Breaking News
6 months ago
India has announced new rules for passport applications, with updated requirements set to begin on September 1, 2025. Indian expats in the UAE applying for passports need to meet strict International Civil Aviation Organisation photography requirements, announced the Indian Consulate in Dubai. The ICAO sets international requirements for passport photography standards. India passport applications for UAE expats The consulate advice follows directives from the Ministry of External Affairs and enforces rules around the quality and accuracy of photographs on passport applications. The Indian consulate highlighted new passport photo rules, and explained the updated rules. The important announcementwas made on August 25, with enforcement tobegin on September 1, 2025. New India passport rules According to the Consulate General of India in Dubai, the complete passport photograph guidelines as per ICAO standards to be adhered to photograph are: The Consulate added that photographs must
7 months ago
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has announced major changes to the validity and fee structure for expatriate residence cards and Omani personal identity cards, aiming to provide greater flexibility and streamline renewal procedures for residents. Under Decision No. 78/2025, issued by Lieutenant General Hassan bin Mohsin Al Shraiqi, Inspector-General of Police and Customs, expatriate residents can now choose from three validity options for their residence cards — one, two, or three years — with corresponding fees of 5, 10 and 15, riyals, respectively. Replacement of lost or damaged cards will incur a fee of 20 riyals. The decision also extends the validity of personal identity cards for Omani citizens from the previous term to a full 10 years, aligning it with the duration of the Omani passport. The issuance, renewal, or replacement fee for Omani ID cards remains 10 riyals. In addition to the new validity periods and fees, the amended regulations require all residence and ID card holders to renew their documents within 30 days of expiry to remain compliant with the law. “These amendments are designed to ease administrative processes and provide residents with flexible options to suit their needs,” the ROP said in a statement. Oman is […]
8 months ago
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued Circular 167/2025 mandating the Omanisation of pharmacies located in commercial complexes and hospital facilities. The directive states that contracts of non-Omani pharmacists and their assistants will no longer be renewed, opening up opportunities for Omani nationals in the pharmaceutical sector. Expatriate pharmacists have long dominated the private sector in Oman. The new policy is expected to create jobs for many unemployed Omani graduates in pharmacy. Ahmed Al Wadahi, a recruitment expert, told Gulf News that the decision has been long awaited. “This move gives Omanis a real chance to join the pharmaceutical workforce and become financially independent, instead of relying on their families,” he said. “Oman is making solid progress in replacing expat workers in key private sector roles. For years, employment of Omani pharmacy graduates has remained low — but they deserve this opportunity.” Nasser Al Muqbali, a 28-year-old pharmacist who has been unemployed for five years, expressed hope. “I’ve been waiting a long time. Like others, I dream of being independent and starting a career,” he said. The pharmacy profession in Oman has expanded significantly over the past two decades. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of pharmacists […]
8 months ago
Travel agencies in Oman have confirmed that new regulations require applicants for 30-day tourist and visit visas to the United Arab Emirates to submit hotel booking confirmations and return flight tickets at the time of application, according to the Times of Oman. Previously, travellers needed only a valid passport and a photograph. Under the updated requirements, all applications must now be submitted via the UAE’s websites of ICP and GDRFA, or through the ICP App and Dubai Now with supporting documents, including confirmed accommodation and return travel plans. “Travel agencies have been instructed to submit hotel and flight tickets with every visa application,” Soumava Mukherjee, General Manager of Travel City–Travel Point LLC, told the Times of Oman. “If not, applications may face delays or even rejection.” Mukherjee added that individuals staying with relatives in the UAE must also submit a copy of a house lease agreement from their host. The changes come alongside rising visa costs. What once cost OMR30 is now being charged at rates between OMR40 and OMR50, depending on the agency. “Travel agents have started charging anything in between OMR40 and OMR50 for the UAE visa,” said T. Sudheer, an Indian expatriate currently applying for a visa. […]
8 months ago
Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi has issued a decision classifying the work permits of expatriate workers into three main skill categories: high-skill, skilled, and basic. The classification of existing work permits and technical system upgrades began on June 18 for expatriates currently working in the Saudi labor market. The classification would take effect for incoming expatriate workers as of July 1. The ministry has issued a guidance manual outlining all the details of the decision, which is available on its official website. This decision is part of the ministry’s broader efforts to foster a more attractive and efficient labor market, develop human capital, and enhance the business environment, contributing to achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program. The measure aims to enhance worker performance, attract global talent to transfer expertise and experience to the Saudi labor market, improve operational efficiency, benefit from international experience, and build an environment that supports innovation and the development of business models. The decision will improve verification mechanisms and enable better management of the skill-level distribution of expatriate workers in the labor market by ensuring that workers possess the required skills and qualifications for their […]
8 months ago
More than 35,000 exit permits have been issued since Kuwait began enforcing a new rule on July 1 requiring expatriate workers in the private sector to obtain prior approval from their employers before leaving the country, authorities confirmed this week. The policy, introduced by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al Yousuf, aims to regulate the departure process for expatriates while ensuring alignment with labour and residency laws. Marzouq Al Otaibi, Director General of the Public Authority for Manpower, said all issued permits met the necessary criteria and were submitted through official employer channels. He emphasised that the process has been streamlined through digital platforms to enhance efficiency and accessibility. Workers and employers can now submit and approve requests via the “Sahel” mobile app or the “Ashal” manpower portal. Employers must provide their consent through “Sahel Business” or the corporate version of “Ashal”, ensuring that applications are processed in line with the authority’s regulations. The system is available 24/7, and expatriate workers are required to complete an electronic form detailing personal information and travel history. The goal, Al Otaibi noted, is to ensure legal compliance while protecting the rights of both employees and employers. “If an […]
8 months ago
Kuwait has launched an English-language version of its digital exit permit system on the government’s Sahel mobile application, a move aimed at streamlining labour mobility and reinforcing state oversight of private sector expatriate workers. Beginning July 1, 2025, all expatriates employed under Article 18 visas—those working in the private sector — will be required to obtain an employer-approved exit permit before traveling abroad. The new process is mandatory and must be completed through the Sahel app. To request a permit, users must log into Sahel, navigate to the Services section, and select the Public Authority of Manpower (PAM). Under “Expatriate Workers Services,” users will find the Exit Permit option, where they can input their intended departure and return dates and submit the request for employer approval. The system stipulates that applications must be submitted no earlier than seven days and no later than 24 hours before the intended departure. Kuwaiti authorities have framed the initiative as part of a broader digital transformation strategy, aimed at increasing transparency and simplifying administrative procedures for both employers and employees. The launch of the English-language interface marks a significant step toward accessibility for the country’s large and diverse expatriate population, who make up most […]
9 months ago
Kuwait has introduced a new rule requiring expatriate workers in the private sector to obtain an exit permit from their registered employers before leaving the country. The move is envisioned to enhance regulatory oversight, ensure legal compliance, and strike a fair balance between the rights of workers and employers. The circular was issued by Sheikh Fahad Al Yousef, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and will be implemented in coordination with the Public Authority for Manpower. The procedure will take effect from July 1. Under the new policy, expatriate workers must submit a formal request for an exit permit to their employers, detailing personal information and the intended date of travel. This must be done using an official form approved by the authority. All requests will be processed electronically via a dedicated platform designed to expedite approvals and ensure accuracy. The authority clarified that the initiative aims to organise the departure process for foreign workers, prevent unauthorised exits, and protect the rights of both workers and employers. It also aligns with broader efforts to modernise Kuwait’s labour environment and improve administrative efficiency. Employers and workers have been urged to comply with the new procedure. The Ministry of Interior’s website confirms that the […]
10 months ago
Kuwait has begun enforcing a strict set of new rules governing family visas for expats, summoning dozens of foreign residents found in violation of the country’s residency regulations. According to Kuwaiti authorities, the Residence Affairs Investigations Department has launched a targeted campaign in recent weeks, identifying expatriates who originally met the minimum salary threshold of KD800 ($2,610)_but later fell below this requirement due to job changes or reduced income. These individuals most of whom had used their higher salaries to secure family residency permits (Article 22) for spouses and children have now been ordered to regularize their status within one month or send their dependents back to their home countries. The enforcement action follows Ministerial Resolution No. 56 of 2024, introduced in January by First Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al Sabah. Initially, the resolution mandated that applicants hold a university degree and work in a profession matching their qualifications, in addition to earning a minimum of KD800 per month. A July 2024 amendment later removed the degree requirement but retained the income threshold as the primary condition for sponsoring family members. “The KD 800 salary benchmark is based on socio-economic studies and reflects the government’s […]
10 months ago
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has clarified on social media that certain expats workers and visitors who have overstayed their visas may be exempted from fines or legal action — provided they meet specific conditions outlined by the ministry of labour. The move supports the ministry’s ongoing efforts to ease the process of rectifying visa and residency statuses. In an official statement, the ROP said: “The Royal Oman Police has closely followed discussions regarding the exemption from fines and financial obligations recorded against individuals and employers. It clarifies that the exemption applies to specific cases mentioned in the Ministry of Labour’s announcement regarding status rectification.” Who qualifies for exemption? The ROP added that it has upgraded all technical systems to facilitate transactions and urged eligible expats to take advantage of the grace period, which continues until Thursday, July 31, 2025. Drop in expat numbers According to data from the National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI):
Flip through our magazines online and read amazing content.
