The Ministry of Labour had passed a ministerial decision last week, which permits companies in all sectors to apply for mission visas for their employees, who are currently on probation or on short-term jobs.

“This visa, introduced by the Labour Ministry, is intended to solve the issue of illegal residency, after a study, conducted by the ministry, revealed that most people, who made use of amnesty, landed here on visit visas,” said Talmiz Ahmad.

He continued "Selling visit visas is easier for illegal agents, as they are easily available, and those working under such visas are illegal. The UAE government is taking measures to prevent misuse of visit visas. The Mission visas are just like the three month long job visas, and will be regulated in a better manner. Employees could decide based on the company, which is best suited for their needs, while the employers, on the other hand, get to test the skills of the employee," he concluded.

Read more news

> Gulf workers lured by opportunities at home countries
> Middle East realty sector likely to see increase in salaries in 2008
> UAE among top ten employee preferred destinations
> Gulf citizens face unemployment despite economic growth
> Expatriates occupy 99 percent of jobs in private sector
> High cost of living compels employees to consider moving out of UAE
> Tanmia signs deal with universities to create skilled work-pool
> CareerJunction makes its entry into the Middle East job market
> Jobseekers urged to make use of the Mission Visa
> Young expatriates now allowed to work part-time