A top official has advocated for the legalization of employment for visit visa holders in the UAE, a move aimed at fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between tourists seeking jobs and local businesses in need of employees. Dr. Ali Humaid bin Khatem, Advocate-General and Head of Naturalisation and Residency Prosecution, shared this suggestion at the Entrepreneurship Makers Forum in Al Khawaneej, stressing the potential advantages of such a policy change.
Currently, UAE regulations prohibit visit visa holders from engaging in employment, with companies facing heavy fines and penalties for non-compliance. These strict measures require businesses to obtain the necessary employment visas and work permits for their workers prior to commencement.
Dr. bin Khatem’s comments come as part of a broader discussion at the forum, hosted by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai, which also touched upon challenges such as fake Emiratisation. He highlighted issues with companies employing UAE nationals in nominal roles purely to meet Emiratisation quotas, a practice that undermines genuine employment efforts.
The forum, now in its second year, serves as a platform for addressing the hurdles faced by young entrepreneurs and exploring potential solutions. Distinguished guests, including Lieutenant-General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of the GDRFA, and Essam Lootah, CEO of Imtiaz Service, contributed insights on the importance of supportive legislation and the role of content creators in promoting entrepreneurial endeavors and sustainable development.