Understanding the UAE Work Visa – Its Importance For You
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known for hosting foreign professionals due to its economic opportunities. They do not charge personal income tax and have a high quality of life. Planning to work in the UAE requires obtaining a proper work visa. This guide will assist you with everything related to the UAE work visa. We will also discuss eligibility criteria, required documents, and the rest of the details.
1. Work Visa Information Summary
A UAE work visa issuance is based on sponsorship by a local employer. It means that foreign professionals are required to have a company or an employer to provide sponsorship for them to obtain a work visa. By applying for a work visa, the foreign national is granted permission to live and perform work within the UAE. There are various categories of work visas, which include the following:
Standard Work Visa – Issued to an employee contracted for a specific period with a company registered in the UAE.
Green Visa – For qualified employees, freelancers, and investors to have the ability to stay in the country without employment.
Golden Visa – Long-term residency visa available to investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents, researchers, and outstanding students.
Each visa type has specific conditions that allow a person to apply, therefore, it is important to ensure that all requirements are met before proceeding with the application.
2. Eligibility Requirements Needed for a UAE Work Visa
Here are the requirements that need to be fulfilled when applying for a UAE work visa:
Age Requirement: The applicant should be 18 years and above.
Valid Job Offer: A signed contract with an employer based in the UAE is necessary.
Educational Certifications: Some UAE employers require accredited educational qualifications from the applicant.
Medical Conditions: All candidates applying for a work visa must undergo medical examinations to ensure that they are not suffering from any communicable diseases.
Employer’s Validity: The company granting the visa must possess an active trade licence with a Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) registration.
Some professions require additional documents, such as a professional license or certification.
3. Documents Supporting the Application for a UAE Work Visa
The supporting documents needed to apply for a work visa are the following:
- Passport that is valid for more than 6 months.
- Photographs taken in the last 6 months with passport dimensions and in line with UAE standards.
- Attested graduation and work certificates (if necessary).
- A medical fitness certificate from a recognised health centre in the UAE.
- An employment agreement that has been endorsed by both the employer and the employee.
Steps towards Obtaining a UAE Work Visa
Working in the UAE requires a work visa, which entails multiple procedures. This is what the process looks like:
Step 1: Applying for an Entry Permit
The employer files a case with MOHRE to get an entry permit for the employee. After the request is granted, the requisite permit allows the hopeful candidate to enter the UAE.
Step 2: Travel to UAE
The employee may now travel to the UAE once he or she has processed the prerequisite entry permit. The employee may now initiate the visa processing steps.
Step 3: Medical Screening
Every candidate must have a medical evaluation at a registered medical facility. The examination includes testing for certain contagious diseases like TB and HIV.
Step 4: Applying for an Emirates ID
When the medical test is passed, the applicant should obtain an Emirates ID. It serves as proof of identification for the holder.
Step 5: Stamping of Work Visa
The applicant is now legally allowed to reside or work in the UAE once the work visa is affixed to his or her passport.
Verification of documents and other employer’s processes may take around two weeks to two months to complete the whole process.
Updating, Renewing, or Cancelling a Work Visa in the UAE
Visa Validity
A work visa for the UAE is valid for 1-3 years. This depends on the employee’s contract and the company’s policies.
Visa Renewal
Renewing the work visa is a process that employers usually handle, but employees are still responsible for ensuring their visa hasn’t expired to avoid legal complications.
Visa Cancellation
If an employee chooses to resign from their current job, or if they are terminated, the employer is responsible for cancelling the visa from their end. Employees are usually granted a 30-day grace period to find new employment, alter their visa status, or leave the country after their visa is cancelled.
6. Sponsoring Family Members
Sponsoring dependents is possible after an employee obtains a valid work visa. Dependents eligible for sponsorship include a wife, children, and in some cases, parents. To sponsor dependents, the employee has to fulfil these criteria:
- Hold a specified salary (this changes depending on how many dependents are sponsored).
- Have sufficient housing.
- Present the required documents along with the marriage certificate and the birth certificates that are attested by UAE authorities.
The dependent visa is tied to the employee’s work visa. It means that in case the work visa gets cancelled, the dependents will have to change their visa status.
7. Rights of An Employee Under UAE Labour Laws
Movement and restriction of employees remain defined and regulated by the UAE employer policies which permit the:
Hours of Work– Under normal circumstances, employees should work no more than 48 hours bi-weekly (8 hours per day). Employees may also work for a maximum of 2 hours overtime per day.
Leave/Time Off – Everybody is entitled to thirty days of paid leave in every calendar year upon finishing one complete year with the company.
Termination Payments– After reaching one year or more with the company, employees can claim some termination payments.
Payment for Overtime – All employees who work beyond 48 hours a week must either be paid in full or at a higher rate.
Leave For New Parents – Cases of maternity leave a woman is entitled to should not exceed sixty days while fathers should enjoy no less than 5 days after the child is born.
Employees must check their respective contract clauses in conjunction with the UAE labour laws and policies for proper considerations.
FAQs
Am I allowed to work on a tourist visa in the UAE?
The answer is no; working on a tourist visa is prohibited in the UAE. An individual is required to obtain a work visa before commencing any employment.
In what timeframe should I expect to get a work visa?
In general, the normal processing time can go from 2 weeks to up to 2 months, depending on the verification of documents and the employer’s processing timeline.
What will happen if my work visa runs out?
With an expired visa, a person is entitled to a grace period of usually 30 days to renew the visa, switch visa types, or exit the UAE.
Is it possible to change jobs with a UAE work visa?
Yes, but in some situations, a No Objection Certificate from your current employer may be necessary.
Do you need a medical test to obtain a UAE work visa?
Yes, there is an accompanying medical examination that a user needs to undergo to ensure that he or she doesn’t have any communicable diseases.
Conclusion
A UAE work visa is one of the most important things to get after deciding to work in the United Arab Emirates. For a hassle-free transition, it is very important to know the eligibility criteria, the application procedures, and the labour laws that govern the country. The UAE is still a sought-after destination in the world because of its variety of work visa options, career prospects, and exceptional standard of living. It makes it a magnet for global talent. To build a successful career in the Emirates, make sure that you comply with the UAE labour laws and keep your visa status up to date.
