New regulations have been implemented for expatriates and nationals of the UAE updates of critical importance to residents.
New regulations have been implemented for expatriates and nationals of the UAE.
The UAE amends its laws significantly each year to facilitate the daily lives of its citizens in Dubai. From mandatory unemployment insurance to non-Sharia-compliant marriages, the UAE introduced the following nine new regulations in 2023 that you should be aware of.
The tax on tourism is reduced in Abu Dhabi.
The Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi has recently declared a governmental fee adjustment for the tourism industry, effective September 1, 2023. As part of the amendments to government fees, the tourism charge levied on visitors has decreased from 6% to 4%. Guests will no longer be required to pay a Dhs15 per room, per night, municipal levy. Furthermore, the 6% municipality fee and the 4% municipality fee that are levied on the hotel's dining establishments will be eliminated. Officials reaffirmed the continuation of the municipality fee, which is equal to 4% of the invoice value.
New processes for Emirates ID updates
Do you require a visa modification to be reflected on your Emirates ID? All the details are now available online. This includes modifications to one's nationality, name, occupation, or employer, as well as passport information. Alterations to domicile details will result in an immediate request for a replacement Emirates ID card.
The modifications will be accessible to residents through the official website or the smart application. You only require your UAE Pass login credentials. An authorised typing centre or a customer satisfaction centre may also be visited in order to obtain a new Emirates ID.
Lifting of travel restrictions
In the event that a criminal case in the Dubai courts has resulted in a travel prohibition, there is now a digital, streamlined process available to have the ban lifted. The service, which Dubai Public Prosecution has introduced, will allow users to make an online payment and automatically have their travel restrictions lifted pending court approval. Here are three additional methods that can be utilised to accomplish this:
Approved by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, said the new service is a component of the government's 'Services 360' policy, which aims to promote smart solutions for life administration, expedite processes, and relieve pressure on physical service centres.
Scheme for involuntary unemployment loss (ILOE)
As of January 1, 2023, the Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) Scheme was implemented as a social security measure offering workers a maximum of three months of remuneration in the event of job loss. The programme requires mandatory enrollment for all private and public sector employees as of October 1, 2023; this deadline was extended to provide employees with an additional period to complete the enrollment process. The compensation may amount to sixty percent of the remuneration of the employee.
As per Cabinet Resolution No. 97 of 2022, non-subscribing UAE employees to the insurance programme within the grace period will incur a Dhs400 fine imposed by the Ministry. Furthermore, if the non-payment of the prescribed insurance premiums continues for a period exceeding three months, the insured will be subject to a Dhs200 fine.
Elimination of the grace period for Dubai tourist visas
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) verified to The National in May that recipients of expired Dubai tourist visas will no longer be granted a grace period of ten days. In the past, visitors were granted an additional 10 days to remain in the emirate after their visa had expired, beyond which they would be subject to overstay penalties. Those who violate this regulation by exceeding the validity period of their Dubai visit visa will be subject to an instantaneous fine of Dhs50 per day.
The UAE has extended work permits from two to three years.
Work permits are mandatory for all individuals seeking employment in the United Arab Emirates. According to the Federal National Council (FNC), however, the existing two-year work permit will be extended to three years. The measure, which was declared in May 2023, is anticipated to decrease the expenses linked to obtaining work permits. While the UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) is responsible for issuing work permits, no timeframe was provided for the implementation of this policy.
