UAE companies urged to prioritize ‘demographic diversity’ in workforce hiring

Contrary to Viral Claims, UAE Continues Visa Issuance to Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

 Some companies in the UAE are encountering challenges in obtaining work visas for potential employees from specific South Asian nations. Reports indicate that when businesses, predominantly comprised of employees from a particular nationality, apply for new visas for individuals from the same background, authorities prompt them to “achieve demographic diversity while hiring,” as reported by Khaleej Times.

Visa experts and agents have unequivocally refuted rumors circulating on social media suggesting that the UAE has temporarily halted the issuance of visas to individuals from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Upon reaching out to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), a Dubai-based business service center was advised that establishments need to diversify nationalities during the hiring process. Specifically, the message emphasized allocating the “first 20 per cent of available quotas” to different nationalities. It is crucial to note that this directive aims at promoting demographic diversity within establishments and is not exclusive to any specific nationality.

The overarching goal, as stated by the MoHRE, is to integrate social and cultural diversity into the core values of private sector companies, fostering equal employment opportunities and supporting Emiratisation policies

In response to inquiries, a representative from the MoHRE’s call center clarified that companies, faced with the diversification message, should consider hiring an employee of another nationality to fulfill the 20% diversity requirement. Once this diversity threshold is achieved, companies are then free to hire individuals from any nationality.

The report quoted Firosekhan, managing director of Profound Business Service in Dubai, who clarified that obtaining visas for applicants is possible for companies with a diverse workforce. However, attempts to secure visas for applicants in establishments dominated by a single nationality prompt the “achieve diversity” message.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation had introduced a three-tier classification system in 2022, with diversity in hiring being a key criterion for obtaining a higher classification. This elevated status makes companies eligible for discounts on work permits and transfer fees. The overarching goal, as stated by the MoHRE, is to integrate social and cultural diversity into the core values of private sector companies, fostering equal employment opportunities and supporting Emiratisation policies.

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