Labour card renewal fees amended

Ministry of Labour has announced amendements in work permit renewal fees for private sector employees, according to a report in 'Al Khaleej' newspaper.

Humaid bin Dimas, Assistant Undersecretary, Ministry of Labour for Labour Affairs, said: "The ministry will unify fees for issuing work permits for those until the age of 65. This is in accordance with the classification of categories and new facilities."

"The fee for renewal of labour card for a period of two years will be Dh300 for the first category. The fee for second category employees, which include three levels, will be Dh600, Dh1,500 and Dh2,000 respectively," he said.

"Employees under the third category will have to pay Dh5,000 for renewing their labour cards. Similarly, a unified fee of Dh5,000 will be applicable for issuance of labour cards for those more than 65 years with a validity of two years," said Bin Dimas.

"According to the new resolution, fees for issuing permits under the unified fee structure to people until 65 years will be effective next month," he said. There are about 17,500 workers above 60 years in the UAE and about 14,000 workers between 60 and 65 years of age, he added.

Ministry of Labour has developed new types of work permits in accordance with the needs of the job market. These will help achieve the required flexibility, increase  competitiveness of companies as well as address the needs of citizens and residents.

Even students and minors are covered under the new structure. Work permits for teenagers (between 15 and 18 years of age) is valid for one year and renewable for Dh500, said Bin Dimas. "However, there will be certain conditions for permits issued to minors, which will be announced later. This may include details such as approval of guardians, nature of study, name of institutions, valid residence details, etc," he added. 

"The ministry has also decided to issue internal work permits valid for two years for a fee of Dh600 for the first level of the second category; at Dh1,500 for the second level; and Dh2,000 for the third level. This will benefit children and foreign spouses of UAE citizens," he added. 

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