To promote the inward mobility of professionals, including those in the cultural field, the UAE has implemented policies, regulations, and programs to remove barriers to employment and entrepreneurship. These measures have increased flexibility of movement and reduced the costs associated with obtaining work permits. Below is a non-exhaustive list of measures implemented between 2016 and 2020.
* A new ministerial decision increased the flexibility of professionals to move from one employer to another following the termination of a work contract, or in cases where specific conditions are met.
* A new system was established allowing professionals, including artists and those working in the cultural field, to sign part-time work contracts with multiple employers.
* A ministerial decision provides part-time work permits in the private sector to males who reside in the UAE as family members of a resident. This program already exists for women and has been extended to men.
* A program was implemented to increase cultural diversity in the labor market by aiming to increase the proportions of the currently under-represented communities in the labor market.
* Over the past three years, the fees associated with approximately 50% of the services that are provided by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization have been eliminated.
* There has been a 75% reduction in the fees associated with the issuance of work permits for skilled workers, including cultural professionals.
The policies, regulations and programs outlined above have encouraged the private sector to hire skilled professionals, resulting in an 11% increase in skilled workers between 2017 and 2020, which also included creatives and professionals in the cultural sector.