The United Arab Emirates (UAE) introduced a groundbreaking initiative called the "Work Bundle" on Tuesday, aimed at simplifying and expediting the process of obtaining work permits and residency visas.
This innovative platform represents a concerted effort to enhance the experience for both corporations and individuals seeking employment opportunities in Dubai.
Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum underscored the significance of the Work Bundle platform, emphasizing its role in streamlining procedures for residency and work permits within the country.
Previously, the process of obtaining work permits and residency visas in Dubai was arduous, requiring up to 30 days and a voluminous stack of 16 documents.
However, with the introduction of the Work Bundle, this cumbersome process has been significantly streamlined. Processing time has been drastically reduced to just five days, and the number of required documents has been trimmed down to only five, as reported by the Khaleej Times.
Moreover, the need for multiple visits to visa centers has been substantially minimized, now requiring only two days, thereby saving applicants valuable time and effort.
The "Work Bundle" initiative aligns with the overarching goal of the "Zero Bureaucracy" initiative, which aims to simplify government procedures and provide proactive services. Initially launched in Dubai through the "Invest in Dubai" platform, the initiative is slated for gradual expansion to include other government digital platforms.
For the vast Indian expatriate community in the UAE, which constitutes approximately 30 per cent of the population, the significance of this streamlined process cannot be overstated. With 3.5 million resident Indians in the UAE, including a substantial portion in Dubai, the initiative holds immense potential to benefit this demographic.
Moreover, the introduction of a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa for Indians in Dubai, alongside the streamlined visa processes, reflects the UAE's commitment to fostering closer ties with the Indian community and facilitating their seamless integration into the country's workforce.
The efficiency of the Work Bundle platform is attributed to its integration of procedures from various government entities involved in the visa process, including the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
By consolidating these procedures under one platform, the Work Bundle eliminates the need for applicants to navigate multiple agencies, thereby streamlining the entire process.
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, emphasized that the announcement underscores the UAE's rapid digital transformation efforts, aimed at attracting businesses and promoting economic growth in the region.
