United Arab Emirates: Immigration Rule Changes in Dubai International Financial Center Free Zone

Effective immediately, the Dubai International Financial Center Free Zone (DIFC) has reduced the maximum validity period for a non-sponsored employment permit to two years, down from three years, possibly to align with the duration of the employment residence permit. This will result in the employers of foreign nationals having to renew their employees’ work permits more often, increasing costs. Additionally, the DIFC implemented new services aimed at simplifying and enhancing immigration application procedures. First, employees on a standard employment residence permit who have been outside the United Arab Emirates for more than six months for valid reasons, such as medical or educational purposes, can now have their employer submit an online application on their behalf for a re-entry certificate to facilitate their return to the country, provided that their employment residence permit has not expired. Previously, this option was not available and employers were required to cancel their employee’s employment residence permit and then apply for a new work permit if the employee was outside the United Arab Emirates for more than six months. Additionally, UAE residence permit applicants seeking to update personal information on an already issued employment entry permit can now have it amended; previously, this was not available and such applicants were required to have their employment permit canceled before their employer could apply for a new permit on their behalf, creating a lengthier process and increasing costs.