AI gets to work: UAE launches ‘eye’ to fast-track labour permits

AI transforms UAE work permits

In a major step towards digital governance, the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has unveiled an AI-powered platform named ‘Eye’. Announced at GITEX Global 2025, the system aims to streamline the work permit process by cutting bureaucracy, boosting efficiency, and minimising human error through automated document verification.

AI at the heart of smart governance

Developed and deployed by MoHRE, the ‘Eye’ system automates the entire work permit application process through an advanced AI Agent. This intelligent agent verifies critical documents including personal photographs, passports, and academic certificates.

By cross-checking and validating authenticity and accuracy, the system reduces reliance on human staff, with manual intervention required only in exceptional cases. MoHRE described the project as a “significant advancement in accelerating work permit issuance” that aligns with the UAE’s wider strategy to digitise public services and enhance user experience.

Cutting red tape, boosting efficiency

Rashid Hassan Al Saadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Market Services at MoHRE, called the initiative a milestone in digital innovation. He emphasised that the new AI-powered process will expedite transaction completion, ensure higher document quality, reduce operational costs, and improve the overall experience for both applicants and employers.

The introduction of ‘Eye’ supports the UAE’s long-standing efforts to simplify administrative processes. In June 2024, authorities shortened the processing time for residency visas and work permits from 30 days to just 5 days.

The rollout also aligns with the Zero Government Bureaucracy programme launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The initiative aims to eliminate 2,000 redundant government procedures within a year. By June this year, service delivery times had already been reduced by over 70% in its first phase.

How the current work permit system works

MoHRE currently issues 13 types of work permits based on job nature and employment sector. Under 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.

Applicants must submit the following documents:

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

Employers must also provide company documents such as a valid trade licence and a registered establishment card.

The ‘Eye’ system aims to digitise and accelerate the verification of these documents, minimising delays caused by manual processing or human error.

Part of a broader digital push

Alongside ‘Eye’, MoHRE showcased several other digital tools at GITEX Global 2025, signalling its broader commitment to technological innovation. These include:

Work bundle – Streamlining onboarding for new hires

Ask data – Enabling data-driven decision-making

Forecasting future jobs and skills – Preparing the workforce for emerging industries

Smart safety tracker – Promoting workplace safety compliance

MoHRE smart application – Offering a centralised digital platform for services

Together, these initiatives position the UAE as a global leader in AI adoption, advancing a government model that is efficient, agile, and business-friendly.