How to Apply for UAE Work Permit for Foreign Workers

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has simplified the process for hiring foreign workers, offering employers a faster and more structured way to secure work permits for individuals residing outside the UAE.

New Steps to Secure Work Permits

The new mechanism comprises a step-by-step digital system that allows employers to apply using their UAE Pass through authorised service channels. In many cases, applications submitted with all the required documents may be approved instantly. If anything is missing, employers will be notified to complete the file.

This process applies to both skilled and unskilled foreign workers.

Distinction Between Skilled and Unskilled Workers

MoHRE has set clear standards to distinguish skilled workers:

• Educational qualifications must be verified by the Ministry of Higher Education.
• Employers are responsible for the verification fee.
• The process typically takes two weeks.
• After entering the UAE, the worker must pass a medical exam before the labour contract is issued.

Skilled workers must:

• Hold valid educational certificates.
• Earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000.

Documents Needed for Work Permit

Employers must provide the following documentation:

• Personal Photo: Clear, coloured, with a white background.
• Passport Copy: Valid for at least six months.
• Job Offer Letter: Issued by MoHRE and signed by both the employer and the worker.
• Educational Certificates: Required for skilled workers; must be authenticated and clearly named.
• Professional Licence: Required for certain professions, issued by respective authorities like the Ministry of Health (medical roles), Ministry of Education (teachers), or Ministry of Justice (legal professionals).
• National ID Card: Mandatory for nationals of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran.

Skill Level Classification

MoHRE categorises roles based on academic credentials:

• Level 1–2: University degree
  Level 3–4: Diploma
  Level 5: High school certificate
  Levels 6–9: No educational certificate required

Step-by-Step Work Permit Application

1. Login: Use the UAE Pass for secure access.
2. Submission: File the application through MoHRE’s official service portals.
3. Electronic Review: MoHRE verifies documentation.
4. If complete: Immediate approval is possible. If incomplete: Notification is issued to the employer.
5. Rectification: Any missing data must be submitted.
6. Approval: Once verified, MoHRE approves the work permit.
7. Finalisation: Employer pays required federal fees, deposits a bank guarantee or insurance, and uploads the signed job offer.

After the worker enters the UAE and clears the medical test, a final labour contract is issued.

Conditions and Eligibility

To qualify:

• Employer must have a valid trade licence.
• There must be no existing legal violations.
• An authorised company representative must apply.
• Worker must be at least 18 years old.
• Quota must be available.
• Worker must not have any other active permits.

Work Permit Replacement Policy

MoHRE permits replacements under specific criteria:

• Replacement must match the job title and gender.
• Nationality may be changed.
• Replacement must be made within six months of the original permit’s issuance.
• Employers can only replace a permit twice.
• The original entry permit must be cancelled with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security.