Company Classification System Changes, Service Fees and Bank Guarantee Payment Changes Announced
August 30, 2017

Country / Territory
Related offices
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has announced changes to the company classification system, service fees and bank guarantee payments for companies in the mainland. The following are the most notable amendments that are expected to go into effect on November 30, 2017:
Company Classification System
The MOHRE classification system imposes groups for the purpose of evaluating a company’s compliance with specific UAE standards and regulations, including adhering to cultural diversity, contributing to Emiratisation initiatives and payment of wages. Companies in the mainland are currently grouped into three categories, 1, 2 and 3, with the second group being divided into sub-categories A, B and C.
The new system will introduce another sub-category, D, however it is not yet clear if, and under what conditions existing companies will be reclassified to this level.
Service Fees
MOHRE will offer lower government fees for skilled workers’ applications and higher fees for employees with limited skills. For most services, the MOHRE will apply fees according to the company category (the higher the category, the lower the fee).
Bank Guarantee
The new law will waive bank guarantees for employers recruiting skilled workers in the second and third categories. Employers recruiting candidates with limited skills will still be subject to a bank guarantee of AED 3,000, unless their company category is 1. Currently, the guarantee is only waived for companies in category 1.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
As a result of the changes, employers will see lower government fees and a bank guarantee exemption for skilled workers.
Employers should contact their immigration professional for more information about the new company subcategory, when it becomes available.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Country / Territory
Related offices
Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post
Director Johannes Tiba explores the proposal to grant automatic employment authorization to spouses of work visa holders in South Africa.

Media mentions
UK: Partner Haider Hussain clarifies that UAE Golden Visa applications must go through official government channels, warning against unauthorised fees and misinformation.

Media mentions
Director Laurence Keir-Thomas outlines how recent changes to UK immigration and industrial policy may affect talent planning and hiring across the games sector.

Video
In this Mobility Minute, Senior Consultant Ada Plant discusses how Portugal's Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) no longer accepts incomplete temporary residence applications.

Awards
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is named to the prestigious Citywealth Leaders List 2025, which recognises leading professionals in wealth management and private client services.

Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés discusses how Ireland’s Department of Justice is rolling out AI tools to reduce fraud risks in the immigration process.

Media mentions
Partner Isha Atassi discusses the impact of immigration policy changes on financial firms’ global mobility and workforce planning.

Blog post
Director Laxmi Limbani discusses strategies for securing talent in the UK space sector amid recent immigration reforms.

Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration trends across both Europe and Asia Pacific (APAC) in 2025.

Video
In this video, Partner Jack Kim explains how Canada’s Express Entry system works.

Awards
Fragomen and Partner Julia Onslow-Cole are shortlisted for the FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards.

Media mentions
Associate Aisha Shahid highlights how upcoming UK immigration reforms may impact key sectors and urges businesses to prepare.

Blog post
Director Johannes Tiba explores the proposal to grant automatic employment authorization to spouses of work visa holders in South Africa.

Media mentions
UK: Partner Haider Hussain clarifies that UAE Golden Visa applications must go through official government channels, warning against unauthorised fees and misinformation.

Media mentions
Director Laurence Keir-Thomas outlines how recent changes to UK immigration and industrial policy may affect talent planning and hiring across the games sector.

Video
In this Mobility Minute, Senior Consultant Ada Plant discusses how Portugal's Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) no longer accepts incomplete temporary residence applications.

Awards
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is named to the prestigious Citywealth Leaders List 2025, which recognises leading professionals in wealth management and private client services.

Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés discusses how Ireland’s Department of Justice is rolling out AI tools to reduce fraud risks in the immigration process.

Media mentions
Partner Isha Atassi discusses the impact of immigration policy changes on financial firms’ global mobility and workforce planning.

Blog post
Director Laxmi Limbani discusses strategies for securing talent in the UK space sector amid recent immigration reforms.

Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration trends across both Europe and Asia Pacific (APAC) in 2025.

Video
In this video, Partner Jack Kim explains how Canada’s Express Entry system works.

Awards
Fragomen and Partner Julia Onslow-Cole are shortlisted for the FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards.

Media mentions
Associate Aisha Shahid highlights how upcoming UK immigration reforms may impact key sectors and urges businesses to prepare.