UAE government announces new renewal process for work permits of labourers

The UAE government has initiated work permit renewal for labourers as part of the country’s precautionary measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). 

Labourers whose work permits have expired have been granted exemptions in the UAE. The announcement comes from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

Residence permits and work visas for workers will be issued and renewed automatically. The move will allow labourers employed by companies, as well as support service staff like domestic workers, to remain legal residents in the UAE despite the ongoing isolation tactics being deployed by the government to contain the spread of the virus. Under the new initiative:

• Workers are not required to go to medical examination centres in their cities
• The fees for the renewals will be processed through authorised payment channels 
• The workers will automatically become legal residents of the UAE once the fee is paid

Business owners in the country are urged to report any suspected cases of COVID-19 among their workforces by The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. Furthermore, all workers are called on to adhere to precautionary instructions to reduce the spread of the virus. 

In addition to work permit renewal for labourers, the United Arab Emirates has initiated a series of other measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the country. A prime example is a current coronavirus Dubai disinfection drive. Additionally, coronavirus travel restrictions in the UAE have also been implemented to contain the threat. We have also answered some pressing questions about the matter in our travel-related FAQs about the coronavirus.

Read our guide about UAE Labour Laws to get a basic understanding of the rights and responsibilities of a worker. If you are confused, you can visit the Tawjeeh centres for training and guidance.