Visa formalities eased for Indian workers

Dubai, Jan 11: In view of setting up labour offices in various countries, Indian workers seeking jobs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can have their visas stamped before coming here, the Ministry of Labour has said.

Workers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will be able to complete visa formalities in their own countries where labour offices would be set up.

Labour exporting countries had signed Memorandums of Understanding recently that would allow completion of work permit formalities such as medical test, signing of e-contract as well as for providing working mission visa instead of visit visa, press reports said.

UAE has introduced a new category called working mission visa valid for six months that could be renewed for another six months to ensure that the worker could change job if he desired.

Unlike visit visa, the work mission visa will ensure all rights to the workers such as medical care, accommodation, and the right to complain at the Ministry.

UNI