Looking for a job? Understand UAE’s 13 work permit options

INDIVIDUALS CAN WORK PART-TIME, DO TEMPORARY WORK OR FREELANCE

- BY ZAINAB HUSAIN Features Writer

Whether you’re a fresh graduate, a professional, or a student looking for your first job, having the right work permit is essential in the UAE.

In the private sector, work permits are issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). These permits allow companies to hire talent from inside the country or abroad, while also giving jobseekers more flexible options, from freelance work to temporary contracts.

With the exception of the freelance permit, which individuals can apply for directly, all other permits must be requested by the company hiring you.

Work permit (recruiting a worker from abroad): If you are coming to the UAE for employment, the company or organisation hiring you would need to apply for this permit.

The company hiring you is responsible for completing all procedures. This includes applying for your residence visa, medical test, obtaining the Emirates ID Card, labour card and stamping the residence visa on your passport within 60 days of your arrival. It is required to bear all these costs.

If a company does not obtain a work permit for an employee, it will be fined between Dh50,000 and Dh200,000.