United Arab Emirates: Immigration Rule Changes in Dubai International Financial Center Free Zone
April 25, 2024
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.
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].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
O diretor Gustavo Kanashiro compartilha como os cidadãos luso-brasileiros poderiam potencialmente solicitar o visto E-2 dos EUA para investidores.
Fragomen news
The AILA NJ Chapter presents Director & Pro Bono Counsel Barbara Camacho with the Pro Bono Champion Award.
Podcast
Members of Fragomen's Education Practice discuss the UK's digitisation of the immigration system and its impact on the UK education sector.
Blog post
Senior Manager Alfred Chong and Senior Business Immigration Consultant Jonathan Ying discuss the steady rise of Japan's tourism sector, applications for permanent residency and the overall appeal of Japan as a place to live.
Awards
Fragomen and TBB received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 9th Annual Better Society Awards.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock shares how the UK’s salary threshold is impacting businesses.
Media mentions
Nomadic Director Kim Conway discusses technology’s impact on the business travel landscape at the 2024 GBTA Canada Conference.
Media mentions
In an interview, Partner David Grunblatt shares his thoughts on the challenges impacting the future of immigration law.
Video
Partner Charles Johanes discusses key tips on managing workforce ratios and other localisation requirements across the APAC region.
Blog post
Associate Anastasija Vasiljeva discusses the digitalisation of the UK immigration system, how these changes are designed to enhance efficiency and security and how student sponsors and visa nationals must stay informed and compliant.
Video
Senior Immigration Consultant Elisabeth Kamm discusses changes to the Schengen Area that travelers should be aware of and how they can ensure they are prepared to meet immigration requirements.
Blog post
Senior Manager Deirdre Murray discusses the possibility of the Irish Government granting the spouses and partners of Intra-Company Transfer employment permits an automatic right to work in Ireland.
Media mentions
O diretor Gustavo Kanashiro compartilha como os cidadãos luso-brasileiros poderiam potencialmente solicitar o visto E-2 dos EUA para investidores.
Fragomen news
The AILA NJ Chapter presents Director & Pro Bono Counsel Barbara Camacho with the Pro Bono Champion Award.
Podcast
Members of Fragomen's Education Practice discuss the UK's digitisation of the immigration system and its impact on the UK education sector.
Blog post
Senior Manager Alfred Chong and Senior Business Immigration Consultant Jonathan Ying discuss the steady rise of Japan's tourism sector, applications for permanent residency and the overall appeal of Japan as a place to live.
Awards
Fragomen and TBB received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 9th Annual Better Society Awards.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock shares how the UK’s salary threshold is impacting businesses.
Media mentions
Nomadic Director Kim Conway discusses technology’s impact on the business travel landscape at the 2024 GBTA Canada Conference.
Media mentions
In an interview, Partner David Grunblatt shares his thoughts on the challenges impacting the future of immigration law.
Video
Partner Charles Johanes discusses key tips on managing workforce ratios and other localisation requirements across the APAC region.
Blog post
Associate Anastasija Vasiljeva discusses the digitalisation of the UK immigration system, how these changes are designed to enhance efficiency and security and how student sponsors and visa nationals must stay informed and compliant.
Video
Senior Immigration Consultant Elisabeth Kamm discusses changes to the Schengen Area that travelers should be aware of and how they can ensure they are prepared to meet immigration requirements.
Blog post
Senior Manager Deirdre Murray discusses the possibility of the Irish Government granting the spouses and partners of Intra-Company Transfer employment permits an automatic right to work in Ireland.