How to apply for visas for foreign employees in the UAE

How to apply for visas for foreign employees in the UAE - Makebiz

The United Arab Emirates continues to attract foreign professionals due to its dynamic labor market and diverse opportunities for professional growth. However, before starting a career in this country, it is important to understand the requirements that apply to foreign applicants. Let’s take a closer look at the key aspects related to obtaining a work visa and employment in the UAE.

Before applying for a job, the applicant needs to make sure that he does not have a valid work permit from another organization. It is also worth remembering that all expats who wish to work in the country must be over 18 years old. This rule applies to all employees, regardless of their specialty or skill level.

It is important that the position the applicant is applying for corresponds to the activities of the employing company. This condition ensures that the employee will perform tasks that correspond to his qualifications and experience.

The following requirements must be met by the employer:

1. The first step to obtain the right to sponsor a visa is to rent a commercial space.

This can be a real or virtual office that allows you to invite qualified specialists to your company. Depending on the size of the office space, the manager may have a certain number of employees. For example, in most frisons there is a rule that only one visa can be accommodated per 9 square meters of space.

2. The next stage is the registration of the company with the Ministry of Labor. It checks the rented space to ensure that it meets the requirements and standards. In addition, there is an analysis of the need for labor, based on the allowable number of visa quotas. They determine the maximum number of workers that a given organization can hire. If the check is successful, the employer will be given permission to hire staff.

3. After that, you can proceed to the next stage — registration of work visas. This procedure involves several consecutive steps and requires careful compliance with the established requirements:

  • Preparation and execution of an official job invitation from the employer.
  • Getting an Emirates ID. At this stage, the future employee is required to undergo a medical examination, as well as the procedure for submitting biometric data.
  • Making a note of the work permit in the employee’s passport, which confirms his legal status in the country.

If the candidate is located outside the Emirates, the sponsor company separately submits an application for an entry permit, on the basis of which the employee enters the country to further complete the visa process. An individual job offer letter is prepared for each employee, and an employment contract is concluded that fully complies with the current legislation of the UAE. It is subject to mandatory approval by the Ministry of Labor.

When initiating the process of applying for a resident visa, it is important to prepare the following set of documents:

— A foreign passport valid for at least six months.

— Medical results. examinations that include mandatory tests for infectious diseases.

— If the position presupposes higher education or specialized certificates, their provision is a prerequisite. To use them in the country, they must be translated and certified at the consulate. The procedure is called consular legalization of documents.

4. The employer is obliged to make a deposit for each employee. This amount serves as a security measure and is refunded to the company upon expiration of the contract and upon cancellation of the visa. The amount of the guarantee may vary depending on the category of the company and the specifics of its activities.

5. All costs related to visa processing, including government fees and related fees, are borne by the employer. In addition, the company is obliged to provide the employee with medical insurance for the entire period of his work.

As a rule, residency on the basis of employment is valid for one or two years with the possibility of further extension. To do this, you will have to initiate an update procedure in advance, including re-passing the med. surveys, reissue of the EID, and updating of the employment record.

Employee visa sponsorship is an important tool for overseas investors looking to expand their business operations in Dubai. This process requires many formalities, but it provides organizations with the opportunity to attract qualified professionals and develop their operations in one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Following the basic rules and milestones will not only simplify the employment process for expats, but also provide comfortable working and living conditions in this dynamic country.

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