For workers who wish to relocate to U.A.E. for employment, you are required to obtain both a residency visa and a labour card. If you have already arranged employment prior to arriving in U.A.E., you will be issued a 30-day employment visa which allows you to start working immediately while your employer completes the processing of your labour card and residency visa.
The process for expatriates to relocate to U.A.E. is as follows:
- Upon agreement of employment, your employer will arrange for your employment permit/visa
- This employment permit is valid only for a 30-day stay from date of entry and allows you to enter UAE once during 2 months from date of issue
- If your hold a passport from a country which allows you to obtain a visit visa upon arrival, your employer may ask you to enter U.A.E. in this way.
- It should be noted that you will not be permitted to work until you acquire your residence visa and labour card
- Upon your landing, your employer should complete the steps required for residence stamping.
- You are required to take a medical and blood test and obtain Health Card (click here for more information).
- Your degree must be verified through Emirates Post. (click here for more information)
- Once you have the above documents, your company can now sponsor you for your residence visa.
- Upon approval of residence visa, you can now apply for your labour card.
Additional Resources:
“Guide to the Foreign Workers Who Wish to Work in the U.A.E.” by the Ministry of Labour - http://www.mol.gov.ae/Pages-EN/Documents-en/guide-en.pdf
Sources:
Employment in the UAE - http://www.government.ae/gov/en/res/expat/emp/visa.jsp
Labour Card in the UAE - http://www.government.ae/gov/en/res/expat/emp/labourcard.jsp
Dubai FAQs “UAE and Dubai Visas” - http://www.dubaifaqs.com/visa-dubai-and-UAE.php
Ministry of Labour “Instructions for Foreign Labourers” - http://www.mol.gov.ae/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=59
Department of Health & Medical Services - http://www.dohms.gov.ae/
Gulf News “Obtaining a Work Permit” - http://archive.gulfnews.com/uae/uaessentials/more_stories/10155358.html
Do you have any questions about working in the Middle East? Send MEHJ an email.
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