Mohammed Alaa, Staff Reporter

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) identified five steps through which one can obtain a virtual work residence permit, on its website, ica.gov.ae and application, ICA UAE.

The steps begin by going to the website ica.gov.ae, or application, ICA UAE. Then user should select “smart services” and then log in using his user name and password or the digital identity.

He then selects the service through the control panel, defines the emirate and the main service (residency) and sub-service (residing sponsor - virtual work). Then he selects the type of procedure (residency issuance), fills in the data, uploads the attachments, and finally pays the fees.

In March 2021, the Cabinet approved initiatives and decisions in the context of enhancing the business environment in the UAE, attracting minds and achievements, increasing the competitiveness of the tourism sector and supporting the national economy by creating the first virtual work residence permit of its kind in the region. The permit will enable the foreigner to enter the UAE on his personal sponsorship, stay for a year, and practise his job in accordance with the terms and conditions decided.

The attitude will contribute to enhancing the country’s experience in transitioning to a digital economy, supporting its position in the global digital competitiveness indicators, as well as attracting minds and talents and employing expertise and human resources to work remotely to raise the level of productivity in the national economy and other vital sectors.

The virtual work residence permit also contributes to supporting government sectors, institutions and companies in improving the balance between work and family life, improving the work environment and strengthening family relations, and enabling employees to enhance their talents in the field of digitalisation.