Murtaza Khan on the new developments in visa applications, sponsorships, and traveling capabilities.

The UAE has established itself as a central business hub known for its ease of doing business. Whether it is the operation of a multinational business or a local small or large enterprise, there remains one constant when it comes to business: people.

As immigration experts, we believe there are several changes which will affect the way companies operate during this year, and also change the way that they interact with employees. These can be summed up as follows: transparency, innovation and mobility.

Transparency: Greater employee empowerment 

The UAE's Ministry of Labour announced three new decrees that came into effect in January 2016 - strengthening regulation around work permits, contract structure, and clauses around termination of employment. These changes mean greater transparency, security, and potentially, ease for employees to navigate the job market in search of a more competitive offer, leading to increased competition for talent.

In addition to the developments made by the authorities, the UAE Government has been working on implementing the amendments of the immigration law that were initially introduced in 2014. The most recent modification allows for the immigration status of the visitors to the UAE to be amended without them having to exit and re-enter.

2016 is a year of employee empowerment and mobility, with the regulations necessitating that both employers and employees are clear in what to expect from any work contracts.

Innovation: Increased company efficiency 

With companies looking to reduce their operational costs, immigration is an area they can rethink more strategically with the help of innovation. We see a trend emerging among the region's large conglomerates, family businesses, and holding groups - they are becoming increasingly global and have a fundamental need for connectivity. Processing each visa application in-house is time consuming, cost ineffective, and does not bring additional values such as knowledge. The companies which decided to bring in the right expertise, and allowed for implementing a clear process & IT system to serve their immigration needs, have a competitive edge.

Innovation in processing various immigration applications is taking place at a national level as well. UAE paper forms are often optional and individuals are encouraged to apply for visas online.  Electronic filings through respective portals are now mandatory for the companies in most of the UAE jurisdictions. The Ministry of Labour has long established its online application process with moves now towards interactive mobile apps that allow you to manage applications on the go.

Mobility: Stronger ties with the EU and Security 

Critical to the success of companies is the ability of their employees to move seamlessly across borders as and when required. A number of changes have taken place in business immigration for UAE citizens and residents, easing visa requirements and improving processing procedures in certain key countries. A strong long-term relationship between the UK and the UAE resulted in Emiratis being exempt from obtaining a UK visa for tourism and family visits since the beginning of 2014.

In May 2015 the European Parliament allowed Emirati citizens the right to travel to Schengen countries visa-free for business, tourism, or family visit purposes, providing them with easier access to 26 member states and to additional 7 countries which are legally obliged to join the agreement or have open borders.  

Another facilitation by the UK Government was implemented last year when a new service for the UAE registered companies, who send staff to the UK regularly, was introduced. The new program provides a streamlined visa service along with a dedicated account manager from the UK Visas and Immigration.

Such ease on outward mobility has been achieved, in part, by the UAE through maintaining a highly effective internal security environment. The UAE, in fact, continues to be one of the safest places in the world to visit, live, and work. As it continues to attract people and talent from around the world, it remains integral to the UAE's strategy to maintain such high standards of security which often results in scrutiny and delays. Employers are therefore advised to cooperate with the authorities by providing additional supporting documents and information, to allow for a timely review of the applications. 

About Murtaza Khan
Murtaza is practice leader for Fragomen Worldwide in the UAE and is responsible for the provision of outsourced corporate migration solutions throughout the Middle East and Africa.

He has extensive knowledge of immigration and related HR regulations in the UAE and works with a number of multinational companies to effectively manage and provide large scale outsourced corporate migration programs. This includes the design and outsourced execution of business processes tailored to the UAE's particular requirements and best practices.

Prior to joining Fragomen in 2006, Murtaza worked in the Audit and Assurance division of a Big Four accounting firm in London. His work was primarily in Corporate Finance Advisory, Migration Services and Audit & Assurance Services. Consequently, he has also had exposure to a variety of industries including Information Technology, Housing, Telecommunications, Outsourcing and Media & Entertainment. He has serviced clients such as prominent public sector bodies and multinational companies.

© Capital Business 2016