Your Essential Guide to Navigating the Employment Visa in UAE Process

Securing an employment visa in the UAE is a critical step for working legally in the country. But what do you need to begin? This article cuts through the complexity and directly addresses the types of visas, the application process, and the qualifications required to get your employment visa in the UAE, setting you on the right path to employment in this dynamic job market.

Key Takeaways

• The UAE offers a range of employment visas, including the standard work visa, green visa, and golden visa, each suited for different professional categories and benefits, with the application process beginning with the employer seeking quota approval typically within three working days.
• Individuals must be at least 18 years old to qualify for a UAE employment visa. Following the issuance of an Emirates ID and a residency visa, employment contracts and medical examinations are crucial components of the application process.
• Family sponsorship is available under certain salary and accommodation conditions, and the work permit renewal process should be initiated 30 days before expiration, with a 28-day grace period after visa cancellation to either leave the country or obtain a new visa.

Understanding the UAE Employment Visa

While the UAE employment visa process may initially appear complex, careful preparation and understanding can simplify the task. In order to conduct operations within the UAE, individuals and companies must acquire an employment visa. Typically, the processing of an entry visa quota approval is completed within three working days.

The UAE offers a variety of work visas to foreign nationals, including the standard work visa, green visa, and golden visa. Each of these caters to different categories of professionals and comes with its own unique advantages. Choosing the right one depends on your specific circumstances and career objectives in the UAE.

Types of UAE Employment Visas

The Golden Visa is a unique category that offers a long-term stay to foreign professionals like doctors, scientists, athletes, inventors, and artists. It’s designed not just to attract talent to the UAE but also to contribute to the reduction of unemployed UAE citizens. Golden visa holders enjoy numerous benefits, such as exclusive health insurance packages, the privilege of sponsoring unlimited immediate family members, and the flexibility to stay outside the UAE without affecting visa validity.

Specifically catered to freelancers, self-employed individuals, and skilled employees, the Green Visa provides benefits tailored to their unique circumstances. It offers a substantial six-month grace period following visa expiration or cancellation and a streamlined application process. It also allows holders to sponsor immediate relatives.

The standard work visa, which requires sponsorship from an employer, enables foreign nationals to reside and work in the UAE for a typical duration of two to three years.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for a UAE employment visa are clear-cut. To legally work in the country, individuals must be at least 18 years old, and there is no upper age limit for employment. However, companies are required to pay a higher fee to employ workers who are over 65 years of age.

Foreign workers in the UAE are categorized into three groups based on their educational credentials and expertise. This classification is vital to the recruitment process and ensures that the individual’s skills and qualifications align with the job role.

The Application Process for a UAE Employment Visa

The journey to obtaining a UAE employment visa, including a Dubai employment visa, begins with the employer submitting a work visa application for approval. Once both parties have signed the employment contract, the employer starts the approval process with the Ministry of Labour to obtain an entry permit. This part of the process takes about 2 to 7 working days, leading to the issuance of the entry permit, all in accordance with UAE employment visa rules.

On arrival in the UAE with an employment entry visa, individuals are required to complete formalities to apply for an Emirates ID. Subsequently, they must obtain a UAE residence visa and a work visa. The employer is responsible for completing the medical testing and stamping the work residency permit on the employee’s passport. This whole process typically takes around 5 working days.

Entry Permit Application

The process to apply for a UAE entry permit is efficiently structured. Individuals can submit their applications through the official websites of ICA and GDRFA, as well as using the ICP App, Dubai Now app, or typing centers. The application process involves registration or UAE Pass, application submission, fee payment, and receipt of the entry permit.

The Ministry of Labour plays a pivotal role in granting approval for the work visa application prior to the issuance of an entry visa. There are charges for applying for an entry permit, including an application fee and issuance fees, which vary depending on the duration and type of the trip, such as a visit visa.

Employment Contract and Offer Letter

Within the UAE employment visa process, the employment contract holds significant importance. It contains essential details such as salary, job title, and other pertinent terms and conditions. The offer letter and contract need to be submitted to the Ministry of Labor for review and approval.

The labor contract must be submitted to the Ministry of Labour within 14 days of receiving medical results. The Ministry of Labour plays a central role in the different phases of the UAE work visa process, which encompasses the endorsement of employment contracts and offer letters.

Medical Screening and Health Insurance

Medical screening at a government-approved clinic is a mandatory requirement while applying for a residence visa in the UAE. It is also mandatory to possess a valid health insurance policy when applying for a UAE employment visa.

Following the issuance of their work visas, employers are required to provide basic health insurance coverage for their employees. This is a crucial aspect of the UAE employment visa process that ensures the wellbeing of the workforce.

Sponsorship and Dependent Visas in the UAE

Sponsorship and dependent visas in the UAE enable family members to join their relatives, promoting community and family cohesion. These visas are issued to the spouses or children of employees for them to reside in the country. To sponsor family members, individuals must meet certain salary and accommodation criteria.

Interestingly, a spouse can sponsor their partner for a Dubai work permit. The process of obtaining the entry permit for a family visa in Dubai typically takes 2 days. However, the visa fees vary based on whether one is sponsoring solely their spouse or both their spouse and children.

Sponsorship Requirements

Male employees in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE are required to possess a valid employment permit and meet a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 in addition to accommodation to sponsor their family members. In the case of sponsoring wives, the minimum salary threshold remains the same with or without accommodation.

Female employees can sponsor their children if they maintain a minimum monthly salary of AED 3,500 along with accommodation. They are required to furnish a valid employment contract as evidence of their salary eligibility.

Dependent Visa Application Process

Applying for a dependent visa in the UAE requires some specific documents. These include an application form, copies of the family members’ passports, as well as the sponsor’s passport and Emirates ID. The sponsor is required to initiate visa processing and acquire an Emirates ID.

The fees for a dependent visa in the UAE vary based on factors such as the visa type, duration, and any additional services or processing. For more precise and current information, it is advisable to consult the relevant authorities or visa service providers. Cases of employment visa fraud can be reported on the official UAE government website.

Navigating the UAE Work Permit Renewal and Cancellation Process

Understanding the UAE work permit renewal and cancellation process is fundamental for anyone intending to work in the UAE. The renewal process for a UAE work permit should ideally be initiated approximately 30 days prior to the permit’s expiration date. The prerequisites for the renewal of a UAE employment visa consist of possessing a valid passport with a minimum of six months of validity remaining, passport-sized photographs, and attested educational documents.

After the cancellation of a UAE employment visa, a 28-day grace period is initiated, during which the individual is required to either obtain another residence visa or leave the country. Following the cancellation of the previous visa, individuals can proceed to apply for a new one. The application for the new visa can be submitted either by departing the UAE or by remaining within the country.

Work Permit Renewal

The typical duration of validity for a UAE work permit is two years before it requires renewal. The necessary documents for renewal include:

• The original passport, along with a copy
• A valid employment contract or self-employment permit
• Proof of education
• Proof of residency

The UAE work permit can be renewed online by following these steps:

1. Access the smart services system using UAE Pass or a username.
2. Locate the relevant service for work permit renewal.
3. Complete the application details.
4. Your sponsor at the General Directorate of Residency facilitates the renewal process.

The charges associated with renewing a UAE work permit range from AED 300 to AED 5,000, based on the work permit category.

Work Permit Cancellation

The cancellation of a work permit in the UAE involves several steps:

1. Complete the UAE visa cancellation form, which the sponsor must sign.
2. Provide the original passport and ID card.
3. If the sponsor is also the employer, involve them in the cancellation process.
4. The cancellation can be applied for either in person or online.
5. The company must approach the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation to initiate the cancellation process.

The required documents for the cancellation of a UAE work permit include:

• A cancellation form signed by the sponsor
• The original passport of the employee
• The original identity card of the employee
• A letter signed by the employee confirming they have received all necessary dues and end-of-service benefits

The charges for the cancellation of a work permit in the UAE typically range from AED 100 to AED 200. The precise amount may vary based on the location where the application is submitted.

Tips for Avoiding Employment Visa Scams and Frauds

Despite the straightforward nature of the UAE employment visa process, it is crucial to be vigilant about potential fraud. Individuals planning to visit the UAE for purposes like employment, tourism, investment, residency, or other lawful reasons should acquaint themselves with the potential hazards of becoming a victim of visa fraud. The authenticity of a UAE employment visa can be verified by checking the Dubai visa entry permit number or verifying the job offer’s validity at the UAE embassy in your country using the job offer number.

Common scams include scammers utilizing fictitious or non-existent firms to present job prospects, guaranteeing employment at reputable organizations and soliciting money for visa or processing fees, and misusing tourist visas for recruitment purposes. To avoid such scams, it’s crucial to conduct due diligence checks prior to accepting job offers, gain comprehensive knowledge about the employer, seek recommendations from credible sources, exercise caution when encountering fake job postings and fraudulent recruitment agencies, and exclusively carry out transactions and payments through the official website of Emirates Post.

Identifying Common Scams

Fraudulent activities in the UAE encompass:

• Scammers utilize fictitious or non-existent firms to present job prospects, guarantee employment at reputable organizations and solicit money for visa or processing fees
• Misusing tourist visas for recruitment purposes
• Scammers taking advantage of the UAE visa process by sending deceptive employer emails containing false job offers that solicit personal information or payment for visa processing
• Engaging in credit card scams to illicitly obtain sensitive information
• Some unscrupulous employers exploit tourist visas to hire workers for abusive jobs.

Protecting Yourself from Fraud

To safeguard oneself from employment visa fraud in the UAE, here are some steps to take:

1. Conduct due diligence checks prior to accepting job offers and gain comprehensive knowledge about the employer.
2. Exercise caution when encountering fake job postings and fraudulent recruitment agencies.
3. Exclusively carry out transactions and payments through the official website of Emirates Post.

Indicators of a fraudulent employment visa agent in the UAE encompass requests for a fee, negative online reviews, offers that appear too good to be true, unreachability of the company, demands for money or personal information prior to submitting an application, and unprofessional website design. One can verify the authenticity of a UAE employment visa by examining the Dubai visa entry permit number or accessing the General Directorate of Residency’s website to ascertain the visa’s validity. Cases of employment visa fraud can be reported on the official UAE government website.

Legal Obligations and Compliance for Employers and Employees

Both employers and employees in the UAE are required to adhere to certain legal obligations and compliance requirements. Employers must ensure appropriate business working hours, provide annual leave entitlement, and grant sick, maternity, and special emergency leave. Both employers and employees are required to fulfill their rights and obligations as outlined in the MOHRE labour contract.

Employees in the UAE are entitled to the following benefits:

• Their entire monthly salary, including basic salary and allowances, when taking a 30-day annual leave after being employed for 12 months
• Annual leave entitlement for part-time workers based on the hours they actually work
• A minimum of AED 18,000 from employers in the event of sickness or work-related accidents.

Summary

In this comprehensive guide, we traversed the landscape of the UAE employment visa process, from understanding its various types, eligibility criteria, and application process to navigating through the work permit renewal and cancellation process. We also highlighted the legal obligations and compliance requirements for both employers and employees and provided useful tips to avoid employment visa scams and fraud.

As you venture into the dynamic work environment of the UAE, remember to stay informed and vigilant. Always verify any prospective employment offers and ensure that your employment visa process is handled with the utmost diligence and compliance with UAE rules. Armed with this knowledge, you are now better equipped to navigate the UAE employment visa process confidently and seamlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get a work visa in the UAE?

To get a work visa in the UAE, you must follow these steps: apply for entry visa quota approval, submit a signed employment contract, apply for an entry visa, receive an employment entry visa, obtain a work visa and residence visa, apply for an Emirates ID, and get a medical checkup. Skilled employees must also meet certain criteria, including having a valid employment contract, being classified in a certain occupational level, holding a minimum of a bachelor's degree, and having a salary of not less than AED 15,000 per month.

How long is the employment visa in the UAE?

The employment visa in the UAE is typically valid for around two years, allowing foreigners to work in the private sector, government sector, or a free zone.

How much is a 2-year employment visa in the UAE?

A 2-year employment visa in the UAE typically costs between AED 2,500 to AED 5,000, depending on factors like job title and salary. The cost may vary for skilled or unskilled workers.

What are the different types of work visas in the UAE?

Foreign nationals can obtain different types of work visas in the UAE, such as the standard work visa, green visa, and golden visa. The standard work visa is for government and private sector employees, while the green visa is for skilled workers and is valid for 5 years.

What is the significance of obtaining an employment visa in the UAE?

Obtaining an employment visa in the UAE is significant because it is necessary for individuals and companies to legally operate within the country in compliance with UAE employment visa rules.

‍