In a meeting chaired by Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Wednesday night, the UAE Cabinet approved some major changes in the visa rules for employment.

These changes include scrapping the mandatory deposit for private sector employees and were taken to help boost the country's economy.

Here are the major changes in announced by the UAE Cabinet:

• Mandatory bank guarantee for labour recruitment abolished and replaced with a low-cost insurance system.
• Entry fees of transit passengers exempted for first 48 hours approved.
• Transit visa can be extended to 96 hours for a fee of Dh50.
• People overstaying their visa will get a chance to voluntarily leave the country without a "no entry" stamp on their passport.
• Introduction of a 6-month visa to job seekers who overstayed their visa but want to work in the UAE.
• Temporary visa for job opportunity seekers free of cost. (Currently, one has to find a new job within 3 months of termination or leave the country)
• A chance for illegal immigrants to leave voluntarily with a 'no entry' stamp for 2 years, if return ticket is presented.
• Individuals who wish to adjust or renew their visa can do it without having to leave and re-enter the country by paying a fee.