UAE issues new visa, foreign workers insurance rules

The UAE Cabinet has issued a new insurance plan for workers’ guarantees to secure workers’ rights in the private sector and reduces the burdens on employers, state-owned news agency WAM reported.

The previous mandatory deposit of AED 3,000 ($817) per worker is now being replaced by a new insurance that costs AED 60 annually per worker, according to the report.

The new plan allows businesses to recover about AED 14 billion, representing the value of current guarantees paid by employers, which will enable them to further invest in the development of their business, the news agency added.

The cabinet also adopted a number of visa facilitations for visitors, residents, families and people overstaying their visa to cater for a wider segment of the society.

They also approved a decision to exempt transit passengers from all entry fees for the first 48 hours. A transit visa can be extended for up to 96 hours for a fee of AED 50.

Separately, the cabinet adopted a decision enabling people overstaying their visa the option of leaving the country voluntarily without a “no entry” passport stamp. A new six-month visa will be introduced for job seekers overstayed their visa but wish to work in the country.