Flexible visa schemes to deal with job losses

dubai — Expat residents in Dubai need not worry about their visa status if they have faced unemployment during the coronavirus crisis while Abu Dhabi said blue collar workers would be tested for Covid-19 free of charge.

Dubai is ensuring that resident visas of expats who have lost their jobs are transferred to a new employer or they can continue to work under the same sponsor in a new company.

Major General Mohammad Al Marri, Director-General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, during a virtual Press conference, said the flexible visa extension plan would help people who have lost their jobs and cannot return to their home countries.

“For those who have lost their jobs, they are free to look out for other job opportunities and we will facilitate the transfer of visa from one company to the other. We are also looking to create a system where residents can keep the visa with the previous sponsor and work with another entity,” Major General Al Marri said.

He reiterated that expats whose residence visas have expired after March 1 could stay in the country till the end of the year. “They can stay till the end of year without paying any fines. They will be allowed to live legally in the UAE,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi said workers would be tested for free in clinics in the Musaffa area. These facilities are also open to those who do not possess a valid visa, the government said. Those over the age of 50, or those displaying symptoms of the virus should avail of the service and get themselves tested at the clinics.