You will no longer have to look for work during your trip to Dubai or any other city in the UAE. The government has tightened its rules to combat illegal labour practices, especially those targeting companies that hire workers on visit visas.
What happens if employers break the rules?
Under the new labour law, companies that hire people without proper work permits face hefty fines ranging from 100,000 to 1 million dirhams (roughly Rs 230,000 to Rs 230,000). This is a significant increase from previous fines, which ranged from 50,000 to 200,000 dirhams.
Employers are strictly prohibited from:
* Hiring workers without offering them guaranteed employment.
* Misuse of work permits.
*Closing companies without liquidating workers’ rights.
What rules does the UAE government have regarding working on visit visas?
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has made it clear that working on a tourist or visit visa is illegal. If you plan to work in the UAE, you must have a valid work visa issued by the MOHRE.
Penalties for violating labor laws?
Penalties are severe for those who violate the new labor law. Key points are detailed below:
FinesCompanies face fines of between AED 100,000 and AED 1 million for hiring workers without proper work permits, failing to provide employment after bringing workers into the country, or closing businesses without addressing workers’ rights.
Multiplication of penaltiesThe fine increases according to the number of workers involved in said violations.
Dispute ResolutionAny dispute arising from these issues should be referred to the Court of First Instance if there is disagreement with the decisions of the MOHRE.
How can you legally work in the United Arab Emirates?
To work in the UAE, you need an appropriate work visa. Below are the types of work visas available, particularly for Indian citizens:
Work visa:This is the most common type of work visa, sponsored by a company based in the UAE. You need a job offer from a company, which will then sponsor your visa.
Investor Visa:For those wishing to start a business or invest in a company in the UAE. Specific investment requirements must be met.
Visa for self-employed:Ideal for those who wish to work independently with multiple clients. Applicants must demonstrate their skills through a portfolio or testimonials.
Mission visa:It is issued to persons employed by foreign missions, such as embassies or consulates, and is valid for the duration of their employment.
Domestic worker visa: For domestic workers, usually sponsored by the employer. Rules and requirements for this visa may vary.
What do you need to apply for a work visa in the UAE?
Valid passport: At least six months of validity beyond your intended stay, with two blank pages.
Job offer:A confirmed offer from a UAE-based employer.
Academic qualifications: Depending on the job, you may need specific qualifications.
Experience and skills: Make sure you meet the experience criteria required for your job.
Certificate of medical fitness:A health check-up, including tests for infectious diseases, is mandatory.
Certificate of good conduct:A criminal record certificate from your country of origin or from any country in which you have lived during the last five years.
Visa application form:Complete and accurate, with all supporting documents.
Passport size photographs:According to specifications provided by UAE authorities.
Financial Documents: Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
SponsorshipMost work visas require a sponsor, usually your employer, who will assist you with the visa application process.
Below is a step-by-step guide to making the request:
1. Determine the type of visa: Choose the right visa based on your employment status.
2. Find a sponsor:Your employer or company in the UAE will act as your sponsor.
3. Signing an employment contract: Describe the terms of your employment, including salary, benefits, and duration.
4. Medical fitness test:Undertake a health check-up at an authorized center in India.
5. Gather the necessary documents:Make sure you have a valid passport, photographs, signed employment contract, accredited education and experience certificates, and a medical fitness certificate.
6. Online application:Visit the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website and complete the application.
7. Pay the fees: Submit the visa processing fee online.
8. Send your passport: You may need to present your passport and supporting documents at a visa processing center.
9. Processing of applications:Please wait for your visa to be processed, which may take a few weeks.
10. Travel to the United Arab Emirates:Once approved, you can make travel arrangements and ensure all documents are in order for immigration clearance.
What are the costs involved?
Fees for a UAE work visa for Indian citizens:
Application fee:300 AED (non-refundable)
Visa processing fee: 750 AED
Medical examination fee:250 AED
Emirates ID fee:370 AED
Refundable deposit: AED 2,000 (paid by employer)
Insurance coverage rate: Fluctuates
Translation and typing fee: Fluctuates
Courier charges: Fluctuates
First published: August 22, 2024 | 17:36 IS
Disclaimer
The information contained in this post is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the post for any purpose.
We respect the intellectual property rights of content creators. If you are the owner of any material featured on our website and have concerns about its use, please contact us. We are committed to addressing any copyright issues promptly and will remove any material within 2 days of receiving a request from the rightful owner.