Work permits in UAE soon to be fully approved, and issued by AI without human involvement

In a major stride toward digital government transformation , the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation ( MoHRE ) has introduced an artificial intelligence-based system named 'Eye'. Announced at GITEX Global 2025, the system aims to revolutionise the way work permits are issued by reducing bureaucracy, improving efficiency, and eliminating human error through automated document verification.

A shift toward smart government services
The ‘Eye’ system, developed and deployed by MoHRE, is designed to automate the entire work permit application process by integrating an advanced AI Agent. This agent is capable of verifying critical documents such as:

• Personal photographs
• Passports
• Academic certificates
  

By cross-checking and validating the authenticity and accuracy of each document, the system reduces the dependency on human staff to process applications. Manual intervention will only be required in exceptional cases, as the system is built to handle most scenarios autonomously.

According to MoHRE, this marks a "significant advancement in accelerating work permit issuance" and aligns with the UAE’s broader efforts to digitise government operations and improve service delivery.

Enhanced efficiency and reduced bureaucracy
Rashid Hassan Al Saadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Market Services at MoHRE, described the initiative as a milestone in digital innovation. He emphasised that:

• The system will expedite transaction completion,
• Ensure higher quality of document submissions,
• Reduce operational costs, and
• Improve the overall experience for applicants and employers.

The introduction of ‘Eye’ supports the UAE government’s long-standing push to streamline administrative procedures. In June 2024, the UAE expanded an initiative to reduce the processing time for residency visas and work permits from 30 days to just 5 days.

Additionally, the rollout of ‘Eye’ is part of a larger policy framework inspired by the Zero Government Bureaucracy programme , launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid , Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. In this initiative, the government committed to eliminating 2,000 unnecessary procedures within a year. As of June this year, service delivery time had already been reduced by over 70% in its first phase.

Work permit application: Current requirements and process
MoHRE currently issues 13 types of work permits, depending on the nature of the job and the sector of employment. These permits are legally required for any individual who wishes to work in the UAE. According to UAE Labour Law:

• No individual may work without a valid work permit issued by MoHRE.
• Employers are legally prohibited from hiring workers without first obtaining the necessary permits.

To apply for a work permit, applicants must submit:

• A passport valid for at least six months
• Passport-sized photographs
• An entry permit
• A copy of the employment contract
• Attested educational certificates (if applicable)
• Medical screening results
• Company documents from the employer, including:
  
  
  • A valid trade licence
  • A registered establishment card

The 'Eye' system aims to digitise and accelerate verification of all these documents, thereby speeding up approvals and reducing errors that might delay application processing.

Broader digital transformation at MoHRE
Beyond the launch of ‘Eye’, MoHRE showcased several other technology-driven initiatives at GITEX Global 2025, reflecting its ongoing commitment to digital transformation. These include:

• Work Bundle – streamlining onboarding processes for new hires
• Ask Data – a tool for data-driven insights
• Forecasting Future Jobs and Skills – helping prepare the workforce for emerging sectors
• Smart Safety Tracker – promoting workplace safety compliance
• MoHRE Smart Application – offering a centralised platform for accessing services

These initiatives are aligned with the UAE Government’s broader vision of leading globally in AI adoption and ensuring an efficient, agile, and business-friendly regulatory environment.