The United Arab Emirates entices employment seekers globally with its different job prospects. Hence, the nation implements stringent labor rules overseeing work permits and residency conditions. If you are in the United Arab Emirates on a visit visa and have received an employment offer, you might wonder whether you can begin working immediately.
Several visitors believe they can start work while their employer manages their work permits and residency visas. This general misconception can result in severe legal effects, including fines and deportation.
Therefore, can you get employed in the UAE on a visit visa? You must understand the job laws and lawful conditions.
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Working On A Visit Visa: Is It Permitted?
Based on Article 6(1) of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, no person can work in the United Arab Emirates without an authentic work permit provided by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE).
This implies that even if you have acquired an employment offer from a mainland firm, you cannot lawfully start working until your work permit and residency visa are authorized.
Similarly, Article 5(4) of the Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 declares that international citizens are not required to get involved in any job in the United Arab Emirates unless they have acquired the relevant permits based on the nation’s labor rules.
Types Of Work Permits In The UAE
Employers in the United Arab Emirates must get the proper work permit for their workers before they can begin working. Depending on the employment disposition, the employer and worker can accept one of the following work permits.
- Full-time work permit: For workers operating on a full-time basis.
- Part-time work permit: This is for people seeking a part-time job while maintaining other employment.
- Temporary work permit: For short-term job agreements.
- Freelance work permit: This is for independent experts working without a fixed employer.
Article 6 of the Cabinet Resolution No.1 of 2022 states that these permits oversee job relations in the United Arab Emirates.
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Penalties For Working Without A Valid Permit
Employers who employ persons without an authentic work permit and residency visa in the United Arab Emirates experience significant penalties. Article 1 of Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2024, which amends Article 60(1)(a) of the Employment Law, fines firms that unlawfully hire people.
Working without adequate approval as an employment seeker could also result in legal consequences, including fines, deportation, and job prohibition.
What To Do If You Get An Employment Offer
If you have been employed while on a visit visa in the United Arab Emirates, observe these stages to ensure lawful adherence:
- Demand that your employer process your work permit. Your employer must apply for an authentic work permit and residency visa before you start working.
- Wait for authorization: The work permit procedure may take weeks, so plan accordingly.
- Leave and re-enter if relevant: In most situations, you may be required to leave the United Arab Emirates and return with a job visa.
Get A Work Permit And Residency Visa
Rather than risking legal issues, suggest to your new employer that you start the work permit and residency visa request procedure via the MoHRE. This guarantees that you are working lawfully and covered under the UAE work rules.
While getting employment in the United Arab Emirates is fascinating, observing legal processes before you begin working is essential. Getting involved in a job without an authentic work permit and residency visa can result in huge fines and other legal consequences. Often, make sure your employer processes the relevant permits before starting work to prevent complications.
