Freelance and short-term contract work in the UAE is picking up as it’s offering a win-win opportunity to both employees as well as employers.
And according to HR consultants and recruiters, an increasing number of new arrivals in the UAE, especially those from the tech and business consultancy sectors, are turning to freelance and short-term contract work.
According to Nathan Kearney, Managing Director of Executive Search, companies and employers are adopting a ‘try before you buy’ approach. “Newcomers are exploring the job market through freelance work for a year or two before considering the possibility of transitioning their short-term contracts into full-time employment,” said Kearney.
And companies require the flexibility to assess talent before making long-term commitments.
The freelance visa option provides this flexibility, allowing companies to test potential hires while retaining the option to convert them into full-time employees.
– Nathan Kearney
Freelance visas transform job market
Compared to a year ago, the UAE’s freelance and short-term work visas have transformed the job market, bringing in many benefits for workers and local organisations. Professionals are enticed by the flexibility inherent in freelancing, while companies leverage the cost advantages of hiring short-term workers.
“There has been a noticeable year-on-year increase in the number of freelancers and short-term contracts, as employers are recognising the significance of Asia, Africa, and the MENA region in terms of talent acquisition,” said Kamal Reggad, CEO and Co-Founder of RemotePass.
Many organisations are now considering global talent markets, driven by factors like the global economic slowdown and the affordability of talent in certain countries.
– Kamal Reggad
“These regions boa