Manama: The UAE and Bahrain on Tuesday lent their helping hands to the expats who have been stranded due to the preventive measures against coronavirus.
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation decided to issue a six months work permit for workers who lost the jobs.
The ministry instructed the job losers in the private sector to contact the ministry for a temporary work permit for three or six months. They have to return to their original employers after the coronavirus crisis subsides, ministry said.
The ministry also urged private sector companies to not to lay off their staff or cut salaries without their consent. Instead of lay off, avail consensual measures like granting the employees an unpaid leave, ministry told.
Earlier in March, the UAE issued a decree to regulate the jobs and salaries of private sector enterprises.
Meanwhile, Bahrain decided to extend visit visas of expats currently in the country, Public Security Chief Major General Tariq Al Hassan said in a press briefing. In view of the present situation, the expired visit visas will be renewed on free of charge and will be extended without the need for applying for an extension, he added.
The decision has taken during a Government Executive Committee meeting chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister.
This will be a great relief for people on visit visas, including Keralites, who are unable to return home due to the temporary suspension of air services.
