Employment Visa in Dubai, UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a popular destination for foreign workers due to its thriving economy and the abundance of employment opportunities in various industries. If you are a foreign national planning to work in the UAE, one of the first things you need to secure is an employment visa. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about employment visa in the UAE.
What is an Employment Visa in Dubai?
After completing the procedures, a firm in Dubai can legally sponsor international personnel for local work permits. The subsequent steps are as follows:
- Employers must submit a temporary entrance visa application and a document certifying the anticipated wage of the potential foreign employment visa. This document will allow the prospective employee to enter the United Arab Emirates to complete the necessary formalities before issuing a work visa. Entrance is necessary within 30 days following issuing of the entry permit;
- However, the employee is not yet permitted to work in Dubai and must give the Global Market Authority a copy of his passport as soon as possible, go through a medical examination and subscribe to health insurance with a provider authorised by the Dubai Government.
- Once the earlier requirements have been met, the employer must apply for a work and residence permit. The application is typically handled within two weeks by the General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs; however, the Dubai Government also offers a fast-track option with work visa issuing within four working days.
The same requirements apply to all employment visa in UAE except for domestic assistant visas.
Types of Employment Visa in UAE:
The UAE offers several types of employment visa depending on the nature of the employment and the duration of the contract. Here are some of the most common types of employment visa in the UAE:
- Residency Visa: A residency visa is issued to foreign nationals who have secured a job offer in the UAE. This visa is valid for three years and can be renewed thereafter.
- Mission Visa: A mission visa is issued to foreign nationals who are employed by a foreign company and have been assigned to work in the UAE for a short period. This visa is valid for up to 90 days.
- Freelancer Visa: A freelancer visa is issued to self-employed individuals who wish to work in the UAE. This visa is valid for up to three years.
- Investor Visa: An investor visa is issued to foreign nationals who have invested in a business in the UAE. This visa is valid for up to three years.
- Transit Visa: A transit visa is issued to foreign nationals who are passing through the UAE and have a layover of more than eight hours. This visa is valid for up to 96 hours.
Who is Eligible for a UAE Work Visa?
Every foreigner above 18 is permitted to work in the United Arab Emirates, providing they satisfy the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s requirements (MoHRE). There is no upper age limit for employment in the UAE, although the employer pays a premium cost for workers over 65.
Based on their academic credentials and skill sets, foreign employees are categorized into three categories:
- If you hold a bachelor’s degree or above.
- If you hold a postsecondary certificate in any discipline.
- If you have a high school diploma.
Requirements for Employment Visa in UAE:
Every foreigner above 18 is permitted to work in the United Arab Emirates, providing they satisfy the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s requirements (MoHRE). There is no upper age limit for employment in the UAE, although the employer pays a premium cost for workers over 65.
Based on their academic credentials and skill sets, foreign employees are categorised into three categories:
- If you hold a bachelor’s degree or above.
- If you hold a postsecondary certificate in any discipline.
- If you have a high school diploma.
Requirements to Obtain UAE Work Visas:
To apply for an employment visa in the UAE, you need to meet the following requirements:
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of six months
- A job offer from a UAE-based employer
- A medical fitness certificate
- A police clearance certificate from your home country
- A copy of your Emirates ID card (if applicable)
- A valid residence visa (if you are already in the UAE)
- Proof of health insurance coverage
- Payment of visa fees
The visa application process can take anywhere from two to four weeks, depending on the type of visa and the completeness of the required documents
Employment Contract in UAE:
Before you can apply for an employment visa in the UAE, you need to sign an employment contract with your employer. The contract should specify your job title, duties and responsibilities, salary, and other benefits. The contract should also comply with the UAE labor law, which sets out the minimum requirements for employment contracts.
It is advisable to have your contract reviewed by a legal expert to ensure that it complies with the UAE labor law and to protect your rights as an employee.
Renewing Employment Visa in UAE:
Employment visa in the UAE are valid for a specific period and need to be renewed before they expire. The renewal process requires the submission of the same documents as the initial application, along with a copy of the original visa and a passport-sized photograph.
If you are switching employers in the UAE, you need to cancel your existing visa and obtain a new one. This process requires the submission of a cancellation form, a no-objection certificate from your previous employer, and a new job offer letter from your new employer.
Renewing Employment Visa in UAE:
An employment visa is an essential requirement for foreign workers who wish to work in the UAE. The UAE offers several types of employment visa, each with its own requirements and validity period. To apply for an employment visa. Before an employment visa may be issued, the Ministry must approve the work permit application. Once receives clearance and a visa, the employment visa will have two months to reach the UAE.
The employee has 60 days after entering the UAE on a pink visa to seek a residence visa and an official employment visa. Beginning in February 2023, international nationals unable to come to the UAE within the initial 60 days may request an extra 60-day extension. This is available for all visa kinds but only once per visa type