Today's Edition
YOUSUF SAIFUDDIN KAPADIA (ABU DHABI)
The UAE Labour Relations Law and its executive regulations have provided private sector establishments with various types of work permits to meet their workforce needs.
This facilitates bringing in workers from abroad or contracting with those already within the country.
Here's a list of the 13 types of permits for registered establishments and individuals:
- A work permit to recruit a worker from outside the UAE
- Transfer work permit: To transfer a foreign worker from one establishment to another
- A work permit for a resident on a family sponsorship
- A temporary work permit: To hire a worker to complete a job within a specific period
- One-mission work permit: To recruit a worker from abroad to complete a temporary job, or a particular project for a specific period
- A part-time work permit: To recruit a worker under a part-time contract where his working hours or days are less than his full-time contract. The worker can work for more than one employer after obtaining permission from the ministry
- A juvenile permit: To recruit a juvenile between 15 and 18 years
- Student training and employment permit: To employ a 15-year-old student who is already in the UAE, according to specific regulations and conditions that ensure a suitable training and work environment
- UAE/GCC national permit: To employ a UAE or a GCC national
- A golden visa holder permit: To employ a worker holding the UAE's Golden Residence visa
- Private teacher work permit for workers who wish to obtain a work permit for private tutors in cooperation with the Ministry of Education
- National trainee permit: To train a UAE national according to the accredited academic qualifications
- A freelance permit issued to self-sponsored foreigners in the UAE, who provide services or perform tasks to individuals or companies (without being sponsored by a specific employer in the UAE and without having an employment contract)
It is noteworthy that according to Article 6 of the Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations in the Private Sector, known as the ‘UAE Labour Law’, it is illegal for a person to work in the UAE without a valid work permit issued according to the procedures set out by Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
The cost of issuing and renewing a work permit ranges from Dh250 to Dh3,450, depending on the company’s classification: A, B or C.
How to apply
To apply for a work permit, the establishment must:
- Have a valid trade licence
- The application must be filed by the authorised signatory of the establishment
MoHRE may refrain from issuing or renewing, or may cancel work permits if the establishment:
- Provides incorrect documents
- Is fictitious or does not exercise its registered activity
- Is not compliant with the ‘Wages Protection System’ or any other system adopted for the regulation of the national labour market.
