The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced reforms to the issuance process for 13 types of work permits under the government’s Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme. The changes include removing supporting document requirements from the revised procedures, reducing the number of required data fields for some permits by 75% to 97%, and shortening application processing times.

According to Gulf News on November 8, 2026, the ministry introduced the measures to streamline government services, reduce administrative procedures and accelerate the issuance of work permits.

The ministry is also planning a further phase of improvements to work permit services, focusing on simplifying requirements, redesigning administrative procedures and expanding digital services.

Removal of Supporting Documents and Reduced Data Requirements

Under the announced reforms, applicants are no longer required to upload supporting documents for the revised procedures, while the number of fields they must complete for some work permits has been reduced by between 75% and 97%.

The changes are intended to reduce administrative steps, make applications easier to submit and shorten processing times for work permit transactions.

However, simplifying administrative procedures does not remove the legal conditions for obtaining a permit. Applicants must still comply with UAE employment laws and regulations.

Expansion of Digital Work Permit Services

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation said expanding digital services and redesigning work permit issuance procedures are among its priorities.

Work permit services are provided through the ministry’s integrated digital platforms, allowing employers and applicants to submit and track their applications online.

The measures aim to accelerate application processing, improve the experience of government service users and enhance the efficiency of the UAE labour market.

Public Feedback Sought on Work Permit Reforms

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation had previously invited the public and users of its services to submit online proposals and feedback on improving work permit issuance procedures.

The consultation sought to identify ways to simplify administrative procedures, remove unnecessary requirements, accelerate application processing and improve compliance with employment laws.

The deadline for participating in the consultation was July 30, 2026. According to the UAE Government’s official digital participation platform, the consultation has now closed.

The ministry said the feedback collected would be used to determine the next stages in the development of work permit services.

Enhancing the Efficiency of the UAE Labour Market

The work permit service reforms form part of the UAE Government’s policy to reduce administrative procedures and expand the use of digital systems.

In addition to reducing application processing times and improving service quality, the changes are expected to make employers’ administrative operations more efficient and strengthen the sustainability of the UAE labour market.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation also stressed that the development of these services must simplify administrative procedures while remaining aligned with the laws governing employment relations in the country.