As Dubai steps into the 21st century being one of the prime locations of doing business in the world, the demand for employees to keep the existing companies and the new ones being formed up and running has increased drastically. The economy has been speed fast on the shoulders of almost all sectors that have seen a boost in growth in recent times. Which in turn give birth to plentiful opportunities of employment around the region. More and more expats who are on the lookout for better employment opportunities around the world are entering the UAE every year, which has risen the ratio of expats in the country.
And when it comes to expats, it is no hidden fact that any foreign individual, moving or visiting from another country out of the GCC, requires a residency and employment visa to work or live in Dubai. Before obtaining an employment visa in Dubai an individual must obtain a residency visa and then carry on with a peaceful life in the country. A lot of expats who have already secured a job in the country prior to their arrival do not have to go through the tiring procedure of going to the relevant authorities for visa processing as they are already permitted the visa at their arrival by their companies of employment or the companies themselves take care of the entire procedure of going to the authorities on behalf of their employee. Along with bearing the visa process, the employer takes care of all the visa costs required as well. Dubai issues a number of different types of employment visas, which vary according to the time and nature of employment. The UAE government, over the years, has simplified the process of obtaining an employment or residence visa but there are still some legalities and documents that are required to be adhered to.
Employment Visa in Dubai
Every foreign individual looking to move or visit the UAE is required to obtain a visa unless they are visiting from one of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC). If a person is visiting from a GCC country, he or she will be provided a visa at the time of their arrival. An employment visa is required to be approved by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs before it is issued by the Immigration Department.
Step By Step Guide To Obtaining An Employment Visa Dubai
- The first and foremost thing to do in order to obtain an employment visa is to obtain approval from the Ministry of Labor. In the case of already securing employment before entering the country, the employer will take care of it on behalf of the employee. If the approval is required for employment in any free zone, the approval should be in the hands of the employee before he/she enters the country.
- On the basis of the receipt of approval, an entry permit visa is issued by the Ministry, which allows the applicant to legally step foot in Dubai. After the entry permit is issued, it stays valid for 2 months and permits a 30 day stay to the visa holder, which can be extended twice only.
- Once the employee has entered the country, the process for employment visa thus begins. For employees working in free zone companies, an ID card along with the employment visa is issued, which stays valid for 2 years. From the time of the employee entering the UAE, he/she has a total of 60 days to get down with the formalities of obtaining a residence visa. It is recommended that these procedures are done as soon as possible to avoid any deportation and difficulties.
- Then the employee is required at the Emirates ID service center once the relevant form is typed in any typing center. The visa holder must take an original valid passport and a valid entry permit.
- Once all of the above is done, the employee or the employer on the behalf of the employee can finally apply to the Immigration authorities for getting a residence visa. The health check is required to be conducted before paying a visit to the Immigration authorities.
- After a negative healthcare certificate is issued and in the hands of the employee, they can finally pay a visit to the Department of Neutralization and Residency Dubai (DNRD) along with all the required documents and the visa can be stamped on the passport of the employee.
Different Types of Visas in Dubai
Down below are all different types of visas that are available in the UAE and depend on the time period and purpose of visiting the country:
Tourist Visa
If a foreign national is visiting the country for 30 days, they will be provided with a tourist visa. Any travel agent or hostel that the foreign national is staying with in the country can arrange a tourist visa for them.
Residence or Family Sponsorship Visa
A family sponsorship or also issued as a residence visa is only made available for the spouse, children or parents of the UAE nationals. A spouse, children or parents of a UAE national can visit the country after obtaining a sponsorship visa. As stated by the government of the UAE, before applying for a residence visa in the country, there are certain requirements that are needed to be catered to like the resident’s monthly salary, designation, and other rules, which depend on the circumstances of an individual.
Investor or Partner Visa
Any foreign nationals who are looking into investing in a UAE based company or registering a company on the land of UAE are required to have an investor or partner visa. The visa permits the visa holder to work and live in a UAE based company for 3 years. In order to obtain an investor or partner visa in the country, an individual is required to comply with certain criteria of the visa issuance and in some circumstances, submit a security deposit as well.
Housemaid or Nanny Visa
If a person is wanting to sponsor a housemaid in the country, there are some formalities that are required to be complied with. Which includes obtaining a housemaid or nanny visa for someone living out of the UAE and is entering the UAE for domestic help purposes.
Residence Visa
In order to obtain an employment visa in Dubai, the person must hold a residence visa to work and live in the country. The residence visa usually lasts for up to 3 years. There are a number of different residence visas available under the UAE law. Down below are the documents required for obtaining a residence visa:
- A completely filled application form
- A number of passport-sized photographs
- The employee’s original passport along with a copy of it as well
- Copy of a valid company card
- Valis commercial license of the company
- Application fee
- Valid health certificate
- Entry permit which is issued by the Ministry of Labor
A residence visa is an altogether different procedure and requirement, it is still taken care of by the employer on behalf of the employee before entering into the UAE. There are certain medical requirements for a residence visa as well. Like a valid healthcare certificate is required before a residence visa can be issued to a foreign national. A healthcare certificate can be made available in the country after undergoing a proper health check at any government clinic or hospital in the country. The government of the country does not accept any health tests conducted outside of the country. The health check incorporates an X-Ray and certain blood tests to check for possibilities of some diseases which can be passed on like HIV/AIDS, leprosy, TB and Hepatitis. If a person is tested positive for any such disease, it can lead to immediate deportation or cancellation of the residence visa. At this point and time, there is no process for appeals in visas available under the UAE law.
