The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MHRE) has identified six categories within nursing and allied health professions that are exempt from the six-month post-graduation experience requirement to obtain a professional license. This initiative aims to increase the efficiency of the health care licensing system and harmonize it with the needs of the labor market.
The Ministry clarified that the excluded categories include:
The Ministry stated that the objective of this decision is to accelerate the integration of qualified professionals in the labor market while maintaining the quality of performance and professional standards.
Graduates inside and outside the United Arab Emirates
The ministry confirmed that the exemption applies to all graduates, whether from within the UAE or abroad. He also noted that other specializations within allied health professions are under review by health care authorities, with the possibility of granting exemptions on a case-by-case basis, provided this does not compromise the quality of health care services or patient safety.
This decision aims to thoroughly improve regulatory procedures and accelerate the integration of nursing and allied health graduates into the workforce, maximizing the benefit of human capital while maintaining high performance standards.
Health care licensing system
Updating the exemption and licensing mechanisms is part of a broader vision to develop the national health care licensing system and strengthen compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory frameworks. This supports workforce sustainability and facilitates faster workforce entry for graduates without compromising quality standards.
Standardizing procedures across the UAE increases trust in the healthcare system, reinforces transparency and professional fairness, and creates a more efficient regulatory environment capable of meeting current demands and anticipating future needs.
The Ministry emphasized that the updating of health care licensing policies reflects a high level of flexibility and integration between the relevant government entities, as well as a commitment to the continuous improvement of the legislative environment of the labor market. It also ensures that governance processes and frameworks are comprehensive and integrated, maximizing benefits for all stakeholders and meeting workforce needs in the healthcare sector.
The extraordinary importance of the health care sector
The Ministry emphasized its readiness to support government entities in the advancement of their activity, in accordance with its central role in the regulation of the labor market. He noted that the advanced digital infrastructure facilitates seamless electronic integration between units, accelerates updates and supports the government’s efforts in service excellence and sustainable national leadership.
He also emphasized the tremendous importance of the health care sector as a key pillar directly related to quality of life, public health and efficient delivery of health care services.
Enabling academic staff to practice
In a similar development, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, announced the authorization of academic staff at universities and medical colleges—including doctors and other health care specialists—to practice in health care facilities.
