Employed expats can now start their own businesses without losing their jobs or changing their visas, said a senior official of UAE's Ministry of Labour.

This significant decision was taken by the Minister of Labour Saqer Saeed Ghobash, the official was quoted in the Khaleej Times report.

Now expatriates employed in the private sector can start their own business or become partners in a new business.

The earlier rules specified that expat workers who wanted to set up own businesses, had to cancel their visa and labour card and get an investor visa, at the ministry. However, they will not be able to work in the companies they start with local partners, he pointed out.