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.
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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.
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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.
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