The UAE, known for its significant expatriate population, has well-defined guidelines for the entry of foreign workers. Both employers and employees must fulfil certain formalities to ensure a smooth transition into the country. There are certain mandatory UAE government services to help new ex-pat employees in UAE. Government-authorised workers guidance center helps new ex-pat employees to follow procedures properly. Below, we provide essential information regarding the emigration protocol, which ex-pats seeking employment opportunities should consider.
Essential Dubai Government services for new employers in UAE
- Visa Approval: The employer initiates the process by applying to the Ministry of Labour for an entry visa and work permit for the expatriate worker. This typically takes four to five days. For free zones in the UAE, the visa must be obtained before the employee’s arrival.
- Job Contract and Signature: The employer sends an offer contract to the employee for review and signature. The signed contract, available in English, Arabic, and possibly a third language, is then submitted to the Ministry of Labour. This step can be completed digitally within two days.
- Work Permit Approval: During this crucial phase, the Ministry of Labour verifies the availability of unemployed UAE nationals for the intended job. They also check the sponsoring company’s legality. The work permit approval is granted if these criteria are met, taking around three to five days.
- Employment Entry Visa: Within three days of work permit approval, the Ministry of Labour issues an employment entry visa. It is an authorisation allowing the expatriate employee to enter the UAE legally for work. This visa is valid for two months from the date of issue, providing 60 days for completing the remaining formalities.
If the employee is flying in from abroad, they can obtain the visa at the airport. However, if they are already in the UAE on a different visa, they must apply for a visa status change. Generally, the employee has 60 days to finalize all requirements for obtaining a work permit and a residence visa. It is essential for legal employment in the UAE.
- Other Formalities: Expatriate employees must undergo a medical screening, apply for an Emirates ID, and complete biometric procedures. Then should submit medical test results with the signed employment contract to the Ministry of Labour for the work permit.
Biometrics procedure involves visiting an Emirates ID Service Centre with the passport and entry visa provided by Emirates ID authorities. The signed employment contract must be submitted to the Ministry of Labour or uploaded on their website within 14 days of the medical test results.
- Health Insurance and Work Permit: Expatriate employees are also required to have valid health insurance, as mandated by UAE law. Without it, the Ministry of Labour will not issue a work permit. Once the signed contract and other documents are submitted, the ministry takes approximately five days to issue the work permit. After this, the employee can legally work and be enrolled in the UAE payroll system.
Furthermore, the ex-pat must update their employment residence visa with the Immigration Department. This enables them to reside in the UAE and fulfil other formalities, such as opening a bank account and registering a vehicle. This process typically takes three days. Subsequently, the ex-pat will receive notification to collect their Emirates ID card, which is usually issued within 10 days of updating the employment residence visa.
Conclusion
The UAE has established an efficient process to facilitate the smooth integration of expatriate workers. The Ministry of Labour provides detailed explanations that ex-pats can refer to when seeking employment opportunities. Due to the regulatory requirements involved, ex-pats should seek guidance from their employer to fulfil these formalities before commencing work. Professional of authorised centres for Dubai Government Services provides complete support and help for seamless processing.
