UAE expands 'Work Bundle' scheme to slash visa processing time

The UAE government's 'Work Bundle' initiative, which slashes the processing time for work permits and residency visas, has now been expanded to cover all seven emirates.

Private firms, individuals and investors can complete essential employment and residency procedures using a unified, integrated platform called WorkInUAE.ae.

Procedures that previously took up to 30 days can now be completed within five days.

The 'Work Bundle' scheme, which was initially launched in Dubai in March, provides a range of services related to living and working in the country, including services for onboarding new employees as well as issuing, renewing and cancelling work contracts, permits and visas.

Its second phase has brought together several government entities, including the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE); Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security; Emirates Health Services (EHS); Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) and the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi.

The initiative, which avoids duplication of procedures and requirements, is in line with the UAE government’s Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme.

Phase 2 of Work Bundle has been launched and expanded to include all emirates via the unified digital platform https://t.co/lFjI3Gj8Ry, offering essential employment and residency services for private sector companies and individuals with a single, unified application form… pic.twitter.com/yPF1FpoK0d

— وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) June 11, 2024