Emirates ID to replace Labour cards from 2014
Ministry of Labour 
has confirmed that starting next year Emirates ID will replace the Labour card or work permits. This was reported in Gulf News. Emirates ID will also replace the Driving License and Health Insurance cards.
The replacement of Emirates ID with Labour cards will reduce the processing time from minimum 15 days currently to less than 48 hours. Mr.s Humaid Bin Deemas Al Suwaidi also confirmed that the whole process for the work permit and job contract will be re-engineered and most of the process will be taken online which will save time and efforts.
Process
This change will mean that employers will submit only a job contract signed by both the worker and the employer to obtain the work permit online. These efforts are made keeping in mind the to make UAE one of the world’s top governments by 2021. The replacement of labour cards with Emirates ID will also mean that the penalties charged for delays, renewals and cancellation will become obsolete.
Advantages
- Drastic reduction in processing time from 15 days to 2 days.
- Integration of cards means, our wallets will be lighter with only one card, Emirates ID which will replace Labour Card, Health card and Driving license.
- Reduction in costs-There is no clarity on this as I am not sure whether the charges for Emirates ID will be increased or not. I also have doubts as to who will pay for the Emirates ID cost; Employees or Employers?
Disadvantages
- (Can’t think of anything currently)
This is a very good initiative on the part of UAE Government which will boost the image and will lead to enhance the process and help all stakeholders.
Image courtesy: Gulf News
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HI.. JUST WANT TO ASK MY LABOR CARD IS NOVEMBER 26 2015 BUT MY EMIRATES ID WILL BE ON fEBRUARY, SO HERES MY QUESTION, WHICH ONE SHOULD BE FOLLOW FOR ME NOT TO GET LABOR BAN?
HI.. JUST WANT TO ASK WHICH ONE SHOULD BE FOLLOW, THE DATE IN LABOR CARD OR EMIRATES CARD SO I WILL NOT GET LABOR BAN.
Good development
hi dee! do i need a labour card to print my employment contarct?
Robs,
No necessary!
you need only labour card number and for those who ask which card to follow the labor card have 60days of grace after expiration date the visa only 1 month so renew before your labour card expire to avoid rushing you HR or GRO DEP
Hi there
thanks for your very useful website!
there are newspaper articles stating that it is “encouraged” that employers are to pick up emirates id card costs along with labour card costs, medicals, etc.
Cant seem to find anything in the labour law.
Is this gazetted though or is it just smoke and mirrors?
Carmen,
Labour Law is not yet updated with these new rules. However, I am sure in the upcoming update to Labour Law, this addition is possible.
Yes, newspapers have published it. However, nothing official has been published either on MOL website nor any official document.
I sponsor my 2 year old child. Is Emirates ID still required for him to obtain since Labour Card is not applicable to him.
Avelito,
Better to make Emirates ID for your child. It will serve as identification when you are in UAE rather than carrying passport everytime.
Hi Deepak, I have start working for a free zone company in May 2014, and just wanted to confirm that free zone employee’s emirates id cost is also the responsibility of the free zone employer?
could you please also mention the relevant law reference for this statement please?
Many thanks
actually Emirates ID is connected to the residence visa. however it is depend on company policy
Dear sir,
last 5 months am working for a llc for 2 year visa. my passport and labour card is with my employer he plan to cancel my visa without my knowledge is it possible? what legal action i can take if it happen. please advice me my one month salary also in pending.
Without your consent company cannot cancel your visa. Did you sign any paper related to cancellation? If yes then you cant do anything. If not you can address this issue to MOL.
Hi Deepak
I am currently employed with one of the retailer in Dubai. My Contract is 2 years Limited(LLC Visa). I am still under Probationary period. My Passport is with the Employer.
Due to some personal resons I want to discontinue with the company and want to go back to my own country.
As per my Contract with the company it states that ” if the employee wishes to terminate this contract before the expiry for reasons other than those stipulated in article (121) of the labour Law, then he has to give three months prior notice to the employer and in such circumstances the employee shall compensate the employer as per article (116) of the labour law and in such case he shall not be entitled for air ticket to his/her home country”
Now in this case I have to compensate 45 days of my salary to the employer which I am not ready to pay(as it is too high). What would be the implications if I go back to my home country without paying them on emergency grounds.
Please guide what should I do? And what can be the best possible wayout.
Hi Deepak
I am currently employed with one of the retailer in Dubai. My Contract is 2 years Limited(LLC Visa). I am still under Probationary period. My Passport is with the Employer.
Due to some personal resons I want to discontinue with the company and want to go back to my own country.
As per my Contract with the company it states that ” if the employee wishes to terminate this contract before the expiry for reasons other than those stipulated in article (121) of the labour Law, then he has to give three months prior notice to the employer and in such circumstances the employee shall compensate the employer as per article (116) of the labour law and in such case he shall not be entitled for air ticket to his/her home country”
Now in this case I have to compensate 45 days of my salary to the employer which I am not ready to pay(as it is too high). What would be the implications if I go back to my home country without paying them on emergency grounds.
Please guide what should I do? And what can be the best possible wayout so that I can go back peacefully.