Member News

United Arab Emirates

01 October 2025 – New Abu Dhabi Pension Fund Dashboard Launched

The Abu Dhabi Pension fund has launched a new online dashboard, Manarah, designed to enhance workforce and human resources planning for employers and employees of the United Arab Emirates.

The platform enables real-time monitoring of employer compliance. It provides access to registration and contribution information and supports workforce forecasting to identify employees nearing retirement. It streamlines data management, reduces administrative burdens, and minimizes the need for direct coordination with the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund.

08 October - Driving License Conversion Between UAE and Armenia Forth-coming

The United Arab Emirates and Armenia have signed an agreement under the Markhoos initiative - a strategic program launched by the UAE Ministry of Interior to facilitate the recognition and exchange of foreign driving licenses for residents and visitors from approved countries.

Through this initiative, which currently covers 52 eligible countries, drivers will be able to exchange licenses without the need for taking additional driving tests. The initiative – which is not yet in effect - aims to enhance mobility between the two countries while simplifying administrative procedures. Currently, Armenian-issued driving licenses are not eligible for exchange or conversion in the United Arab Emirates.

SAUDI ARABIA

29 September 2025 - Rent Increases Frozen for Five Years

Saudi Arabia has frozen rent increases for residential and commercial properties in Ri-yadh for the next five years. The move aims to stabilize the rental market and ensure fairness between landlords and tenants.

Rents across Riyadh’s urban boundary are frozen for five years, with possible extension to other areas. Vacant units will have rent set at the last registered value, while new leases may be freely negotiated. All contracts must be registered on the Ejar plat-form with a 60-day objection period. Leases renew automatically unless either party objects 60 days before expiry, and landlords can refuse renewal only for non-payment, structural safety issues, or personal use. Landlords may appeal fixed rents only for major renovations or pre-2024 contracts. Violations may incur fines of up to 12 months’ rent, with whistleblowers receiving 20% of the fine.

Before this directive, rental agreements in Riyadh were primarily determined by market negotiations and contract terms. Landlords and tenants freely agreed on rents and increases, while lease registration through the Ejar platform was unevenly enforced. Landlords could refuse renewals or adjust rents without standardized regulations and enforcement mechanisms were weak as they lacked any formal fines, compensation, or incentives for reporting violations.

01 October 2025 - Upcoming Amendments to Dependent Employment Regulations

Saudi authorities are in the process of amending regulations governing the employment of foreign nationals holding dependent status. The planned reforms are expected to broaden these rules, though the scope has not yet been confirmed. Currently, dependents may only be granted work authorization if they are seeking employment in the education or healthcare sectors. Key details that remain unclear include:

• Which categories of dependents, such as spouses or parents, will be eligible.
• Sectors in which dependents are permitted to work.
• Applicable government fees.
• The expected timeline for implementation.

EGYPT

25 September 2025 - Increased Labor Inspections

The Ministry of Labour has instructed labor inspectors to conduct intensive, phased inspection campaigns at workplaces and sites across Egypt to ensure compliance with the new labor law which came into effect on September 1, 2025. The inspections will focus on identifying foreign nationals working in Egypt without the required work permits and authorizations. Employers found in violation will face fines ranging from EGP 20,000 to 100,000, (approximately USD 415 to 2,075) with penalties doubled for repeat offenses.

MIDDLE EAST

19 September 2025 - Processing Delays Due to Red Sea Cable Disruption

A major disruption to the Red Sea cable has affected internet connectivity in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, potentially causing delays in visa processing, communication, and access to online platforms.

The disruption may slow application processing, hinder communication, and restrict access to essential platforms, potentially impacting immigration service timelines.

ABOUT FRAGOMEN

Fragomen is a leading firm dedicated to immigration services worldwide. The firm has nearly 5,500 professionals and staff in 62 offices located in the Americas, Asia Pacific and EMEA. Overall, Fragomen offers support in more than 170 countries.

We are structured to support all aspects of global immigration, including strategic planning, efficiency, quality management, compliance, government relations, reporting, and case management and processing. These capabilities allow us to represent a broad range of companies, organizations and individuals, working in partnership with clients to facilitate the transfer of employees worldwide.

Our Middle East and North Africa (MENA) practice also provides corporate services, including social security assistance, end-to-end corporate setup, corporate secretarial services, corporate amend-ments, restructuring activities and more. Our corporate services and immigration professionals have extensive experience working with multinational businesses, conglomerates, local employers, start-ups and individual investors. We have a deep understanding of the MENA region and maintain strong professional relationships with relevant authorities.

To learn more about how we can assist you, please visit our website at www.fragomen.com or contact us at [email protected].