New Employment Visa Rules In UAE 2024

The United Arab Emirates has made immense progress and achievements on all fronts. With its strategic position, business-friendly atmosphere, and tax-free salaries, the UAE attracts skilled workers worldwide.
Foreign employees who plan to stay in the UAE for an extended period must get a residence visa. Similarly, everyone who wants to work in the UAE must have a work permit or an employment visa. As a result, the UAE has implemented new employment visa rules in 2024. This thorough guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining an employment visa in the UAE in 2024, including visa types, eligibility criteria, and application procedures.
The new Employment Visa rules in UAE 2024 will be covered in this article.
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Different Types of Visa Categories

Standard Work Visa

This is the most common work visa for a company in the public, private, or free zone sponsors. Important characteristics:

Good for two years

Renewable
Sponsored by a company
Allows workers to work for the sponsoring employer exclusively

Green Visa

The UAE Green Visa now provides a 5-year residency permit to draw professionals and skilled individuals to the UAE. Even said, earlier benefits have also been increased, such as the more extended grace periods for renewing or canceling a visa. Additionally, holders of green visas can provide their loved ones with residency visas. The Green Visa targets skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs. Key benefits:

Validity for five years
Employer or sponsor is not necessary.

Renewable on the same terms
More flexibility in work and residency

The requirements for eligibility varied depending on the category:

Freelancers/Self-Employed:

Proof of freelancing permit
A specialist diploma or a bachelor’s degree

AED 360,000 as the minimum annual income throughout the previous two years

Skilled Employees:

Minimum pay of AED 15,000 per month

Divided by skill levels 1, 2, or 3.
A bachelor’s degree or an equal qualification

Golden Visa

The UAE increased the categories covered by Golden Visas, improved the entire application process, and extended the validity of all visa categories by up to ten years. Furthermore, Golden Visa holders now have six months to cancel or extend their visa.

The eligibility criteria include:

Investors with an AED 2 million deposit
Property owners who invest in real estate worth AED 2 million

Business owners with 500,000 AED projects
Specialized talents like doctors, scientists, athletes, Ph.D. holders, etc.

Three-Year UAE Work Permit

The Federal National Council of the UAE has extended the duration of employment visas from two to three years. This extension was primarily intended to reduce the financial obligations. The MoHRE now grants permits that have a two-year validity period. It is crucial to remember that it is illegal to work in the United Arab Emirates without a work visa.

Who is Eligible for New Employment Visa Rules in UAE 2024?

First of all, foreign nationals over 18 are allowed to work in the UAE as long as they abide by the guidelines set forth by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE).

You have to be 18 years old.
Your employer’s or the hiring company’s license needs to be current.

Your work must align with the organization’s overall operations, and the corporation cannot have broken UAE labor law.
Fall under one of the three skill classification categories based on education.
Bachelor’s degree holders

Post-secondary diploma holders
High school diploma holders

Documents Required to Apply for New UAE Employment Visa

Valid passport (minimum six months validity)

Passport photos
Photocopies of academic qualifications. The qualifications need to be approved by your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy.
Entry permit from the Ministry of Labour

Signed employment contract
Medical screening clearance with official approval issues a medical certificate.
Health insurance

Step-by-Step Visa Application Process for an Employment Visa in the UAE

Approval of Entry Visa Quota

The employer starts the procedure by requesting approval from the Ministry of Labour (MOL) for an employment visa quota. Quotas restrict a company’s ability to hire foreign workers. The company must have enough office space to employ foreign workers as regulations require. Once the MOL approves the quota application, the process can move further.

Submit a signed contract of employment.

A conventional employment contract that specifies pay, advantages, allowances, training terms, etc., is signed by the employer and employee. Within 14 days, this contract must be presented to the MOL for approval. The MOL reviews the contract to verify its compliance with labor laws regarding minimum salaries, working hours, leave, etc.

Apply for a work visa and an entry permit.

As an employee, your role in the visa process is significant. After the employer receives quota approval, you can now apply for your work permit and employment entrance visa. This is done by uploading supporting documentation on the MOL website, including copies of your passport, signed contracts, and educational credentials.

Acquire a Visa for Employment Entry

The employee will receive an email with an Employment Entry Visa after the work permit is issued. The worker has 60 days to enter the country lawfully with this entrance visa to finish medical testing, register for an Emirates ID, and other requirements.

An entry visa to enter the UAE

As part of the visa process, your health and safety are of utmost importance. Before entering the UAE on an entry visa, you will undergo a medical test for HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases. This test, while the Emirates ID application records residency facts, is a crucial step to ensure a healthy work environment. You will receive a certificate of test results within one to two days.

File a Residence Visa Application

Within 60 days of the entry permit’s expiration, the employer starts applying for a resident visa if the medical exam is successful. This is accomplished by uploading your documents and paying the visa fees on the ICA website.

Submit the labor contract.

Within 14 days following the medical screening, the signed labor contract will be delivered to the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratization (MOHRE). The contract is reviewed and approved by the MOHRE.

Get Medical Insurance

According to UAE labor law, employers are required to offer health insurance coverage to their staff. This must provide the bare minimum coverage for surgeries, hospital stays, doctor visits, etc.

Receive a visa for residence.

After the Federal Authority approves the Identity and Citizenship (ICA) application, the employer will receive the employee’s residence visa. This enables workers to live and work in the United Arab Emirates legally.

Apply for an Emirates ID

Within 15 days of landing in the UAE, an application for an Emirates ID must be submitted. Virtually all transactions require this national ID card with residency and visa information. You’re getting closer to beginning your job in the United Arab Emirates now that your Emirates ID application is underway. But it’s crucial to use proper information to navigate the employment market. False beliefs about job searching in the United Arab Emirates may harm your experience and career opportunities.

Visa Stamping

Previously, employees in the UAE had to get their residence visa stamped on their passports. After the 2021 reforms, this is no longer required. Now, visa details are linked to the Emirates ID card, so once employees have their Emirates ID, there’s no need for a separate visa stamp in their passport.

Visa Application Fees

Requesting first approval for a new electronic work permit: AED 200 for all categories of employees.
To approve a new electronic permit, the following payments must be paid for each category:

Category 1: AED 300.
Category 2 consists of three levels: AED 600, AED 1500, and AED 2000.
Category 3: AED 5000.

For foreign workers over the age of 65: AED 5500 for all categories.

Transferring from Visit Visa to Employment Visa

Working while on a visitor or tourism visa is not allowed at all. Converting from a visitation to a work visa:

Obtain a formal job offer and employment agreement.

Get a security clearance and undergo medical testing.
The employer requests work permits, residency visas, and entry permits.
Changing the status takes about five working days.

Conclusion

The new employment visa rules in UAE 2024 mark a significant step towards creating a more dynamic and flexible workforce. With enhanced benefits for employers and employees, these rules make the UAE an even more attractive destination for professionals seeking new career opportunities. Whether you’re an expat looking to work in the UAE or a business owner seeking top talent, understanding these changes is crucial for navigating the evolving job market.