The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has facilitated the procedure for employing international skills, opening four major steps to obtain a new UAE work permit for employees currently living overseas.
This service is solely obtainable to employers and enterprises seeking to hire international employees, whether experienced or unskilled. If you are an employer planning to hire individuals from outside the United Arab Emirates, the following information is essential for you to know.
FAST-TRACK WORK PERMITS FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES
MoHRE formed the new procedure to be easy and quick. Employers can conclude the request via official service mediums making use of their United Arab Emirates Pass (digital identity).
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Employers may even receive immediate authorization for some requests if they present all necessary documents accurately and promptly. If any information is omitted, the employer will get a notification to complete the file.
SKILLED VERSUS UNSKILLED WORKERS: MAJOR DIFFERENCES
The Ministry distinguishes between skilled employees and unskilled employees:
- Skilled employees will have their academic certifications confirmed by the Ministry of Higher Education.
- Employers are required to reimburse confirmation charges, and the Ministry concludes the procedure within 2 weeks.
- Authorities provide the labour agreement after the employee goes into the UAE and passes the compulsory medical fitness test.
An employee is only regarded “experienced” if:
- They have the needed academic certificates.
- They get paid a least monthly income of $1,089.03
NEEDED DOCUMENTS FOR A UAE WORK PERMIT
Employers are required to get ready and upload the following documents when making an application:
| Document | Prerequisites |
| Personal picture | White background, clear and colored |
| Passport copy | Authentic for a minimum of six months |
| Employment offer letter | Provided by MoHRE, signed by the two bodies |
| Academic certificate for skilled positions | Named, clear, and validated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
Occupational license (if relevant)
Certain occupations require an occupational license, issued by the relevant administrative authority. For instance, the Ministry of Health provides licenses for medical experts, the Ministry of Education or local education administrations for teachers, the General Authority of Youth and Sports for sports trainers, and Ministry of Justice for attorneys.
National ID Card (for certain countries)
Citizens from Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan are required to give an authentic National ID card from their home nation with all information and the two sides clear.
Skill Level Prerequisites:
- Levels 1-2: Institutional degree
- Levels 3-4: Diploma or higher
- Levels 5: High school credential
- Levels 6-9: No credential required
UAE WORK PERMIT APPLICATION: STEP-BY-STEP
Below is a facilitated summary of the way employers can make an application for an international worker’s permit:
- Log in safely: Make use of your UAE Permit (Digital ID) for easy access to the MoHRE structure.
- Present the application: Make use of the assigned service delivery mediums to accommodate your work permit application.
- Electronic check: The request undergoes electronic examinations by the Minstry to confirm all conditions and presented documentation.
- Quick authorization for complete requests.
- Notification forwarded if documentation is incomplete.
- Deal with any missing items: If any detail is mitted, the establishment will be informed to complete the file adequately.
- Permit authorization: Upon satisfying all measures, the work permit will be authorized for provision.
- Reimbursement and final steps: Reimburse the relevant national fees and pay the needed insurance or bank guarantee. Importantly, include the authorized employment offer that the incoming employee has signed.
- Reimburse federal fees
- Present a bank statement or insurance
- Upload the signed employment offer
When the employee enters the United Arab Emirates, passes the medical exams, and is deemed ideal, the authorities will provide the final labour agreement.
REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATION MEASURES
To guarantee a successful request, employers are required to fulfill the following conditions:
- Enterprises are required to have an active and authentic trade license.
- No offenses or suspensions under the UAE rule.
- An approved representative of the firm is required to present the request.
- Employees must be at least 18 years of age.
- Quota obtainability is required to exist in the electronic system.
- The employee is required not to have an existing active permit.
REPLACEMENT POLICY FOR WORK PERMITS
A replacement is enabled in certain conditions:
- The replacement is required to keep the same employment title and gender.
- Employers may modify the employee’s country of origin
- This must occur within six months of the permit’s issuance.
- They can make up to two replacements.
- They are required to revoke the original access permit with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
The United Arab Emirates goes ahead to facilitate its labour market, making it simpler for enterprises to hire experienced and unskilled employees from overseas. With clear steps and digital procedure in place, employing foreign skill is currently quicker and more efficient.
Employers are required to comply with the documentation and qualification measures to obtain work permits authorized without hesitation.
