BBG panel shares insights on emerging trends in the region’s employment landscape

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Experts in the fields of law, immigration, insurance and human resources shared their insights on emerging trends in the region’s employment market as part of an industry panel session organized by British Business Group Dubai Northern Emirates (BBG). In a comprehensive discussion in front of more than 100 delegates, the panel addressed a wide range of labor market issues, from sponsorship and Emiratization to contracts, visas and insurance.

To help demystify recent labor law reforms in the UAE, the session began with a presentation by Thenji Moyo, Partner and Head of Employment Practice at Gateley Legal UK LLP (DMCC Branch), highlighting the top 10 legal reforms. Revealed the details behind it. Framework. Abeer Al Husseini, partner at Fragomen, continued to discuss the latest developments in migration and migration, highlighting the growing emphasis on nationalization programs alongside multiple efforts to attract and retain international talent. I explained what was happening.

Moving on to the panel discussion, Moyo and Al Husseini were joined by Sonny Ridgewell, Managing Director of Benepul, and Mohamed Al Zarouni, Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources and Emirates at Citi. Participated. Moderated by BBG General Manager Katie Holmes, the conversation began with a look at the rising ambitions of Emiratisation, practical steps businesses can take, and pitfalls to avoid.

While sharing his knowledge about compliance from an insurance perspective, Ridgewell revealed: “While some Dubai-based companies have sought to address quota targets by setting up entities in Abu Dhabi, the law requires employees to carry emirate-compliant insurance. ” In Abu Dhabi, this includes a spouse and up to three dependents. This is a reminder that employers need to be careful in their approach when meeting the requirements. ”

Sharing the strategic approach adopted by Citi, Al Zarouni explained: We hire 20 to 30 new graduate analysts each year and support them to grow and develop within the business. They can explore different career paths through rotations across different departments and receive mentoring support from senior staff within the company. Although we compete for a small talent pool, our focus on alumni engagement has proven successful. For example, our current CEO originally joined the company as an analyst. ”

Continuing the discussion on updates to contract and visa regulations, a live poll of the audience demonstrated that the majority of businesses are aware of and comply with fixed-term contract requirements. Discussing the rollout of the Golden Visa, which came into force in 2019, Al Husseini said at the time that according to government data, “166,000 Golden Visas will be issued by 2022, which is approximately “This corresponds to 1.6% to 1.8%.” ”

He added: “We know there is a growing interest in obtaining a Golden Visa, but in addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, stakeholders are also considering costs and red tape and “Some may be waiting until their current visas expire,” he added. I’m exploring this route. ” A subsequent audience survey revealed that almost two-thirds of companies support employees in moving to the Golden Visa, and 60% of individuals are considering making the move.

Addressing other legal reforms around employee benefits and insurance, workplace conduct and bullying, the discussion concluded with an eye toward COP 28 and requirements for new companies joining COP 28. Mr Moyo advised that “companies should not only consider contractual requirements and workplace processes, but also ensure that employees have the appropriate authorizations to work in the country for the relevant period”. .

This panel discussion is part of the ongoing BBG Business Briefing series, held at least once a month to highlight the latest industry trends and business challenges impacting Dubai-based businesses. did. Commenting on the event, BBG General Manager Katie Holmes said: “This event was a great demonstration of the wealth of knowledge within the BBG membership, allowing us to organize a panel of subject matter experts to address a clear need for information and guidance. ” More than 100 members attended and discussed the prospects for “Doing Business in Dubai.” ”

About British Business Group

British Business Group, Dubai & Northern Emirates (BBG) supports British-owned Dubai-based companies and UK PLCs at every stage of their growth, providing them with a platform to market directly to the UK business and expat community To do. With an impressive reach across all social media platforms, including a weekly e-newsletter, BBG has built a trusted voice in the region, supported by a diverse audience here in the UAE, GCC and UK. BBG offers great exposure opportunities for brands looking to increase their visibility in the local market.

Through a thoughtful and strategic event calendar, BBG ensures quality networking opportunities, market knowledge sharing, valuable engagement opportunities, and exclusive experiences for our members.

BBG has strong working relationships with the British Embassy and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry International Trade Department and is a member of the British Chamber of Commerce’s Global Business Network and Initiatives.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/british-business-group

Website: www.bbgdubai.org