Policy update

Policy & Legal Updates

Abu Dhabi Outlines Financial Requirements for Five-Year Retirement Residence Visa

The Abu Dhabi Residents Office has issued financial criteria and documentation rules for foreigners applying for a five-year retirement visa in the UAE. Applicants can qualify by demonstrating a minimum annual income of AED 240,000, or by holding AED 1,000,000 in qualifying real estate or fixed deposits. The regulations accommodate income and savings originating from both inside and outside the UAE subject to specific transfer and verification rules.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE MoHRE Issues Five-Day Absence Reporting Directive for Domestic Workers

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has issued regulatory guidance requiring employers to report domestic worker absence within five days. Filings must be submitted through the official MoHRE smart application or website. The timeline is stricter than the seven-day period designated for commercial private sector workers.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Clarifies Legal Standards for Enforcing Employment Non-Compete Clauses

Legal authorities and labour specialists in the UAE have clarified the enforcement requirements for non-compete clauses under Federal Decree-Law No. 33. Employers may only apply these clauses if workers access trade secrets or sensitive client data, and terms must define reasonable geographical, business, and time limits. Breaches do not trigger an automatic administrative labour ban, requiring employers to seek judicial remedies and prove actual financial harm.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Clarifies Rules for Insured Citizens to Purchase Extra Service Years

The UAE General Pension and Social Security Authority clarified rules permitting insured citizens to buy up to 10 additional service years. Eligibility and contribution rates depend on Federal Law No. 7 of 1999 or Federal Decree-Law No. 57 of 2023. Payments can be settled via a single lump sum or structured monthly instalments.