Recruiters relieved as UAE job visa process picks up

Experts say it will allow for a more streamlined process to be developed.

In a country where the foreign workforce accounts for nearly 80 per cent of the population, the recent decision from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to suspend the Good Conduct Certificate requirement for employment visas is a positive move.

Experts here say it will allow for a more streamlined process to be developed.

Following Sunday's announcement, Khaleej Times spoke to several immigration consultants in the UAE who objectively analysed why the decision to enforce a temporary suspension may have been made.
Murtaza Khan, partner at Fragomen Worldwide, said although there is no indication right now regarding a reinstatement of the rule (which was initially made mandatory on February 4 this year), good conduct certificates are key to keeping the UAE environment safe.

"When the mandatory rule was brought in, its purpose was clear: to strengthen and secure the UAE. Background checks on people are a form of protection for the UAE's growth programme. It makes sense and it's not an unusual practice worldwide. Many countries require these certificates."

But on the flip side, Khan said it is likely the suspension has been enforced due to issues relating to the timelines of obtaining such a certificate. "Acquiring a good conduct certificate can be a long process. In turn, that can impact business timelines when it comes to hiring workers. In the UAE, we are heavily reliant on foreign workers - about 80 per cent in the private sector. The need for this certificate increases the duration of the recruitment process and that can impact business projects."

Before the official implementation of conduct proof rule on February 4, Khan said the UAE announced the news in advance, allowing businesses and workers to prepare for the change. He hopes that will be the case again when the suspension is lifted.

"That was a really helpful move on the government's part. When the rule is reinstated, it would be good to get a two- to three-month lead time on the official date of implementation. It will ease the burden of getting the document for many people."

Obtaining the conduct proof requires inputs from foreign governments. They have to align with the systems of the UAE government, he said. "You have to remember that there are over 200 nationalities living here. Aligning systems between the UAE and foreign entities takes time, so the suspension is likely a way of making and preparing a system to make the process more streamlined and transparent."

For Shaikh Zahiruddin, immigration manager (UAE and Middle East), Santa Fe Relocation, he said the temporary suspension announcement is a "very positive move" from the UAE.

"When the initial announcement was made on February 4, many people were not sure what to do to get the certificate. The process varies from country to country."

But under this postponement period, Zahiruddin said it will give time for pending applications to be processed quicker.

"This time will allow the government to come up with a clear and transparent process. When the suspension is lifted, it would also be beneficial to get at least a two-month notification period prior to reinstatement."

Zawya