A possibility of converting the end-of-service gratuity system into pensions is also being considered, the paper cited an informed source.

Under a federal law dating back more than three decades, companies have to provide only end-of-service gratuities to employees who have completed one or more years of service, the report said.                                                                                             

Goodbye Ban: Employees Free to Switch Jobs Without NOC in the UAE

This is a collection of answers provided by Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, Director-General of the General Department for Residency and Foreigners' Affairs in Dubai, likely from a period before the most recent visa law changes.

I have updated the information with current regulations where applicable, especially regarding salary requirements and the sponsoring of a single parent, as UAE laws have evolved significantly.

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Current UAE Residency Rules: A 2025 Update

The following is broad information on the questions, with updated details based on the latest UAE residency laws (as of late 2024/2025).

1. Job Change (Employment Ban)

Original Answer

Updated Information (2025)

Original: You need to complete two years at the existing job. People can change work from private to government or semi-government without the need to complete two years.

Update: Under the current labour law, the concept of a mandatory six-month employment ban is largely removed for those on unlimited contracts, especially if the employee gives notice as per the contract. NOC is generally NOT required for an employee to switch to a new employer after completing the probationary period or if the contract is unlimited and they follow notice period rules. A worker can switch to a government/semi-government job without restriction. Final confirmation should always be checked with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

2. Sponsoring Parents-in-Law

Original Answer	Updated Information (2025)
Original: You can apply for visa for them and obtain one-year residence visa.	Update: You can generally sponsor your parents-in-law for a one-year residence visa (renewable), provided you meet the required salary and accommodation criteria. This process is often treated as a special request and requires specific documentation. The process may be easier in Dubai (GDRFA) and Abu Dhabi (ICP/TAMM).

3. Maximum Stay Outside the UAE

Original Answer	Updated Information (2025)
Original: They have to enter the country before the end of the six months. According to the Federal Residency Law the residence permit granted to a foreigner shall be deemed as cancelled if the period of his/her stay outside the UAE exceeds six months.	Update: This rule has a significant EXEMPTION for holders of the Golden Visa. For standard residency visa holders, the rule that a visa is cancelled if the stay outside the UAE exceeds six months still generally applies. They must re-enter before the 180-day mark.

4. Sponsoring Mother: Salary Requirement

Original Answer

Updated Information (2025)

Original: To sponsor family members your salary should be Dh 10,000 and you should be of job category who can sponsor family members and you need to pay deposit Dh 5,000 and the visa will be valid for one year only and it can be renewed.

Update (Critical Change): The requirement to sponsor parents is often AED 10,000 to AED 15,000 per month (varies by Emirate/circumstance). You are no longer required to be in a specific job category. The key requirements are: * Salary: $\text{AED 10,000 - AED 15,000}$ (varies). * Sponsor Both Parents: You must generally sponsor both parents together. * Single Parent: If you wish to sponsor only your mother, you must provide official, attested proof that the other parent is deceased or legally divorced/separated (as per the question below). * Deposit: A refundable security deposit of AED 5,000 per parent is usually required. * Duration: The visa is granted for one year, renewable annually. * Health Insurance: Mandatory valid health insurance for the parent(s) for the entire duration of the visa.

5. Sponsoring a Single Parent (Mother only)

Original Answer

Updated Information (2025)

Original: As per current UAE laws, one needs to sponsor both the parents... You need to sponsor them both or to prove that they are separated or one of the passed away.

Update (Confirmation of Rule): This rule remains largely true. To sponsor only one parent (like your mother), you must provide attested legal documents to justify it. Required documents may include: * An Attested Death Certificate (if the father is deceased). * An Attested Divorce Certificate (if they are divorced). * An Affidavit/Certificate of Sole Support from your country's consulate in the UAE, attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), stating that you are her sole provider and there is no one else to care for her in the home country.

6. Health Issues (HB Positive)

Original Answer

Updated Information (2025)

Original: The residents’ visa will be issued or renewed depending on the medical report if it stated that the person is fit then the residents’ visa will be issued.

Update: Medical fitness rules have been updated and are subject to change. For a residency visa renewal, testing for Hepatitis B is generally not required, unless the worker is in one of the specific categories (like those in nurseries, health sector, or food handlers) where mandatory testing is required. For a new residence visa, a medical fitness test including tests for HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) is mandatory for those over 18. Active Pulmonary TB is a cause for rejection and deportation.

If you have a specific, new question about your situation, please let me know and I will try to find the most current and relevant information.

Is there a specific question you have based on these updated rules, or would you like me to research the current MoHRE rules regarding your ability to change jobs?

 

medical examination for licence seekers who are 60 years and above

Roads and Transport Authority is planning to introduce medical examination for licence seekers who are 60 years and above. This includes even those who wish to renew their expired licence. The move aims to ensure drivers are healthy and free from illnesses, reported 'Emarat Al Youm'.

Ahmed Bahrouzyan, Executive Director of the Licensing Department, RTA, said: "RTA will undertake a comprehensive study to modify and develop procedures for obtaining driving licence in coordination with the Interior Ministry and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA)."

RTA has not yet determined the age category where the new procedures will be applied, but in all probability it would cover those above 60 years, he added.

He said the body meets regularly with the Dubai Health Authority, to identify the types of medical examinations and age groups that should be subjected to tests as well as to identify chronic diseases that would aggrevate due to driving.

Bahrouzyan said the RTA seeks to implement best global practices in the service of security and safety on the roads.

He added the RTA is currently considering the application of a British study related to drivers of commercial vehicles and heavy vehicles to transport hazardous materials. It would later be submitted to the DHA to be discussed and modified to implement in the region.

The licencing department issued 33,142 licences in the first quarter of this year, he said and added that the success rate in obtaining driving licences witnessed a significant increase of 29 per cent.

RTA is seeking to develop its services to ensure the success of raising the proportion of applicants for driving licence by 35 per cent.

credit card surcharge ban from July 1-UAE gov.

Ministry of Economy has warned retailers in the UAE to stop charging fees on credit cards from July 1.

Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection, headed the second meeting of the committee for 2011 which passed resolution prohibiting retailers from imposing charges on credit card usage as commission.

The committee also agreed on liberalising trade of 15 new products including detergents and washing powders, dairy products and juices, drinking water, livestock, feed, fats and oils, and the list will be sent to the cabinet for approval.

”This is strategic to reduce monopoly and exploitation, and will enhance market competitiveness,” said Al Mansoori.

The committee reviewed a report on the advertisements for fast food outlets, and recommended that awareness measures must be initiated to ensure that customers are not misled by catchy advertising and resort to unhealthy eating, especially of junk food.

The committee also reviewed a report on the status of the Call Center in the Consumer Protection Department, and another on the difference between the prices of key food items sold at cooperative societies and major retail outlets.

The committee discussed the Electronic System for Goods Monitoring which is expected to be operational during the second half of 2011. Currently, the ministry is undertaking a pilot phase with some commodities and the results will be generalised for other goods. The new system works through electronic links between the major trading centres and UAE customs ports, and can monitor the prices of 200 commodities on a daily basis.

The committee discussed a report on the increase of prices at gas stations and recommended to open channels of communication between the Ministry of Economy and all petrol stations with the participation of representatives from economic departments to identify the reasons for rise in price.

The committee was briefed on a proposal to reduce rental fees at retail outlets and cooperative societies. The committee recommended the distribution of marketing margins equally between retail outlets and consumers.

Eida to introduce online ID registration soon

Applicants seeking to register in the UAE national identity could fill the needed form at home and avoid standing in long queues at packed registration centres when authorities introduce an online service soon.

The Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA), which oversees the landmark ID project, said it was in the process of introducing such online service that will allow all applicants of filling the ID form, paying fees and getting an appointment for finger printing without having to go to registration centres.

“We are developing an electronic ID form so applicants themselves can fill it online without having to deal with registration centres…the form will be available online shortly,” EIDA director general Ali Alkhouri told Emarat Alyoum daily.

“Once this service is enforced, applicants will only have to fill the form online though EIDA’s website, upload all needed documents and pay fees online…they then can get an appointment for finger printing online.”

Khouri said existing authorized registration centres would remain in operation for those who do not wish to have their applications processed online.

He told the paper the online service would be introduced on a limited trial basis in September before it is fully enforced by the end of the year.

“This is a strategic move as the new service is expected to largely increase the rate of registration…applicants will be able to register online at their homes or offices without having to wait for long periods at registration centres.”

Khouri said the new service would cut fees paid by applicants by nearly 40 per cent as they will not be required to pay up to Dh70 in fees for registration.

Dubai plans to introduce a new residence visa system for property owners

Dubai plans to introduce a new residence visa system for property owners, reported 'Al Bayan' newspaper.

A government official was quoted as saying "authorities are discussing ways of granting owners of properties in the emirate, residence visas based on transparent rules and legislation".

The new rule is expected to boost the realty sector. However, realtors are wary about the costs involved. As some experts say the costs involved in setting up a company, including mainteance and ownership fees, to register a property under it could go up and this could put off buyers, reported 'Gulf News'.

Yet others believe the new rule would attract foreigners coming to the UAE for visas, thereby, boosting the emirate's realty sector.

The official said "the new mechanism suggests that property owners to establish a company in the free zone and then the company will own the property which will let the property owner who owns the company to obtain a residence permit on the basis of ownership of the company, not the property."

However, property owners must meet specific requirements to be able to establish the company. The official added that the residence visa will be valid as long as the ownership of the company is valid.

Some analysts say the law though will help the real estate market, it will not solve all of the real estate problems in Dubai.

Eida cancels thousands of ID applications

The Emirates Identity Authority (Eida) last week cancelled 5,000 applications of candidates who missed their second consecutive registration appointment.

According to a news report in Gulf News, the application fee of such defaulters has been forfeited by the authority. “The cancellation of application means the entire pre-registration process has been cancelled; when they do the process again, definitely they have to pay the fee [again],” Dr Ali Al Khoury, Director General of Eida, has been quoted by the daily today.

According to the official, Eida gave the defaulters a second chance by rescheduling their appointment after applicants failed to turn up the first time. Those who missed the second appointment too will now have to go through the whole process once again, he said.

Al Khoury said the authority had to take strict action because many people fail to turn up for registration on appointment. “They waste their time and others’ too,” he said.

UAE ID card is must for all children

However, kids are not required to be present in person for the registration National Identity Cards for children under 15 years of age has been made mandatory.

The Emirates Identity Authority (Eida) has confirmed that ID cards will henceforth be mandatory for children under 15, apart from them being registered in the population register, reported 'Gulf Today'.
Until now children only had to be registered in the population register. ID cards were not a necessity.
Eida will shortly restructure the procedures of registration in the population register and issuance of ID cards for kids at the designated typing centres.
However, children will not be required to be present in person for the registration, Eida added.
Documents required include: Valid passport; valid residency; coloured photograph with light blue background (size 3.5x4).
The registration fee will be Dh50, in addition to Dhs70 services charges, Eida said.

More than 60% of UAE employees want a new job

survey reveal 23% participants are very optimistic and believe this is the best time to be on the lookout Even though 2011 may not be a high growth year and a time when employers remain in command, more than half of employees in the UAE would like a new job.

According to an online poll run by a popular news paper, more than half of the workforce in the country has plans on looking for a new job. The survey reveals that 61 per cent of the employees in the country are looking to change their job.
According to the poll conducted over the past couple of weeks, almost a quarter (23 per cent) of participants are very optimistic on the job front and believe this is perhaps the best time to be the lookout for a new job. On the other hand, dissatisfaction runs high in more than a third (38 per cent) of the respondents, and they cite that as a reason of looking for better avenues. “I am unhappy with my current job,” they said in the online survey.
Despote this, ther are a those that prefer to sit on the sidelines for the moment as they are either happy in their current role, or fear jobs are still scarce in the market and that it isn't worth their while risking their current job to get a new one.
According to 16 per cent of the respondents, a job in the hand is too precious to risk whereas another 23 per cent said that they are happy in their current position.
Discontentment with salary stagnation seems to be high on the agenda of many people. “I’ve not got any hike for the past three years. There has been no bonus as well,” commented a respondent. High salary satisfaction in the UAE seems low in the current market scenario.
“The UAE recorded 3 per cent of respondents with high satisfaction, 50 per cent with medium and 47 per cent with low. Elsewhere in the Gulf and wider Middle East area, a peak of 5 per cent of professionals highly satisfied with their salaries was witnessed in Kuwait and a low of just 2 per cent of professionals highly satisfied in Jordan and Lebanon amongst other countries,” Lama Ataya, Chief Marketing Officer Bayt.com told this website, explaining the trends revealed in one of the jobs site's surveys.
According to a study by Gulf Talent, the UAE and the entire region at large is expected to grow this year, which may give hope to those looking for a change.
“Across the region, anecdotal evidence suggests slowly rising business confidence which should help accelerate economic activity and with it employment. Obtaining bank lending and collecting customer payments, however, remain two key challenges for many businesses, preventing a full‐scale recovery,” it said.

UAE not planning to cap residence visa, says Al Mansouri

Based on indicators in the first five months of 2011, the UAE gross domestic product is expected to grow between 3 to 3.5 per cent this year, Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, said on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 21st meeting of GCC ministers for planning and development in Abu Dhabi, Al Mansouri said the GCC invitation for Jordan and Morocco to join the group would, if takes place, contribute to expanding the GCC Common Market and harnessing the huge human, investment and financial resources available in the eight countries.

“The UAE is not thinking of capping the residence of foreign workers in the UAE,” the minister emphasised, calling for creating a thorough advanced statistical system to provide accurate data on the demographic structure and workforce.

He disclosed that the ministry had prepared a list of commercial agencies that would allow traders to import goods from the origin producers directly without referring to the local agents.

The move, he added, aims at provision of commodities at local markets directly at lower prices in a bid to curb soaring prices.

He said the list would be submitted to the federal cabinet within few weeks for approval.