Sharjah has barred its workers from leaving the emirate to control the spread of Covid-19 outbreak.
In addition, non-residents workers from other emirates will not be allowed to enter the city, said the Department of Economic Development in Sharjah (SEDD).
“This is to protect the personal health and safety of the workers,” said Sultan Abdullah bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, chairman of SEDD.
Workers who break the rule will be fined, a circular issued by the department said.
“The decision restricts workers’ movement between Sharjah and other emirates in the other country. It is part of the precautionary and preventive measures aimed at preserving public health,” Al Suwaidi said.
The decision excludes cleaning workers and those employed in the food industry and private security companies.
“It is important for all companies to cooperate with SEDD in implementing the decision, and in taking precautionary measures in worker accommodations to control the spread of the virus.
“Everyone should maintain the highest levels of hygiene, and visit a hospital if there is any doubt that a worker may be infected with the virus.”
Mr Al Suwaidi urged workers to wear face masks and maintain a safe distance of two metres from each other.
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Our legal consultant
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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