DUBAI: Dubai’s labor and immigration departments have launched an e-service system electronically linking both entities to speed up the procedure of canceling labor permits.
The link-up is expected to save time and provide a secure and accurate flow of records.
Prior to its official launch, the Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department (DNRD) and the Ministry of Labor tested the project for a month to iron out any technical difficulties and ensure smooth and secure online transfer of information.
“This system is applied in Dubai only and forms the second phase of the electronic connection system between the Ministry of Labor and the DNRD to reduce the time and effort for companies based in Dubai and their employees in general,” said Humaid Rashid Bin Dimas, acting undersecretary of the Ministry of Labor.
Bin Dimas added that the new electronic service is an upgrade of the existing system offered by the Ministry of Labor and allows companies to complete the cancellation process from their offices as opposed to the previous system, which required a number of visits to both departments.
The new online system is available around the clock and will reduce the time needed to complete the procedures as there is less paperwork and fewer employees involved at both ends.
He also said the service is currently on offer for Dubai-based companies that employ a minimum of 50 staff and have an e-signature card registered with the ministry. Companies with less than 50 employees will still have to refer to the ministry for the time being.
“The system will help them considerably reduce paperwork through the various stages of the cancellation process both at the DNRD and the Ministry of Labor. The pilot project was tested with a number of Dubai-based companies and proved to be very successful,” said Maj. Gen. Al-Marri, director of the DNRD.
“This new project will depend on data exchange between the Ministry of Labor and the DNRD in an efficient and swift manner while adopting the latest technologies that ensure the security of information transfer,” said Col. Lt. Khaled Al-Rozooki, assistant director for the IT sector at the DNRD.
“The applicant fills the cancellation form and then receives a notification slip in Arabic and English prompting him or her to refer to the DNRD to complete the cancellation process,” said Al-Rozooki outlining how the system works.
“Data is automatically transferred to the DNRD via the online system. A folder is created on the system at the DNRD waiting for the applicant’s visit and penalty fines will be applied from that date onward,” he added.
“Applicants cannot leave the country unless the final cancellation procedures are completed and all fines settled, and they can do that at any DNRD branch or at Dubai International Airport at the time of departure.”
