The private sector and parents have whole-heartedly endorsed the UAE government’s decision to enable students to get training and job experience.
They were happy in allowing students to get permits for work and training purposes largely held the view that students earning while learning will positively impact families and society.
The new decree allows students aged between 12 and 18 years to obtain a work for training purposes, while 15- to 18-year-old can apply for permits to work in the private sector. All students under the age of 18 require a written consent from a guardian to apply for work permits.
The decree will grant all students the same benefits and advantages as those in regular employment in the same position. It also orders companies to comply with all procedures and qualities of the permitted work during the training periods or jobs.
There are three types of permit available for students: a temporary work permit, a part-time work permit and a juvenile work permit and the fee for each of them is Dh500.
Simon Bangs, Middle East Managing Director of Allen and York Recruitment Consultancy, said it is very positive news for both students and companies.
“It further legitimises and standardises students’ rights and ability to work,” said Bangs.
“Many employers are keen to invest in training and development of young talent but have historically not understood how to go about this and hence erred on the safe side by not exploring this route in detail. Decrees like this not only improve access to work opportunities, but also help create the market by developing employers understanding of how to go about it,” Bangs said.
The primary short-term gain is for students, he added. “What it will, however, offer employers is the ability to strengthen their brand and educate students about what a great career they can offer students when they complete their studies – and thus helping their own graduate recruitment programmes.”
Bangs expressed hope that the new law will ensure that a great work ethic and grounding for the long run is ingrained in students.
Parents too have welcomed the new law.