Assuming you are already in UAE on a visit visa but have managed to get an offer of employment, that is excellent. It is a great news, but there are legal procedures that have to be taken care of even before you officially begin working. This is all you should know about how you can convert your visit visa to a residency permit in UAE once you are hired here.
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Is it Possible to Work on a Visit Visa in the UAE?
No, one is not allowed to work with a visit visa in the UAE. Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 makes it binding that every employee may not commence any job without providing a valid work permit delivered by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). On the same note, the UAE foreigners are strictly prohibited by Federal Decree Law No. 29 of 2021 to participate in any job activities without the actual work licensure and the UAE residence visa.
Not working in accordance with these legal documents is regarded as a contravention of the UAE labour laws and may consequently result in fines of up to AED 100,000 on the employer and employee.
Steps to Change Visit Visa to Residency Permit After a Job Offer
- Accept the Job Offer Formally
- When you have accepted and received the job offer, the lawful procedure to acquire work permit will then commence through your employer.
- Application for a Work Permit
- The employer will be required to bring your application before MoHRE to secure an appropriate work permit to match your position. It can be:
- Full-time work permit
- Part-time work permit
- Temporary work permit
- Freelance permit
- The employer will be required to bring your application before MoHRE to secure an appropriate work permit to match your position. It can be:
- Entry Permit for Employment
- When the work permit is approved, the Immigration department of the UAE will provide an employment entry permit that will be valid in 60 days. In the process, the employer must do all procedures to obtain your residency visa.
- Medical Testing and Emirates ID
- You will be subjected to medical fitness tests and then the requirements of the Emirates ID biometrics. These are compulsory procedures in the award of the residency visa.
- Visa Stamping and Residency Activation
- Once you have been through the medical, and your ID has been processed you are officially now a resident of the UAE as your residency visa will have been stamped in your passport.
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Important Legal Points to Remember
- Prior to the approval of your work permit and residency visa, it is illegal to start working.
- According to the Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2024, employers who are caught hiring people on visit visas can be subjected to heavy fines.
- Your employer should always be registered and following the procedures of MoHRE.
Final Word
Earning an income with a visit visa in the UAE is seriously penalized, and your employer may face a heavy fine along with you. Do not be lured into the job without containing the right legal procedures to commence the job.
So, if you face this, request your new employer to initiate the work permit and residency procedure without any delay. As soon as you obtain your residency visa, you can officially get started on your professional life in the UAE.