September 2nd, 2024 at 12:33 pm

Work in UAE 2024: New Regulations and Available Legal Visas in UAE

To prevent illicit employment practices, the UAE government has imposed tighter laws that target enterprises that hire individuals using visitation visas. The current range of fines for non-compliance is AED 100,000 to AED 1 million.

Stricter laws have been put in place by the UAE government to prevent illicit employment practices, with a particular focus on businesses that hire workers using visitation visas. This action attempts to safeguard worker rights throughout the Emirates and guarantee fair labor practices.

Hefty Fines for Non-Compliance

Employers who hire people without the appropriate work licenses risk heavy fines under the UAE’s new labor law, which range from AED 100,000 to AED 1 million (about Rs 23 lakh to Rs 2.3 crore). Compared to the prior penalty, which ranged from AED 50,000 to AED 200,000, this is a huge increase.

Employers’ Prohibited Practices

Employers are required to abide by the new rules, which forbid:

• Hiring employees without providing a job guarantee.
• Utilizing work permits improperly.
• Shutting down companies without paying employee entitlements.

Unauthorized Employment on Visit or Tourist Visas

Working while in the country on a visitation or tourist visa is prohibited, as stated by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE). If one wants to work in the UAE, one must have a current MOHRE employment visa.

Penalties for Labor Law Violations

Businesses that break labor laws risk harsh consequences, such as:

• Penalties: from AED 100,000 to AED 1 million for employing people without the required documentation, for failing to offer jobs to newly arrived workers, and for shutting down companies without resolving worker rights.
• Penalty Multiplication: The more employees that are implicated in these infractions, the higher the fines.
• Dispute Resolution: The Court of First Instance should be consulted in all disputes resulting from infractions of labor laws.

How to Work in the UAE Lawfully

A valid work visa is required for anyone wishing to work lawfully in the UAE. For Indian nationals, the most prevalent kinds of work visas are as follows:

• Employment Visa: Sponsored by a UAE-based enterprise, this visa is the most popular type of work permit in the country. It needs a legitimate employment offer from the sponsoring organization, which manages the visa application procedure and makes sure labor regulations are followed.
• Investor Visa: This type of visa is intended for people who want to invest in or launch a business in the United Arab Emirates. To be eligible, applicants must satisfy certain financial investment requirements, such as a minimum capital requirement, and show their business’s sustainability.
• Freelancer Visa: This type of visa is ideal for independent contractors or self-employed people who want to work for several clients in the United Arab Emirates. Candidates must substantiate their qualifications with a thorough portfolio, pertinent job experience, or references.
• Employees of foreign missions, such as embassies, consulates, or international organizations in the United Arab Emirates, are granted mission visas. This visa needs to be sponsored by the relevant foreign mission or international organization and is only good for the period they will be employed.
• Visa for Domestic Helpers: Usually sponsored by the employer, this visa is intended for domestic workers, such as nannies, drivers, or housekeepers. Different rules and prerequisites apply to domestic helper visas, such as age limitations, minimum pay requirements, and particular background and health checks.

Requirements for a UAE Work Visa

A valid passport, a signed job offer, proof of education, a medical fitness certificate, and sponsorship from an employer located in the UAE are required to apply for a work visa for the country.

• Valid Passport and Photos: You must have two blank pages in your passport and a passport-sized photo that satisfies UAE requirements. Your passport must also have at least six months remaining on it.
• Employment Offer and Sponsorship: A verified employment offer from an employer located in the United Arab Emirates, who will serve as your sponsor and help you apply for a visa.
• Requirements for Education and Experience: Depending on the position, appropriate educational background and experience, or talents unique to the job.
• Certificates of Good Conduct and Medical: a police clearance certificate from your home country or previous residencies, as well as a required medical fitness certificate that includes tests for infectious diseases.
• Application and Financial Proof: A filled-out visa application form along with all required paperwork, as well as evidence that you have enough money to maintain yourself while you’re there.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a UAE Work Visa

Choose the appropriate type of visa first, then find a sponsor, sign an employment contract, do the medical fitness exam, assemble the necessary paperwork, apply online, and wait for acceptance.

• Select the Type of Visa and Locate a Sponsor: Select the right work visa according to your employment position. During the application procedure, your employer or firm in the United Arab Emirates will act as your sponsor.
• Execute the Employment Agreement and Collect the Records: Sign a contract specifying the terms of your employment, such as pay and perks. Get all necessary paperwork together, including a current passport, a signed contract, attested copies of your experience and education certifications, and a medical fitness certificate from a facility that has been approved.
• Apply Online and Pay Fees: Submit your visa application and the necessary processing fees via the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
• Send Passport and Wait for Processing: If needed, send your passport together with the accompanying paperwork to a visa processing facility. A few weeks may pass as you wait for the processing.
• Travel to the UAE: Plan your trip and make sure all of your paperwork is ready for immigration clearance when you arrive in the UAE once your visa has been approved.

Expense of an Indian national’s UAE work visa

AED 300 is the application price; AED 750 is the visa processing fee; additional variable costs like insurance are included in the cost; and payments for a medical examination and Emirates ID are also included.

Final Thoughts

Anyone intending to work in the UAE must understand the recently modified employment laws in the nation. It’s essential to secure the proper work visa and follow legal procedures because there are strict regulations with heavy fines for infractions.

A seamless transition to working in the United Arab Emirates can be ensured by being aware of the many types of visas, their requirements, and the application process. In addition to avoiding legal issues, you can have a prosperous career in one of the most competitive employment markets in the world by carefully adhering to these rules.