Jobseekers get more time to ‘try tHeir luck’ in country

Because of the time pressure, many settle for low salaries. I know people who have taken up jobs that are way beneath their qualifications. The possibility of extending the visa will hopefully change this situation. ”

Yusuf Jamal. Pakistani expat

Visit visa holders hailed the government decision that will give them a 60-day breather before having to exit the country after the validity of their visa expires.

“I cannot even begin to tell you how relieved I am,” said Aravindan.K, an Indian expat, who is in Abu Dhabi on a visit visa.

“My visa will expire in one month and a half, and I still have not managed to get a job. I will definitely apply for an extension, and continue my job search,” said Aravindan.

Niyas, another expat, said the new rule has come as a blessing for him. “This is my second visit visa. I am desperate to find a job but my days are running out. The extra 60 days means I have two more months to try my luck. It is my dream to find a job in Dubai and be able to support my family back home,” said Niyas.

Thousands of jobseekers enter the UAE every month on visit visas, and many are forced to either go back for good or exit the country and come back on another visit. Pakistani expat Yusuf Jamal who has recently brought his cousin to the UAE on a visit, said the 60-day extension will allow job-seekers to look for the right job and remuneration.

“Because of the time pressure of three months within which visit visa holders have to land a job, many settle for low salaries. I even know people who have taken up jobs that are way beneath their qualifications. The possibility of extending the visa will hopefully change this situation.”