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Expats welcome extended visa for those above 60

DUBAI — Several expatriates welcomed the new two-year work permit for people above 60 years of age as they can continue working for a longer period of time.

Akbar Khan, executive HR Director of ETA Group, noted that the two-year visa would particularly be beneficial for senior employees who need to make foreign trips for business purposes.

“Most of the seniors [working after an extension of visa after 60 years], have to travel to nearby countries for business purposes. Stamping of visas in any country requires six months’ validity for a UAE resident visa. So, these seniors cannot travel after 
six months of their one-year visa period. They face this problem 
even during their personal trips,” he said.

Khan said he had highlighted this issue to the authorities earlier and had requested them to allow extension of more than one year for professionals above 60.

“Six months is a short period of time. Now with the two-year visa, they don’t have to worry about foreign trips for up to one-and-a-half-year,” he said.

Suresh Kumar, Founder President of Indian Business and Professional Council in Dubai, said both companies and employees, especially specialist professionals, would benefit from the new rule.

“Seniors are always needed to contribute their high skills and rich experience to their organisations and to mentor the young generation. In a bull market, every young person is a hero. But, when there is a recession, grey hair is the premium that the economy will require. Also, recruiting a new person takes an expenditure of five times more than what takes to maintain an employee,” he said.

Aged 59, both Khan and Kumar, said they could take the advantage of the new rule if their companies preferred to continue their current jobs once they turn 60.

Dr Arvind Seth, Dean, MBA programme at Institute of Management Technology, noted that the new law would allow experienced academics to stay longer in the country.

“A lot of senior experienced faculty advisors and researchers can continue their work and contribute in the development of this country with the announcement of this change. With life expectancy on the rise, such amendments are on par with some of the most developed countries in the world,” said Dr Arvind.

Similar views were echoed by other expats also.

Vivek Narwani, aged 61, said, “The new rules are welcome because we can continue working and remain active for a longer period of time. I have been working in Dubai for the last 31 years and if I was to retire, I wouldn’t have any activity to keep myself occupied.” — news@khaleejtimes.com

With inputs from Deepa Narwani