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UAE introduces new work permit

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The UAE is introducing a new work permit which will allow foreign workers currently in the country to switch jobs after two years without facing a six-month ban for leaving their previous job.

The changes are an attempt to reform the UAE labour market.

"Expatriate workers who have completed two years with their employers can change jobs without serving the ban following the implementation of the new rules," said Humaid Bin Deemas, Acting Director General for the Ministry of Labour.

"If workers have quit before the completion of two years then they will not be issued labour cards until the two-year period is over," he added.

Bin Deemas said that a foreign worker who cancels his residence visa before the two years and returns to the UAE on a visit visa will not get another work permit before the two-year period expires.