UAE allows private sector to hire students for training, part time work

Students in the United Arab Emirates can now apply to obtain permits for training and work in the private sector, the country’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced.

Under the new decree, students aged between 12-18 be able to apply for a training permit with written consent from their guardian.

Similarly, students aged 15-18 will require written consent to apply for a work permit.

National and foreign students applying for a work permit will be granted similar rights to those working full time in the private sector.

“The decree comes in the framework of carrying out tasks assigned to the ministry in terms of labour market management in accordance with the vision of the Future government, to develop human resource and invest their capabilities so as to enhance productivity and participation in the labour market,” said minister of human resources H.E Saqr Ghobash.

The new work permit system will allow companies to hire both citizens and non-citizens that are registered and non-registered in the ministry’s database.

A permit for students to work on a project with a completion period not exceeding six months will cost Dhs 500.

Temporary permits for part time work can also be granted for a period not exceeding one year for Dhs 500.

Juvenile work permits to employ those aged between 15 and 18 for a period not exceeding one year will also cost Dhs 500.

The ministry said students should not work more than six hours a day, with one or more hours of rest to eat or pray. They should also not be made to work for more than four consecutive hours.

Permits can be requested from Tas’heel service centres or through the ministry’s smartphone application.