The Ministry of Labour has decided to replace the old plastic labour cards and employment paper contracts with electronic ones starting 13 July in implementation of a resolution issued by Saqr Ghobash, Minister of Labour.
Humaid bin Dimas Al Suwaidi Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Affairs, said, "The ministry stopped issuing plastic cards and paper contracts earlier this month as a testing phase to determine and overcome any obstacles to implement the decision which goes into effect as scheduled on 13 July ." "Plastic labour cards due for renewal after 13 July will be determined to apply to these new measures and be replaced with electronic permits that are valid for two years." In a recent press conference at the ministry's premises in Dubai, Bin Dimas pointed out that before integrating the ministry’s decision, re-engineering processes were discussed by the Policies Council at the ministry to electronically issue labour cards and employment contracts. "The move came as a step towards e-transformation in their provided services, which is part of commitment towards the directives of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to provide high-quality services to customers, meet their desires and achieve their satisfaction." "The services development team at Ministry of Labour was keen on coming out with an innovative mechanism to ensure efficient services through issuing and renewing labour cards and employment contracts. The simplification of procedures follows consultations with strategic partners such as the Ministry of Interior and the Emirates Identity Authority, in addition to private company representatives who expressed pleasure at this step, which will save time and effort. Cards and contracts will be issued electronically within 48 hours from the date of submission." Bin Demas said employers can apply for electronic labour cards and contracts through Tas’heel service centers or within their companies only if they were registered under Tas’heel.
He urged employers to apply for those electronic services within 60 days from the workers' entry to U.A.E. where the ministry will grant the applicant a preliminary approval after meeting the conditions, and then will issue their permits electronically and send the data to General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs to complete their residency procedures.