11,000 UAE residents get part-time work permits

The UAE Ministry of Labour has so far issued 11,000 part-time work permits since the scheme was introduced in early 2011.

Humaid bin Dimas Al Suwaidi, Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Affairs, said: "The part –time work permit scheme was started in early 2011 with the aim of achieving greater flexibility in the labour market and meet urgent labour needs of employers to complete projects instead of bringing new employees from abroad.”

Al Suwaidi said part-time work permits, valid for a year, can be taken for Dh500 a year.

Al Suwaidi said: "The part-time work permits can help raise productivity and the monthly incomes of workers legally.”

Part-time work permits can be obtained for workers below the age of 65 with valid residence visas and who are registered with the labour ministry.

Part-time work permits can also be issued for government workers, students above 18 years and women living with their parents, husbands, sons or daughters with valid residence visas.

Al Suwaidi said a contract between the employer and the worker must be signed mentioned the wage for getting the part-time work permit.

Employers must bear the cost of the part-time work permits and it should not be deducted from the part-time worker’s wages.

Request for part-time work permits can be made through the Ministry of Labour’s web site www.mol.gov.ae. Documents required include copies of trade licences, image of signed credit cards and a colour photograph of the worker with white background, his passport copy and a copy of his qualification certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and approval for part-time work by the competent authority.

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