The United Arab Emirates is one of the most popular places for people from all over the world where individuals around the world are seeking job opportunities. The country offers tax-free salaries, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and an ever-expanding economy. Thousands of people migrate to the country, particularly to Dubai, for job prospects.
However, people need to know how the employment visa process works in the UAE before signing any job contract. Many people often have questions such as: how to check employment visa status in the UAE? How many days does it take for the processing of the employment visa in Dubai? How much is the cost of the employment visa in the UAE?
In this article, we will cover all the information regarding the employment visa that people need to know. Let’s get started!
What is an Employment Visa in the UAE?
An employment visa in the UAE is a legal document that allows a foreign citizen to live and work in the UAE. The employment visa is sponsored by an employer, and it is the responsibility of the employer to obtain a work permit and residency visa for their employee.
To obtain an employment visa in Dubai or any other emirate, an employee has to go through a series of processes, including:
- Approval of work permits
- Issuance of an entry permit
- Conducting a medical fitness test
- Registration of an Emirates ID
- Stamping a residency visa
What is the Process of an Employment Visa in the UAE?
The steps involved in obtaining an employment visa in the UAE are as follows:
- Job Offer and Contract
Firstly, a company in the UAE offers a job and signs a contract with the employee.
- Work Permit Approval
Then, the employer applies for a work permit approval through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
- Entry Permit
After approval, an entry permit is granted to the employee, enabling him or her to enter the UAE legally.
- Medical Test
All employees must undergo a medical fitness test at a designated medical center.
- Emirates ID Application
Employees must apply for an Emirates ID, which is used as identification in the UAE.
- Residence Visa Stamping
Finally, the residence visa is stamped on the employee’s passport, and the process of obtaining an employment visa is complete. After completing these steps, an employee can work and live legally in the UAE.
How to Check Employment Visa Status in the UAE
Many employees want to know how to check their employment visa status in the UAE after their company initiates the visa process.
There are many easy ways for employees to check their employment visa status.
- Through the ICA/GDRFA Website
Visa status can be checked online by filling in the following information on government websites:
- Passport No.
- Visa Application No.
- Nationality
- Through MOHRE
Employees who work in mainland companies can check their work permit status on the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation website.
- Through UAE Pass/Government Apps
Visa status can be checked online for real-time information on government apps.
How Many Days Does Employment Visa Processing Take in Dubai?
One of the most common questions people ask is: How many days does employment visa processing take in Dubai?
In general, employment visa processing in Dubai can take between:
- 7 to 15 working days
However, employment visa processing in Dubai can vary depending on various factors:
- Company documentation
- Government approvals
- Medical test completion
- Emirates ID processing
How Much is an Employment Visa in the UAE?
Another common question that is asked is the cost of an employment visa in the UAE. The cost of an employment visa in the UAE depends on the following factors:
- Type of company (mainland/free zone)
- Skill level of the employee
- Visa validity
- Cost of medical test and Emirates ID
The cost of an employment visa in the UAE can range from AED 3,000 to AED 7,000. The cost of an employment visa in the UAE may also include the following:
- Work permit
- Entry permit
- Medical test
- Emirates ID
How Much Cost for Employment Visa in Dubai?
If you are specifically asking how much the employment visa costs in Dubai, the answer is that it varies slightly depending on the company category. However, the general cost of an employment visa in Dubai is as follows:
- Cost of Work Permit: AED 500-AED 2,000
- Cost of Entry Permit: AED 500-AED 1,200
- Cost of Medical Test: AED 250-AED 800
- Cost of Emirates ID: AED 370-AED 1,000
- Cost of Residence Visa: AED 500-AED 2,000
The total cost of an employment visa in Dubai, therefore, varies from AED 4,000 to AED 7,500. Again, it is stated in the UAE labour laws that the employer should cover the cost of the visa, not the employee.
Can I Cancel My Employment Visa?
Yes, it is possible to cancel an employment visa in the UAE, and this can only be done by the employer or the sponsor.
Some of the reasons for cancelling a visa include:
- When an employee decides to resign
- When an employee completes a contract
- When an employee is terminated
- When an employee decides to change jobs
- When an employee decides to leave the country permanently
After cancelling a visa, an employee is given a certain period, mostly 30 days, to either look for a new job or leave the country.
How to Cancel an Employment Visa in the UAE
The process of canceling an employment visa in the UAE is simple.
Step 1: Cancellation of Work Permit
The employer applies for cancellation of the work permit through Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Step 2: Employee Confirms Receipt of Dues
The employee confirms that he/she has received all their dues.
Step 3: Cancellation of Residence Visa
Once the work permit is canceled, the residence visa is canceled through immigration.
Step 4: Employee is Given a Grace Period
The employee is given a period of 30 days to regularize their stay. If an employee is able to find a new job, he can apply for a transfer.
Important Tips About Employment Visas in the UAE
If you are planning to work in the UAE, here are a few important things to remember.
- Employer Must Sponsor the Visa
You cannot get an employment visa without the sponsorship of a company.
- Visa Costs Should Be Paid by the Employer
According to the UAE labor law, the cost of the visa as well as the recruitment should be borne by the employer.
- Medical Test is Mandatory
All employees must undergo a medical fitness test before being granted residence.
- Emirates ID is Required
The Emirates ID is a must-have for banking, renting, among other services.
- Always Check Your Visa Status
Tracking your visa status is important to avoid legal tangles.
Final Thoughts
For anyone who wishes to work in the UAE, it is imperative that one understands the employment visa requirements. This includes the status of the visa, the time taken for the processing of the visa, as well as the cost involved. The process of obtaining an employment visa in the UAE takes around 7 to 15 working days.
Additionally, the cost of an employment visa in the UAE varies from AED 3,000 to AED 7,000. In most cases, the employer handles the processing of the employment visa. However, in cases where one wishes to change jobs or leave the country, the cancellation of the employment visa in the UAE is an easy process.
In any case where one wishes to relocate to Dubai for better job prospects or to start a new career, one must understand the requirements for an employment visa in the UAE. For anyone who wishes to have an easy time obtaining an employment visa in the UAE, DXB VIP offers the best business setup services in obtaining a trade license, employment visas for your employees in Dubai and across the UAE.