UAE Launches ‘Eye’ AI System to Automate Work Permit Processing at GITEX 2025
The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has taken a major leap in digital governance with the launch of “Eye,” a new artificial intelligence system designed to automate the processing of work permit applications. Unveiled at GITEX Global 2025, this AI agent will handle the verification of documents, drastically reducing human intervention and accelerating the entire process for employers and employees alike.
How the ‘Eye’ AI System Works
The “Eye” system functions as an intelligent verification agent. It is programmed to automatically cross-check and authenticate the key documents required for a UAE work permit. This includes:
Passports (with minimum validity)
Passport-size photographs
Educational certificates (where attestation is required)
Employer documents like trade licenses and establishment cards
By integrating this AI into the MoHRE workflow, the ministry aims to achieve a trifecta of benefits: eliminate human error, significantly speed up application approval times, and enhance the overall security of the process by flagging discrepancies or potential fraud.
The Strategic Goal: Efficiency and a Smarter Government
This initiative is a cornerstone of the UAE’s broader push toward smart government services. Automating the verification of routine documents allows MoHRE staff to focus their expertise on complex or exceptional cases that require human judgment. The “Eye” system is not meant to replace human oversight entirely but to optimize it, ensuring that straightforward applications are processed with maximum speed and accuracy.
For the thousands of businesses that hire in the UAE, this translates to a more streamlined and predictable hiring process, reducing administrative delays that can impact business planning.
What Applicants and Employers Need to Know
For a smooth experience with the new AI-powered system, ensuring that all documents are in perfect order is crucial. The required documents for a work permit application include:
A passport with at least six months’ validity
Recent passport-size photographs
A signed employment contract
Attested educational certificates (if required for the role)
Medical screening results
The employer’s valid trade license and establishment card
When “Eye” processes an application, it will automatically scan these materials. If everything is genuine, accurate, and meets the requirements, applicants can expect a much faster approval. However, if the AI detects any inconsistencies, missing information, or potential issues, the application will be flagged for manual review by a MoHRE specialist.
Broader Implications for the UAE’s Future
The deployment of “Eye” for work permits signals the UAE’s firm commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance public services and governance. This system sets a powerful precedent for the automation of other government applications and administrative tasks across the country.
By reducing bureaucratic hurdles, the UAE is not only improving its business-friendly environment but also building a more responsive, secure, and user-friendly ecosystem for residents and companies. The “Eye” AI system stands as a clear example of how the UAE is future-proofing its services to meet the demands of a growing, dynamic economy.
