KHALEEJ TIMES, Saturday, Dec 25, 2021 | Jumada Al-Uola 20, 1443
Live-in relations, long term visas: 8 legal reforms UAE has adopted recently
Emirates:
The UAE has eased a number of rules, of late, that cover a wide spectrum
of people in the country. It includes rules on consumption of alcohol, 21+
rating of movies in theatres and relationships of unmarried couples. The UAE
also announced a host of new visa categories as part of its reforms to make the
UAE more competitive economically. In addition, to enhance work-life balance
among the residents, the federal government introduced a two-and-a-half-day
weekend.
Below is the list of rules that have been eased, of late, by the UAE
authorities.
21+ age rating for movies: The UAE’s Media Regulatory Office announced a new
classification of 21+ that would see international versions of movies being
screened in cinemas without censorship, as was the case with some releases
earlier.
Largest legal reforms in UAE’s history: Over 40 laws are included
in the changes. The amendments cover investment, trade and industry,
commercial company, regulation and protection of industrial property,
copyright, trademarks, commercial register, electronic transactions, trust
services, factoring, and residency. They also offer enhanced protections for
women and domestic servants; strengthen public safety and security
provisions; and ease restrictions on extra-marital relationships.
Live-in couples: The Federal Crime and Punishment Law was updated in
November which decriminalised consensual relationships out of wedlock,
provided that any child conceived as a result of the relationship is
acknowledged and will be cared for.
Alcohol laws: Abu Dhabi had ended its licensing system for alcohol
purchases for residents last year. Federal level legal reforms announced
last month prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages in a public
place or in unlicensed locations. It also prohibits the sale, provision or
incitement or inducement to consume alcoholic beverages to any person below
21 years of age.
Drug laws: The UAE amended anti-narcotics laws as part of legislative
reforms in the country. Some of the drug law’s major highlights include
rehabilitation of first-time drug offenders, optional deportation of expats
convicted in drug-related cases but tougher penalties on serial offenders.
Other changes include reducing minimum sentences from 2 years to 3 months
for first-time drug offenders and offering convicts rehabilitation at a
detention facility.
New weekend: In December, the UAE announced a major decision, giving a
two-and-a-half-day weekend to the public sector from next year. The weekend
will begin from mid-day Friday until Sunday from January 2022.
Public, private work systems unified: Starting February 2, 2022,
employees of federal entities and private companies will obtain the same
leaves and end-of-service benefits and have the option to opt for flexible,
part-time and temporary work models.
Long-term residency options: The UAE has announced several new visa
reforms, too. Employees of multinational companies can now avail themselves
of Dubai’s new five-year, multi-entry visa. In addition, many other
categories for visas were also announced including Retirement Visa, Golden
Visa, Green Visa, Freelancer Visa, Multi-entry Tourism Visa, Remote Work
Visa and Temporary Work permit.