The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the most popular destinations for foreign professionals due to its favourable working conditions and people-friendly work culture. The visa requirements are easy and straightforward compared to many countries in the Middle East and other parts of the world. The reason for this is that talented professionals find organisations expanding in the UAE more tempting for career opportunities. However, some requirements related to immigration, residence visas, and work permits must be pursued.
Types of Work Visas in the UAE
There is only one type of work permit in the UAE, also referred to as a labour card. However, employees should obtain an entry visa, a residence visa and an Emirates ID card before applying for a work permit.
Requirements to Obtain UAE Work Visas
Following are the documents that employees need to obtain a residence visa in the UAE:
A valid passport and a photocopyPassport photosAn Emirates ID cardAn entry permit from the Ministry of LaborThe results of a medical screeningA copy of a company card from the employerA copy of the company’s commercial licenseThe employee can apply for a work permit after getting a residence visa. To obtain a work permit, the employee should keep all of the above-listed documents handy, along with a work permit application form and an employment contract or job offer from a company in the United Arab Emirates. The work permit application form must be drafted in Arabic.
Application Process of Work Permit
Three stages of obtaining a UAE work permit:
Obtain an employment entry visaObtain an Emirates ID card (also known as a Resident Identity Card)Obtain a residence visa and work permitHow to Get an Entry Visa for the UAE?
To start obtaining the employment entry visa (also referred to as a pink visa) permit, the employer has to apply for visa quota approval on the employee’s behalf. This approval is received from the Ministry of Labour (MOL).Next, the employer must submit an employment agreement to the MOL. The prospective employee should sign the agreement.Before issuing the employment entry visa, the Ministry should approve the work permit application. After the approval is obtained and the visa is secured, the employee must enter the UAE within two months.After entering UAE with a pink visa (employment entry visa), the employee has 60 days to obtain a residence visa and formal work permit after entering UAE with a pink visa (employment entry visa).Obtaining an Emirates ID
To apply for an Emirates ID, the employee should furnish their entry visa and their original passport and copy. They will have to apply in person at the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) centre, where their biometrics will be taken, including fingerprints and a photograph.
Obtaining a Residence Visa and Work Permit
To apply for a residence visa, the employee must provide all of the necessary documents listed above. A residence visa is valid for one to three years in the UAE and can be renewed with validity. The employee’s work permit will be documented within the residency visa.
After the work permit is sanctioned, the employee can legally start working in the UAE.
Point to Consider
To work in the UAE, your work permits must be sponsored by a locally licensed entity established in the UAE. This may make the process complicated for people new to global expansion plans. If you find it confusing, you can work with business setup consultants in the UAE working in the fields of professional work permits and visas.
Sign in to leave a comment.