UAE TO GRANT VISA EXTENSION TO LAID-OFF WORKERS

By Muin Abdul Majid

DUBAI, April 28 (Bernama) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is likely to pass two laws which would help expatriate workers, one of which could allow people who lose their jobs to remain in the country for up to six months.

The longer grace period for unemployed workers should become law within two
months, The National daily reported, citing UAE's Labour Minister Saqr Ghobash.

"Depending on the worker's occupation, visas would be extended by between
three and six months," he said, adding that the move would be applicable to all
nationalities.

The newspaper said expatriates currently had just one month to leave the
country after being laid-off.

The other law, aimed at providing extra protection to labourers working in
this Gulf state, could come into force within two weeks.

The daily also reported that companies hiring unemployed workers already in
the country would enjoy reduced visa application fees.
-- BERNAMA