UAE introduces digital work permits and domestic labor protections

The United Arab Emirates has introduced a new digital service through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) to streamline the process of obtaining work permits for employees recruited from abroad. This digital initiative allows registered establishments to submit applications and supporting documents electronically, aiming to reduce administrative burdens and replace lengthy traditional procedures.

In a separate regulatory development, the UAE has clarified legal protections for domestic workers. Under Federal Decree Law No. 21 of 2023, which amends previous statutes, the country has established a strict minimum age requirement for domestic employment. The law prohibits the recruitment or employment of anyone under the age of 18 in a domestic capacity, aligning national labor laws with international standards regarding child labor.