Secure UAE work permits from outside the country in four simple steps
MOHRE simplifies work permit process for overseas recruits
Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has outlined four steps to obtain a new work permit for a worker currently residing outside the UAE.
The Ministry explained the process with simple and quick procedures, in a post on its official social media platforms. The service is provided to establishments seeking to recruit and employ workers from outside the country, and only employers are eligible to apply for this permit.
Skilled and Unskilled Labor
According to the Ministry, employers must log in using their username and password or digital identity, then input the required information. Once submitted, the request is electronically forwarded to the Ministry. Immediate approvals are granted for some permit types. If any documents or information are missing, the employer will be notified to complete the submission.
Skilled workers
Regarding the verification of educational qualifications for skilled workers, the Ministry clarified that it will handle the verification process through the Ministry of Higher Education. Fees will be charged, and the results will be issued within a maximum of two weeks.
A labour contract can be issued upon the worker’s entry into the UAE, along with the required medical examination to confirm fitness.
The Ministry also stated that it will determine whether the applicant belongs to the skilled or unskilled labour category.
Applications with a clear passport copy and personal photo will receive immediate approval. Once the worker enters the UAE and passes the medical fitness test, the labour contract can be issued.
Procedural Steps for Employers
The Ministry’s statement has provided the following procedural steps that employers must follow to obtain a work permit for workers outside the UAE:
Log in using UAE Pass (Digital ID).
Submit the application through one of the service delivery channels.
The application is electronically referred to the Ministry for review and verification of requirements and documentation.
If there are missing items, the establishment will be notified to complete the file.
If all requirements are met, the permit is approved for issuance.
Pay federal fees and deposit the required insurance or bank guarantee upon approval, and attach the approved job offer signed by the worker.
Required Documents:
Clear coloured personal photo with a white background.
Valid passport copy (minimum six months validity).
Official job offer form issued by the Ministry, signed by both the employer and the worker.
Educational certificate (for skilled labor and technical professions):
Must be clear, include the worker’s name, and authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Skill Level 1 & 2: University degree required.
Skill Level 3 & 4: Diploma or higher.
Skill Level 5: High school diploma.
Skill Levels 6–9: Certificate not required.
Note: A worker is not considered skilled if the monthly salary is below AED 4,000, even with the required certificate.
Professional license (if applicable), issued by the relevant authority:
Medical professionals: Ministry of Health or Health Authority license.
Educators: Ministry of Education, KHDA (Dubai), ADEK (Abu Dhabi), or Sharjah Education Council.
Sports trainers: General Authority of Youth and Sports.
Lawyers: Ministry of Justice license.
National ID card from the worker’s home country is required for the following nationalities: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran. The ID must be valid, with all data and both sides clearly visible.
Terms and Conditions:
The establishment must have an available electronic quota.
The worker must be at least 18 years old.
The worker must meet the legal requirements for specialized professions or any other role requiring a practice license.
The establishment’s trade license must be valid, with no violations resulting in business suspension under UAE laws.
The permit application must be submitted by a person legally authorized to sign on behalf of the establishment.
The worker must not already have an active work permit.
Permit replacement is allowed with a change in nationality, while maintaining the same job title and gender (male/female), within six months of issuance and up to a maximum of two replacements. The original worker’s entry permit must be canceled in the systems of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security.
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