According to the new rule implemented yesterday, those earning less than Rs 35,000 per month and belonging to a number of low-income professions will not be eligible to apply for a driving licence, the Gulf Today daily reported.

The job categories falling under the ban are tailors, barbers, store-keepers, cooks, labourers, carpenters, butchers, machine operators, electricians, vendors, laundrymen, shepherds, farmers, welders, waiters, upholsterers, carwashers, servants, typists, messengers, office boys, blacksmiths and foremen.

``These job categories do not need a driving licence. They apply simply on the grounds of securing themselves a better job,'' the chief of Dubai traffic brigadier Juma Aman Abaid told the daily.

Getting a driving licence in the UAE is very difficult for the Asian expats and takes several months to years though Europeans and Americans aregenerally allowed to convert their licences into UAE ones.

Brig Aman said the new rule will reduce the rush of applicants.