Ayman Kattan, the chief people officer at Bayzat, shares how the new long-term visa and UAE entry permit rules create opportunities for the agile, but pose a threat for firms that don\u2019t invest in talent development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat got you here won\u2019t get you there\u201d \u2013 Marhsal Goldsmith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the pre-pandemic era, employees, and entrepreneurs alike, were willing to go through lengthy and tedious residency processes to be based out of Dubai and the wider UAE.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being \u201cbased in the UAE\u201d has always been perceived as prestigious and for numerous, well-justified reasons. Landing a job with an employer in the country was, and still is, considered a privilege.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pandemic however has brought about unprecedented changes to workforce dynamics by allowing most employers in the technology industry, both in the UAE and beyond, to double down on a \u201ctalent-first\u201d approach to hiring.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As it turned out, being forced to adapt to a new reality and rapidly transitioning into the remote work paradigm, was a silver lining to what was otherwise an extremely challenging time for humanity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The emergence of innovative and disruptive services such as Employers of Record (EoR) and Outsourcing solutions has created something of a \u201cdecentralisation of talent\u201d and \u201cfree for all\u201d effect on the talent landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While this new reality has presented number of obvious positives for both talent and employers, it has come with some hefty costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, professionals can still enjoy the perks of working with Dubai-based employers and serving the local market, while operating out of the luxury of their own homes, which thanks to technology, could be anywhere in the world.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The hassle, costs, and time it takes to acquire a visa is simply not worth it anymore, be it for a job or to set up shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A quick change was therefore needed for the UAE to continue to flourish and remain a top tier business destination and once again the UAE\u2019s government has demonstrated its incredible vision and foresight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was announced earlier this year that one of the key objectives of Dubai\u2019s Chamber of Digital Economy is to\u00a0attract 300 digital startups to Dubai within two years.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Such an ambitious objective would undoubtedly require rapid enhancements and changes to laws and policies.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To see immediate reforms to the visa system in the UAE, is just a testament to the country\u2019s agility and ability to adapt to the new world we now live in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n