Khaleej Times, Sunday, Aug 21, 2022 | Muharram 22, 1444
New visa, reforms to give job-seekers time to negotiate salaries
Emirates: The new job exploration visa and an
amendment to allow a longer grace period for residents with expired visas will
help employers and prospective employees, recruitment and human resources
experts say.
They believe that a job exploration visa will substantially benefit candidates
who work in a profession where there is strong competition as they will be
readily available in the market to join immediately.
The UAE has announced a job exploration visa to attract young talents and
skilled professionals to explore job opportunities available in the country
without requiring a sponsor or a host.
It is granted to those classified in the first or second or third skill level as
per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and the fresh graduates of
the best 500 universities in the world and the minimum educational level should
be a bachelor's degree or its equivalent.
The UAE has also amended a law that gives residents “longer flexible grace
periods that reach up to six months” to stay in the country after residence
permits are cancelled or expired. However, it’s not immediately clear if this
applies to all residence types.
Sarah Dixon, managing director of Hays in the Middle East, says the introduction
of the new visa will make it easier for job seekers to enter the country to find
employment.
“We expect to see more expats coming into the country and basing themselves here
while seeking work. Jobseekers that are already settled ‘on the ground’ and are
available to meet potential employers are at an advantage. Those based here
improve their chances of being interviewed and ultimately hired as it shows
commitment to UAE and less ‘risk’ for an employer in comparison to someone
currently abroad; therefore putting these jobseekers at the top of the resume
pile for selection,” said Dixon.
Salaries, career progression
Moreover, she added that jobseekers will now have more freedom and flexibility
to consider their options and make more informed decisions about their new
career. They will have more time to consider factors such as salaries, work
expectations, the scope of work and career progression, securing the right job
and reducing the incidence of “job hopping”.
Dixon added that eligible jobseekers will benefit from the new visa but
candidates that work in professions where there is an abundance of talent or
lots of competition can get ahead of those applying from abroad / on visitor
pass by showing commitment to relocation.
Mayank Patel, country head, Adecco Middle East, the world's leading HR solutions
firm, said the introduction of jobseeker visas will make it more simple for
people to enter the country to find work.
“It will give that extra time for job seekers to not just prepare themselves
well but also have extended time to seek additional support from the choice of
employer. This will eventually help in taking the right decision and a longer
stay with the organization,” he said.
6-month stay after visa cancellation
Patel added that an amendment in the law that allows expats to stay for
six-month after the cancellation or expiry of residence permits will mainly help
employees to settle dues and eventually result in less trouble for the financial
sector such as banks. “It will eventually give peace of mind to the employees to
wrap up more smoothly than in a rush to venture out.”
Sarah Dixon added that the grace period for cancelled visas being extended is
certainly a positive as it gives them adequate time to search for a new job.
“This extension also benefits the UAE in terms of retaining talent that has the
regional experience,” she added.