Students can train in private sector, get work permits

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Students can train in private sector, get work permits

UAE students can now start working for the private sector while they're still studying

Dubai - Students aged 12-18 years can train with private companies, while those aged 15 to 18 can seek a proper work permit, with written consent from parents

By Sherouk Zakaria

Published: Thu 14 Jul 2016, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Thu 14 Jul 2016, 11:40 AM

Students in the UAE - both Emirati and expatriate - can now get private sector training after obtaining work permits.
Saqr bin Ghobash Saeed Ghobash, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, issued the decree on Wednesday, also granting students in training similar benefits and advantages as employees in the same positions, including overtime pay and holidays.
The decree aims to protect student rights and supervise the employment process between companies and students, and their adherence to the contract signed. Ghobash said that the decree is to "develop human resource and invest their capabilities to enhance productivity and participation in the labour market."
The decree stipulates that students aged 12-18 years get written consent from their guardians before applying for training with private companies. Only students over aged 15 to 18 can seek a proper work permit, and they need written consent until age 18.

Types of permits
> Students over 18 can be hired under a temporary work permit, to be employed for a period that does not exceed six months.
> Another temporary work permit option lets students above 18 to work fewer hours a day in the same position filled by counterparts, for a period that does not exceed one year.
> Juveniles aged 15-18 can work for a period that does not exceed one year.
> Permits can be requested from Tas'heel service centres, or through the ministry's smartphone apps.
> Permit fees will be Dh500.

New working era for students
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Essa Al Mulla, the Chief of National Workforce Development at Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) praised the new rule, saying it is a bold move that will change the younger generation's perceptions about the private sector.
The primary aim is putting proper workplace planning in place for students, and guiding them on a clear career path, to achieve overall community development.
Al Mulla added that KHDA officials would work closely with the ministry on strategy and implementation methods. "For years, we have been targeting the public sector, but now we will see more Emiratis joining the private sector. The rule will not only help us change mindsets starting from early schooling, but also open doors for other areas like career counselling," he said.
Yousef Al Awadi, Chairman of Global Academy for Training and Development and Consulting, said, "The decree comes at a time when the government is encouraging the youth to open their own small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Students will now get efficient business training and workplace experience at a young age." But, he added, an evaluation system to help determine students' abilities before they join the workforce is necessary, as is a specified salary range for students to help avoid rule violations.
The ministry has also urged companies not to work students over six hours a day, avoiding more than four consecutive hours of duty, and to grant them breaks of an hour or more.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com