Date:05/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/05/stories/2008010556601300.htm

National

Indians visiting UAE asked to opt for Mission Visa

Dubai: Indians visiting the United Arab Emirates seeking employment have been asked to opt for a “Mission Visa,” instead of a visit visa, which gives them a legal residence status. “Job-seekers from India who wish to come to the UAE can opt for a Mission Visa, instead of a visit visa, valid for three months,” Indian Ambassador to the UAE Taimiz Ahmed told reporters in Abu Dhabi.

The Ministry of Labour said it would allow companies in all sectors to apply for Mission Work Permits for their employees who are in probation period or who are in the country for a short term job. At present, people working on a visit visa are illegal and are thus not protected by the Labour Law.

“The Mission Visa gives the visitor a chance to decide whether he or she wants to work here or not. It gives them three-month legal residence status,” Mr. Ahmed said on Thursday. — PTI