United Arab Emirates: In-country process available for work permit applicants

Immigration authorities in the United Arab Emirates have begun allowing foreign nationals to enter the country on short-stay visit visas and apply for work permits in country, as officials seek to alleviate processing delays associated with new work permit documentation requirements.

What does the change mean? Foreign nationals may enter the UAE on short-stay visit visas and apply for work permits without having to leave the country.

• Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Work permits.
• Who is affected: UAE companies in Dubai mainland, Abu Dhabi and all free zones.
• Impact on processing times: The change will save time in the work permit application process.
• Business impact: The process allows greater flexibility for employers and foreign employees and assignees to travel to the UAE and complete the process while in the country.

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