UAE Launches Work Bundle Program to Expedite Work Permit and Residency Visa Procedure
The initiative aims to cut procedures by 2,000 and processing times in half within a year
In a recent development, the United Arab Emirates has launched a "Work Bundle" platform to simplify and expedite the procedure for obtaining work permits and residency visas. This move will enhance the region's image and motivate investors to be further attracted to it. The initiative vows to significantly reduce processing times from an average of one month to a mere five days.
Not just this, but in addition to reducing the processing time, officials announced that it would also decrease the necessary documentation from 16 to just five essentials. Furthermore, the number of visits to service centres will significantly reduce from seven to only two. The process of bringing a new employee on board is being slashed from 30 days to just five.
The initiative and the platform are further simplified as The Work Bundle integrates services from various government entities, including:
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
- Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
- Customs and Ports Security
- Dubai Health Authority
- Department of Economy and Tourism
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
Currently, the Work Bundle is accessible for companies operating in Dubai through the "Invest in Dubai" platform. Dubai authorities plan to expand the program gradually to other emirates shortly.
According to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, implementing the Work Bundle system is expected to save around 65 million working hours, eliminate 25 million government procedures, and reduce 12 million visits to government offices annually. This move aims to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of government services for the people of UAE, making their lives more convenient and hassle-free.
The Work Bundle initiative aligns with the recent directive from the UAE government to federal ministries and entities to reduce the number of procedures by at least 2,000 and cut processing times in half within a year.
All these are more reasons for Dubai's economy to flourish further and motivate the workforce to expand investing in the region, helping the growth of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.