.png)
While the Federal National Council (FNC) did indeed approve
a proposal to extend work permits from 2 years to 3 years back in May
2023, there is a nuance often missed in blog updates: The FNC is a
parliamentary consultative body. This means they approve recommendations,
which are then passed to the UAE Cabinet for final approval and official
implementation.
As of early 2026, the standard work permit issued by the
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) for most private sector
employees still typically follows a 2-year cycle, though there are more
long-term options like the Green Visa (5 years) and Golden Visa (10 years) for
specific categories.
1. The Current Status
In May 2023, the FNC approved a recommendation to extend
the standard work permit duration to three years. The goal is to:
- Reduce
administrative costs for companies.
- Lower
the financial burden on employees (especially regarding
renewal fees).
- Enhance
stability in the labor market.
2. Is it in effect yet?
While the legislative move was a major "green
light," the official rollout is handled by MoHRE. Currently, most
standard labor contracts and permits are still being issued for 2 years.
However, the discussion has paved the way for broader reforms we are seeing in
2025 and 2026, such as:
- The
"Work Bundle" platform: A streamlined digital
process that has significantly cut down the time it takes to issue and
renew permits.
- Flexibility:
Greater ease in transferring permits between employers without the old
"ban" periods.
|
Permit Type |
Current Duration (2026) |
Best For |
|
Standard Work Permit |
2 Years |
General Private Sector |
|
FNC Proposed Permit |
3 Years |
Pending MoHRE rollout |
|
Green Visa |
5 Years |
Skilled Professionals/Freelancers |
|
Golden Visa |
10 Years |
Investors/Senior Executives |
