Navigating Demographic Diversity: UAE's New Workforce Policy
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New Policy in UAE Encourages Demographic Diversity in Workforce

Impact on Indian & Pakistan communities

UAE’s Work Diversity Policy: In a recent development within the UAE job market, certain companies are encountering challenges in obtaining work visas for potential employees from specific South Asian nations. Despite rumors circulating on social media, there is no substantiated evidence to suggest a complete halt on visa issuance for Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis.

Authority’s Emphasis on Diversity

Reports indicate that companies seeking new visas for individuals from a nationality already well-represented in their workforce are prompted by authorities to “achieve demographic diversity while hiring.” This directive originates from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), underlining the necessity for diversifying nationalities within establishments.

Also read: UAE: Tinted Car Windows Could Cost You More Than AED 10,000

Ministry Clarifies Diversity Quota

Seeking clarification, a representative confirmed that companies must allocate the first 20% of their available workforce quotas to different nationalities. Importantly, this requirement is not exclusive to any particular nationality and applies universally. Once the 20% diversity benchmark is met, companies regain the freedom to hire from any nationality.

Dispelling Visa Restrictions Rumors

Addressing concerns regarding alleged visa restrictions on Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis, Firosekhan, managing director of Profound Business Service, clarified that the diversity message appears when attempting to secure a visa for an applicant in a company predominantly composed of the same nationality.

Abdul Gafoor, general manager of Al Mas Businessmen Service, noted that this rule seems applicable to mainland companies and not those operating within free zones. He affirmed that the initiative seeks to introduce diversity to the workplace.

Aligning with the Classification System

This policy aligns with the three-tier classification system introduced by the MoHRE in 2022, where achieving diversity in hiring contributes to obtaining a higher classification. This classification makes companies eligible for discounts on work permits and transfer fees.

Also read: Emirates Airlines Set To Expand Cabin Crew Team With 5,000 New Recruits For A350s

Exclusive Update

An exclusive update revealed that companies now need to follow a 20% quota for hiring different nationalities. The MOHRE statement emphasized the need for establishments to diversify nationalities during hiring, stressing that this procedure is linked to the demographic diversity of the establishments rather than being associated with a specific nationality.

Concerns within the Indian and Pakistani Communities

Implementing this policy has raised concerns among the Indian and Pakistani populations in the UAE, who constitute the first and second highest population ranges, respectively. However, the policy exclusions include Freezone workers, new companies, and domestic laborers.

Fostering Inclusivity

This development underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. The goal is to make social and cultural diversity integral to the core values of companies in the private sector.

Job Seeker Advisory

Job seekers are advised to verify with their prospective employers whether the 20% nationality quota has been fulfilled before expecting sponsorship for their visas. This proactive approach ensures a smoother transition into the workforce, aligning with the evolving landscape of the UAE job market.

Written by
Nidhi Singh Parihar

Hey there! I’m Nidhi, a web content writer with a knack for turning ideas into impactful words. With a B.Tech background and a passion for creativity, I switched gears from tech to text, crafting everything from SaaS copy to social media magic. Whether it’s blogs, product descriptions, or email campaigns, I love creating content that connects and converts. Let's create something amazing together!

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