UAE Scraps Supporting Documents for 13 Work Permit Types to Speed Up Hiring

The United Arab Emirates has removed all supporting document requirements for 13 categories of work permits and reduced the amount of data required on some application forms by as much as 97 percent, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

The changes fall under the government's Zero Bureaucracy initiative, which seeks to simplify administrative procedures across federal services. Under the new rules, required data fields for certain permits have been trimmed by between 75 and 97 percent, and processing times have been shortened as well.

All 13 permit services are now accessible through MoHRE's unified digital channels, allowing employers to complete applications entirely online. The removal of document uploads and the reduction in form fields are expected to speed up hiring, accelerate job transfers and ease the process for companies recruiting staff from abroad.

The reform carries particular significance for Pakistan, since the UAE is currently issuing approximately 30,000 visas to Pakistanis every month, making it one of the largest destinations for Pakistani workers and a major source of remittances. Faster and simpler permit processing could benefit both job seekers and employers involved in recruitment between the two countries.

MoHRE said the changes are intended to support private businesses, safeguard workers' rights and build a more efficient labour market. The ministry has also begun a new phase of improvements centred on simpler procedures and expanded digital services.

The latest measures build on earlier steps, including the introduction of a digital work permit for overseas hiring. The reforms reflect a broader push by the UAE to reduce administrative burdens and digitise government services for employers and employees alike.