UAE Launches Work Bundle to Simplify Visas and Work Permits
As part of the ‘Zero Bureaucracy’ initiative, the government of the UAE has launched the ‘Employment Package’, a pioneering project designed to expedite, simplify, and streamline the processes related to UAE residence visa and work permit in UAE for private sector companies. The project aims to simplify procedures, enhance efficiency, and reduce effort and time. It is expected to eliminate 25 million procedures annually, 12.5 million annual visits, and save 62.5 million working days each year.
What is the Work Bundle?
Providing a single digital platform for renewal, cancellation, medical examination, and fingerprinting, the ‘Work Bundle’ combines procedures of five major government entities:
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP)
- Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
- Department of Economy and Tourism (DET Services)
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
Key Features of the Work Bundle
This platform will significantly enhance access to visas and work permits in the UAE through:
- A single digital interface instead of 5 separate departments
- Reducing 8 services to a unified platform
- Cutting down from 15 steps and 16 documents to only 5 steps and 5 documents
- Minimizing visits from 7 to just 2
- Saving over 80% of time — from 30 working days to just 5
Simplified Process for Work Permit Visa and Residency
The Work Bundle is also helpful for employees applying from outside the UAE. It offers a platform to fill out a unified application, process their temporary work permit UAE, and apply for a work permit visa.
After submitting the application, the employee must complete a medical examination and Emirates ID fingerprinting to finalize their work permit in UAE.
Boosting Digital Transformation in Work Permit Services
This initiative represents a significant move in the UAE’s broader digital transformation strategy. By simplifying access to visas and work permits, it enhances the UAE’s global competitiveness in business setup and operational efficiency for private companies.
Implementation and Expansion
The first phase of this project is being rolled out in Dubai via the ‘Invest in Dubai’ platform. It will gradually expand to include other emirates, providing easier access to temporary work permit UAE services and reducing bureaucratic friction.
Frequently Asked Question
A work permit in UAE is a legal requirement for all expatriates who wish to work in the country. It authorizes you to be employed by a registered UAE company and ensures that your employment is recognized and protected by UAE labor laws. Without a valid work permit, working in the UAE is illegal and could result in fines or deportation.
A temporary work permit in UAE allows individuals to work legally for a short-term period (usually up to 6 months). It is typically issued for freelance projects, part-time jobs, or contractual work and must be approved by MOHRE.
You can check your work permit status in UAE through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) website or mobile app. Simply enter your application number or reference ID to track the status of your work permit. You can also call the MOHRE helpline at 80060 for real-time assistance.
No, you cannot legally work in the UAE with a visit or tourist visa. You must have a valid work permit visa issued by a licensed employer to engage in any paid employment in the country.
The process usually takes 5 to 10 working days, depending on the type of permit and completeness of documentation. The new Work Bundle initiative further reduces the processing time significantly.
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