The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced that the percentage of work permits issued to private sector companies increased by 53% in 2021 compared to 2020. This represents around one million and 550 thousand work permits registered, confirming the effectiveness of the plans and strategies implemented by the UAE as part of strengthening the national economy and activating the attractiveness of the labour market in the country, affirming the country's position as a global destination for attracting talent and skills.

The year 2021 has been a year of recovery and growth in the UAE, as the relevant authorities have continuously supported private sector employers and employees, both citizens and residents, by launching and implementing a set of initiatives and procedures in line with the 'Guided Comprehensive Economic Support Plan' approved by the Central Bank of the UAE to support the national economy and protect consumers and businesses.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the total number of work permits it issued in 2021 was about one million and 549 thousand and 220 permits, while the total in 2020 was more than one million and 15 thousand permits. In the first quarter of 2021, 402,158 work permits were issued,

an increase of 6% compared to the permits issued in the same period in 2020, which amounted to 379,442 work permits. In the second quarter of 2021, work permits increased significantly, reaching 423,272 permits, an increase of approximately 290% compared to 2020, when 108,496 permits were issued.

In the third quarter of 2021, work permits for the Ministry amounted to 320,115 permits, an estimated increase of 46% compared to 2020, when 219,866 permits were issued. In the fourth quarter of 2021, the number of work permits reached 403,675, an increase of 31% compared to the same period in 2020, when the number of permits was 307,280.