In a major relief to expatriates, including Indians, United Arab Emirates has issued new rules which allow workers who are over 60 years to renew their labour permits until the age of 65.
The new rules would also allow specialised professionals to continue until 70, Ali bin Abdullah Al Ka'abi, Labour and Social Affairs Minister said on Sunday after issuing the new rules on renewing labour permits and transferring sponsorship for expatriates aged over 60 working in the private sector. Earlier, workers over 60 could only renew their labour permits if they belonged to a list of specialised professions.
The undersecretary of labour or the assistant undersecretary had to approve all renewals, 'Gulf News' daily said. Labour permit renewal is carried out yearly, instead of every three years like all other workers and would cost Dh 5,000.
According to the new rules, all workers aged 60 to 65 can now renew their labour cards yearly after paying all transaction fees. However, workers aged 65 to 70 can only renew their labour cards if they belong to one of the 11 professions such as engineers, doctors, university professors, accountants, techicians working on electronic equipment or in a laboratory.
The rules make a distinction between people renewing their labour permit and those applying for one for the first time. The ministerial decision allows all workers from 60 to 65 to change sponsors. Workers aged between 65 to 70 can also change sponsors, the report said.
