Female expatriates who are under the sponsorship of their mothers, brothers, uncles or other family members can now work in the UAE, according to a new labour ministry rule.
The Gulf News daily said that earlier only female expats under the sponsorship of their father or husband were allowed to work in the UAE. Under the labour law no expatriate are allowed to work in the country unless they obtain a work permit and labour card.
Humaid Bin Deemas, acting director general at the ministry, told Gulf News, that with the new decision, females who are under the sponsorship of family members such as the mother, brother or uncles can work in the country after acquiring a labour card.
“The aim of the new rule which give an opportunity for this category of people to work in the country which will increase the productivity of the local workforce and thus to lessen our dependency on foreign recruitment,†said Bin Deemas.
“The rule will be applicable for any female who have a valid residency in the country regardless of the kin relationship of her sponsor. I have personally come across cases who are under the sponsorship of her brother or uncle why should they be prohibited from working in the country.â€
Bin Deemas said that earlier, some cases in this category used to gain exemption from the ministry, but with the implementation of the new rule this is no longer necessary, Gulf News added.
