Job Hunting on Tourist Visa Prohibited in UAE

Don’t go job seeking when visiting Dubai or any other UAE city. To stop unlawful hiring practices, the government has strengthened rules, focusing especially on businesses that employ people with visitation visas.

What Occurs When Employers Violate The Regulations?

Companies that recruit people without the appropriate work licenses now face severe fines under the new labor law. The penalties that apply may vary from 100,000 to 1 million AED, or around Rs 23 lakh to Rs 2.3 crore. Compared to the prior penalty, which ranged from AED 50,000 to AED 200,000, this is a significant increase.

Employers Cannot Do

Hiring employees without offering a job guarantee.
Abuse of work permits.
Shutting down companies without resolving employee entitlements.

Working while in the country on a visitation or tourist visa is prohibited, as stated by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE). A valid employment visa issued by MOHRE is a requirement if you intend to work in the United Arab Emirates.

What Are The Penalties For Violating Labour Law?

Those who break the new labor law face harsh consequences. The salient points are as follows:

Penalties: Employers who hire people without the appropriate work permits, who fail to offer positions to newly arrived workers, or who shut down their operations without resolving worker rights may be fined between AED 100,000 and AED $1 million.
Penalty Multiplication: The greater the number of employees implicated in the infractions, the higher the fine.
Dispute Resolution: If there is disagreement with MOHRE’s rulings, any disputes arising from these matters shall be brought before the Court of First Instance.

How Can You Legally Work In The UAE?

You need the right kind of work visa to work in the UAE. The various kinds of work visas that are available, especially for Indian citizens, are broken down as follows:

Employment visa: The most popular kind of work visa, sponsored by an organization in the United Arab Emirates. An employer must extend a job offer to you to sponsor your visa.
Investor visa: For anyone wishing to invest in or launch a business in the United Arab Emirates. Certain investment conditions need to be fulfilled.
The freelancer visa: It is the best option for people who wish to work independently for several clients. Candidates must include testimonials or a portfolio to show off their abilities.
Mission visa: These are given to workers at foreign missions, like embassies or consulates, and they are good for the length of the worker’s job.
Visa for domestic helpers: Usually sponsored by the employer; intended for home workers. The rules and prerequisites for this visa could change.

What Are The Requirements For Applying For A UAE Work Visa?

Valid passport: A valid passport must have two blank pages and be at least six months beyond the planned stay.
Job offer: A verified job offer from an employer in the United Arab Emirates.
Educational requirements: The specific requirements for a given job may vary according to qualifications.
Experience and skill set: Verify that you have the necessary experience as specified by your position.
Medical fitness certificate: It is required to have a physical examination that includes testing for infectious diseases.
Good conduct certificate: A police clearance certificate from your home country or any country you have been in over the last five years is considered a good conduct certificate.
Application for a visa: Complete documents, accompanied by all necessary paperwork.
Passport-sized pictures: Following the guidelines supplied by UAE authorities.
Financial documentation: Evidence that you have enough money to support yourself while you’re here.
Sponsorship: The majority of work visas call for a sponsor, who is typically your company. This person will help with the application process.

Step-by-step Guide For Applying and Cost Involved

Select the type of visa: Based on your work status, select the right visa.
Locate a sponsor: Your UAE-based employer or business will act as your sponsor.
Sign an employment contract: Specify the parameters of your work, such as your pay, perks, and working hours.
Medical fitness test: Visit a medical facility in India that has been authorized.
Gather the necessary paperwork: Make sure you have a current passport, identification, a signed job contract, certified copies of your school and work history, and a certificate of medical fitness.
Online application: Fill out the form by going to the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Pay the fees: Pay the online processing charge for your visa.
Submit your passport: A visa processing center may need the submission of your passport along with any required supporting documentation.
Application processing: Give yourself a few weeks to wait while your visa is processed.
Travel to the United Arab Emirates: After approval, you can book your trip and make sure all the paperwork is to get through immigration.

The cost of an Indian national’s UAE work visa is:

Application fee: The 300 AED application fee is non-refundable.
Visa processing charge: 750 AED
Fee for medical examination: 250 AED
Emirates ID cost: 370 AED
AED 2,000 is the refundable deposit (paid by the employer).
Fee for insurance coverage: Varies
Fees for translation and typing: Varies
Courier Fees: Variable