UAE Students Aged 15 and Above Can Soon Apply to Work Permits

UAE will soon allow students aged 15 and above to work in the country under a temporary visa scheme.

This came as Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Trade, spoke to reporters on the sidelines of the UAE Projects of 50 event, which was held to announce the first set of plans under the initiative.

Earlier on Sunday, Al Thani also announced the launch of a 'green visa' and a freelance visa.

Green visas are work permits with residency for pioneers, entrepreneurs and other professionals. Freelance visa will help people work independently.

Green visa holders can sponsor their parents and their sons' visas till they turn 25. Usually, sons can be sponsored only till they turn 18.

In the event of the visa being cancelled, holders will have a grace period of 90 to 180 days – longer than the current 30-day period.

This will allow people more time to sort out their residency status and find a new job or sponsor.

The first federal freelance visa will also be established, allowing for flexible working around the country.