Is Your Dubai Visa Designation Wrong? Here's How to Fix It

 UAE visa designations are based on the job title stated in your employment contract, which must adhere to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) standards. This contract, including the designation, should mirror the job offer used for your work permit application, as per Article 2(1) of Ministerial Decree No. 46 of 2022.

This article states that employers must use the approved standard employment contract that matches the job offer when requesting a work permit. While additional benefits or annexes are allowed, they cannot contradict the decree-law and its regulations.

Since your visa designation doesn't match your current role, it's crucial to inform your employer immediately. They are responsible for initiating any necessary changes to your visa and Emirates ID. Discuss the issue with them and request they begin the correction process.

Rectifying a visa designation in the UAE involves a process that requires coordination between your employer and the relevant government authorities. Here's a breakdown of the steps:

1. Discuss with Your Employer:

• Crucial First Step: It's essential to discuss the discrepancy with your HR department or employer. They are responsible for initiating the correction process.
• Explain the Importance: Clearly explain why it's important for your visa designation to match your actual job title. This can prevent legal issues, problems with future visa applications, and other complications.

2. Employer Initiates the Request:

• MOHRE Involvement: Your employer will need to submit a request to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to change the job title on your visa.
• Required Documents: This typically involves providing documents such as:
• Your passport copy
• Current visa copy
• New employment contract reflecting the correct designation
• Any relevant certificates or proof of your actual job role

3. Visa Update:

• GDRFA Update: If the designation change impacts your visa status, your employer will also need to update or amend your residence visa with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).  
• Emirates ID Update: In some cases, you may also need to apply for a new Emirates ID to reflect the updated designation.

 

U.A.E Visa Applications Made Easy: Say Goodbye to Paperwork with E-Health Insurance

 Good news for residents in the UAE! Starting February 19th, the manual submission of health insurance documents for visa applications and renewals is a thing of the past.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) has launched a new, unified electronic platform for seamless health insurance data transfer. This means:

No more paper forms: Upload your health insurance information directly through the platform.

Faster processing: Eliminate delays and enjoy a smoother visa application experience.

Secure connections: Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, assures secure data transfer.

This initiative builds on the success of the smart system for electronic government services. In 2023 alone, over 5 million residence permit transactions were processed through this system, demonstrating its efficiency. 

Here's a breakdown of the improved process: 

New residence permits: Over 1.6 million were issued in 2023 using the electronic system.

Residence permit renewals: More than 3.5 million renewals were processed electronically in the same year.

The UAE continues to embrace digitalization, making resident services more convenient and efficient. So, ditch the paperwork and prepare for a faster, easier visa experience! 

Moreover, the digitalization of the visa application process and the inclusion of e-health insurance reflect the UAE's vision of becoming a leading digital hub in the region. By embracing digital innovation, the country is not only enhancing its competitiveness but also setting new standards for customer service and convenience. 

In conclusion, the introduction of a streamlined visa application process integrated with e-health insurance is a significant milestone in the UAE's journey towards digital transformation. This initiative benefits travelers and investors and showcases the government's commitment to leveraging technology for the greater good.

Different Types of Visas you can apply legally in the U.A.E

 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a variety of visas to meet the needs of different individuals and groups. Here are some of the most common types of visas in the UAE:

Tourist visa: This visa allows you to stay in the UAE for up to 30 days. You can apply for a tourist visa online or at a UAE embassy or consulate in your home country.

Business visa: This visa allows you to enter the UAE for business purposes. You will need to provide a letter from your employer or sponsor, as well as proof of your financial arrangements.

Work visa: This visa allows you to work in the UAE. You will need to have a job offer from a UAE-based company, and your employer will need to sponsor your visa.

Student visa: This visa allows you to study in the UAE. You will need to have been accepted to a UAE university or school, and your sponsor will need to provide proof of your financial arrangements.

Retirement visa: This visa allows you to retire in the UAE. You will need to be at least 55 years old, and you will need to have a certain amount of financial assets.

Golden visa: This visa is a long-term residency visa that is granted to individuals who invest a certain amount of money in the UAE. The amount of investment required varies depending on the type of visa.

In addition to these common types of visas, the UAE also offers visas for specific purposes, such as medical treatment, domestic work, and religious pilgrimage.

The specific requirements for each type of visa vary, so it is important to check with the UAE government or your sponsor for more information.

Tourist Visa:

Eligibility: To be eligible for a tourist visa, you must:

• Be a citizen of a country that is eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE.
• Have a valid passport that is at least six months old.
• Have a return or onward ticket.
• Have a valid health insurance policy that covers you for the duration of your stay in the UAE.

Application process: You can apply for a tourist visa online or at a UAE embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process typically takes a few days to complete.

Visa fees: The visa fees for tourist visas vary depending on the type of visa and your nationality.

Validity: The validity of a tourist visa depends on the type of visa you have. Single-entry visas are valid for 30 days, multiple-entry visas for 30 days or 90 days.

Extension: You can extend your tourist visa for a maximum of 90 days. To extend your visa, you must apply for an extension at a UAE immigration office.

Business Visa: Here are some details about the business visa in UAE:

 

Types of business visas: There are two types of business visas in the UAE:

Sponsored business visa: This visa is for individuals who are sponsored by a UAE-based company or organization.

Self-sponsored business visa: This visa is for individuals who are self-employed or who own their own business in the UAE.

Eligibility: To be eligible for a business visa, you must:

• Be a citizen of a country that is eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE.
• Have a valid passport that is at least six months old.
• Have a letter of invitation from your sponsor or a company registration certificate if you are self-sponsored.
• Have a valid health insurance policy that covers you for the duration of your stay in the UAE.

Application process: You can apply for a business visa online or at a UAE embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process typically takes a few days to complete.

Visa fees: The visa fees for business visas vary depending on the type of visa and your nationality.

Validity: The validity of a business visa depends on the type of visa you have. Sponsored business visas are valid for 6 months, self-sponsored business visas are valid for 1 year.

Extension: You can extend your business visa for a maximum of 1 year. To extend your visa, you must apply for an extension at a UAE immigration office.

Here are some of the benefits of having a business visa in the UAE:

• Allows you to enter and exit the UAE multiple times during the validity of your visa.
• Allows you to stay in the UAE for up to 6 months (sponsored) or 1 year (self-sponsored).
• Allows you to work in the UAE if you are sponsored by a company.
• Allows you to sponsor your dependents to live and work in the UAE.

Work Visa: Eligibility: To be eligible for a work visa, you must:

Be a citizen of a country that is eligible to work in the UAE.

• Have a valid passport that is at least six months old.
• Have a job offer from a UAE-based company.
• Have a medical fitness certificate.
• Have a police clearance certificate.

Application process: The application process for a work visa in the UAE typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete. The process involves the following steps:

Your employer will submit an application for a work permit to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

Once the work permit is approved, your employer will submit an application for a visa on your behalf.

• You will need to provide the following documents to your employer:
• Your passport and visa application form.
• Your academic and professional qualifications.
• Your medical fitness certificate.
• Your police clearance certificate.

Your employer will submit your application to the UAE embassy or consulate in your home country.

Once your visa is approved, you will be able to enter the UAE and start working.

Visa fees: The visa fees for work visas vary depending on the type of visa and your nationality.

Validity: The validity of a work visa depends on the type of visa you have. Standard work visas are valid for 2-3 years, green visas are valid for 5 years.

Extension: You can extend your work visa for a maximum of 2 years. To extend your visa, you must apply for an extension at a UAE immigration office.

Here are some of the benefits of having a work visa in the UAE:

• Allows you to live and work in the UAE.
• Allows you to bring your dependents to live in the UAE.
• Allows you to travel to and from the UAE freely.
• Allows you to open a bank account in the UAE.
• Allows you to buy property in the UAE.

Student Visa:

Eligibility: To be eligible for a student visa in the UAE, you must:

• Be a citizen of a country that is eligible to study in the UAE.
• Have a valid passport that is at least six months old.
• Have been accepted to a UAE-accredited university or school.
• Have a medical fitness certificate.
• Have a police clearance certificate.
• Have proof of financial support.

Application process: The application process for a student visa in the UAE typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete. The process involves the following steps:

You will need to apply for admission to a UAE-accredited university or school.

Retirement Visa:

The UAE offers a retirement visa for individuals who are at least 55 years old and meet certain financial requirements. The visa is valid for 5 years and can be renewed for another 5 years.

To be eligible for a retirement visa in the UAE, you must:

• Be at least 55 years old.
• Have a valid passport that is at least six months old.
• Have a minimum of AED 1 million in financial assets.
• Have a medical fitness certificate.
• Have a police clearance certificate.

The application process for a retirement visa in the UAE typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete. The process involves the following steps:

You will need to apply for a retirement visa at a UAE embassy or consulate in your home country.

You will need to provide the following documents to the embassy or consulate:

Your passport and visa application form.

• Proof of your age.
• Proof of your financial assets.
• Medical fitness certificate.
• Police clearance certificate.

Once your application is approved, you will be issued a retirement visa.

The retirement visa in the UAE offers a number of benefits, including:

• The ability to live and work in the UAE.
• The ability to bring your dependents to live in the UAE.
• The ability to travel to and from the UAE freely.
• The ability to open a bank account in the UAE.
• The ability to purchase property in the UAE.

Golden Visa:

The visa is valid for 5 years and can be renewed for another 5 years.

There are different categories of Golden Visa, each with its own eligibility criteria and investment requirements.

Some of the categories of Golden Visa include:

•  Investors: Individuals who invest a minimum of AED 2 million in real estate or AED 10 million in government bonds.
• Entrepreneurs: Individuals who own and manage a business in the UAE that has been in operation for at least 2 years and generates annual revenues of at least AED 1 million.
• Scientists: Individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of science or technology.
• Outstanding students and graduates: Individuals who have achieved outstanding academic results or who have made significant contributions to the field of education.
• Humanitarian pioneers: Individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of humanitarian work.
• Frontline heroes: Individuals who have served in the UAE armed forces or police force.

The Golden Visa offers a number of benefits, including:

• The ability to live and work in the UAE.
• The ability to bring your dependents to live in the UAE.
• The ability to travel to and from the UAE freely.
• The ability to open a bank account in the UAE.
• The ability to purchase property in the UAE.

If you are interested in applying for a Golden Visa in the UAE, you should contact a UAE immigration lawyer or consultant for more information.

Three-month visit visa re- inroduced in the U.A.E

 The UAE has reintroduced a 3-month visit visa, allowing visitors to stay in the country for up to 90 days. The visa can be extended within the country at an additional cost based on the service provider.

The visa is available to citizens of most countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. To apply for the visa, visitors must have a valid passport and a return ticket. They can apply for the visa at any UAE embassy or consulate, or online through the UAE's official website.

The reintroduction of the 3-month visit visa is a welcome development for tourists and business travelers. It will make it easier for people to visit the UAE for short-term stays.

Here are some of the benefits of the new visa:

    It allows visitors to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days, which is longer than the previous 60-day visa.
    It can be extended within the country, which gives visitors more flexibility if they need to stay longer.
    It is available to citizens of most countries, which makes it easier for people to visit the UAE.

If you are planning to visit the UAE, I recommend applying for the new 3-month visit visa. It will make your trip easier and more enjoyable.

Three-day weekend in the U.A.E effective from July first 2023 to Federal Govt employees

 The UAE government has announced that federal government employees will be able to opt for a three-day weekend starting July 1, 2023. The new work pattern is part of a broader effort to improve work-life balance and productivity in the public sector.

Under the new system, employees will be able to work 10 hours a day, four days a week. This will give them a three-day weekend, from Friday to Sunday. Employees who choose to work this compressed workweek will be able to do so without any loss of pay.

The new work pattern is voluntary, and employees will be able to choose whether or not to participate. However, the government is encouraging employees to take advantage of the opportunity, as it is seen as a way to improve work-life balance and productivity.

The UAE is not the first country to introduce a four-day workweek. Iceland, for example, has been running a trial of a four-day workweek since 2017, and the results have been positive. Employees have reported feeling less stressed and more productive, and the country's economy has not suffered as a result.

It remains to be seen whether the UAE's new work pattern will be as successful as Iceland's. However, the government is confident that it will be a positive change for the public sector.

In addition to the new work pattern, the UAE government has also announced a number of other measures to improve work-life balance in the public sector. These include:

•     Increased flexibility for employees to work from home.
•     Increased opportunities for employees to take parental leave and other types of leave.
•     Improved health and wellness programs for employees.

The UAE government is committed to creating a more attractive and productive work environment for its public sector employees. The new work pattern and other measures are part of this effort.

The Federal National Council (FNC)U.A.E approves 3 year Work permit for employees

 The Federal National Council (FNC), the  parliamentary body of the United Arab Emirates, has approved  the extension of the validity period of work permits from two years to three years. This comes after the FNC committee recommended a change to reduce the financial costs associated with obtaining work permits.

  Currently, work permits are issued in the United Arab Emirates for two years. The document was issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emirates. It is illegal  to work in the country without a valid permit. A report by the Committee on Finance, Economy and Industry of FNC proposed to extend the tenure to three years. The commission also offered other recommendations, including waiving work permit fees when changing jobs. Another recommendation approved by the FNC  was that employees should work for the employer for at least one year  after the trial period. However, this requirement can be waived if the employer agrees.

New Amer Centres for Visa process replace 600 typing Centres in Dubai by November 1

A new UAE Vision visa system, which allows residents to complete all visa and residency transactions at typing centres, is operational now through the first such centre in Al Muhaisnah 4 area in Dubai.

Residents are urged to contact the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) via new Amer centres for visa transactions to cut time and effort. The GDRFA Dubai yesterday opened the first of the 50 Amer Business Centres which will replace nearly 600 typing centres in the near future.

Residents are no longer required to visit the GDRFA in order to renew or apply for visas. Instead, all transactions will be carried out through the approved Amer centres. Major-General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, director-general of GDRFA Dubai, said the Amer centres will replace the typing centres by November 1 this year and provide many services for residents at one place.

“We want to make people’s lives easier in Dubai by finishing their transactions at one place. At this centre, we have all our services and other government services,” Maj-Gen Al Merri said.

He said they aim to keep their services on a par with technological advancements to expedite and simplify all transactions.

With the new system, residents are no longer required to visit the GDRFA headquarters or any of its external branches to renew or apply for visas.

The transactions include applying for a visa, renewing residency, applying for new residency, visa cancellation and other related services.

According to the GDRFA, there have been no changes in the required documents or charges for visa transactions.

“Typing centres are crowded now and they must change the way of providing services by having proper space and not delay the residents, tourists and businessmen in their transactions,” Maj-Gen Al Merri added.

Major Salem Mohammad Bin Ali, director of Amer Client Happiness Department at GDRFA Dubai, told Gulf News that they received 25 requests from businessmen to open Amer centres and four such centres will be opened soon.

“The Amer centres will provide services of a slew of other government entities as well like Department of Economy Development, Dubai Municipality and Emirates Identity Authority. They will replace the current typing centres. We will have employees from GDRFA Dubai working in these centres,” Major Bin Ali said. The Amer Centre launched in Muhaisnah can serve 2,000 people every day and the working hours for the moment will be from 8 am to 3 pm, but after Ramadan, the hours will be from 8 am to 8 pm.

People can contact Amer Service call centre on 8005111 for further details.

UAE opens consulate in Kerala

The UAE has opened a Consulate General in Kerala, India, and appointed Jamal Al Zaabi Consul-General to Kerala, to further ties between the two countries.

The opening of the second UAE consulate in India comes within the context of bolstering the growing relations between the two countries, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation said.

"I am delighted to announce the opening of the new UAE consulate in the Indian state of Kerala. It represents an important achievement and a new boost for bilateral relations between the two friendly countries," said Under-Secretary at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Mohammed Mer Al Raisi, in a ceremony in the presence of Kerala Governor P Sathasivam, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Assistant Under-Secretary for Consular Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ahmed Elham Al Dhaheri, Ambassador of the UAE to India Dr. Ahmed Abdulrahman Al Banna, a delegation from the Ministry of Interior and a group of notable political figures and businessmen from the UAE and India.

The opening of the consulate in Kerala is aimed at furthering co-operation and partnership between the two countries in the business sector and trade and economic cooperation as well as at the level of social and cultural exchange, he added.  

In collaboration with the interior ministry, the consulate will provide visa services for UAE citizens visiting Kerala and southern India, as well as residents of Kerala in particular, Al Dhaheri said, and noted this would further facilitate and speed up the entry of Indian workers to the UAE via e-gates at the country's points of entry.

Kerala, he said, is a global business and trade hub and an integral part of the fast-expanding partnership between the UAE and India. This achievement would enable the two countries to continue to build strong relations in Kerala, an important economic partner of the UAE, he added.

"We have a lot in common, from trade and investment to workforce. A large number of workers, who come to the UAE every year to realise their job ambitions and improve their living standards in our country, hail from Kerala, UAE Consul-General to Kerala Jamal Al Zaabi said.

The new consulate will play an effective role in bolstering ties with India through enhanced trade relations and increased cultural exchange and cooperation between the UAE and Kerala, he added.

The UAE Consulate General in Kerala will support the partnership between the two countries in the government, business and social sectors, consular services, diplomatic documents as well as resources for trade and exchange between them.

Non-Competition clauses in U.A.E Labour law

U.A.E Labour law permits non-competition clauses to be included in a contract of employment as a way of protecting a business, and while they are legitimate, such post-termination restrictions can be difficult to enforce.

 Article 127 of UAE Labour Law specifically states that where an employee performs a role which allows him to become familiar with confidential information, the employer may put in place an agreement with provisions that prevent an employee from working with a competing business. But there are limitations. Any non-compete clauses must be reasonable and must only limit conduct in a way that is necessary to protect legitimate business and legal interests. The clauses must be limited in duration, geographical scope and the nature of the restriction. Restrictions of more than six months are unlikely to be upheld and the employer would have to prove that they have been disadvantaged in some way.

A non-competition agreement may be signed before or during the term of the employment, but as per the law, it will only come into effect on termination of the employment contract. The employers may include a clause in the labour contract or sign an additional agreement banning the employees from working for competitors for a certain period.

In order to apply non-competition clause certain conditions, have to be fulfilled. The agreement shall be, as far as time, place and nature of work are concerned, limited to what is necessary to protect the legal interests of the employer. If the job assigned to the employee allows him to know the secrets and know-how of the employer’s business dealings, then the employer may impose non-competition clause

To impose a non-competition clause against an employee, the non-competition agreement signed between the parties is to be restricted as per the provisions mentioned in the UAE Civil Code and the labour law. Such a stipulation shall not be valid unless it is clearly restricted to certain time, place and type of work, in a sufficiently determined manner so as to constitute a real protection of the legitimate employer’s interests. If the employer terminates the employee or the employee terminates the contract due to a reason that is ascribed to the employer’s fault, then the non-competition conditions shall not be applied against the employee.