Temporary Work Permits UAE: The Ultimate Employment Guide

Through a temporary work permit UAE, a foreigner with a residence visa can work on a short-term project. However, you must meet the requirements of the Ministry of Labor (currently MOHRE) to obtain the permit. Nevertheless, it is not the potential employee who carries out the procedures and pays the fees, but the potential employer.

In this article, we will show you in detail the process of obtaining a work permit in the country. In the same way, you will learn all the information about the fees and other requirements to obtain this permit.

Eligibility Criteria for Temporary Work Permits

Receiving a temporary work permit UAE depends on the applicant meeting the eligibility criteria. In this case, if you do not meet the criteria, you will waste your time and money as they will not authorize the permit. The authorities have established two basic and invariable requirements to be able to obtain one of these permits:

• Applicant for the temporary work permit must be at least 18 years of age.
• You must be a resident of the country (citizen or possess a residence visa).

Other criteria and terms apply for those who wish to obtain this service, such as the age limit of 65 years. However, we detail the other characteristics of this service later to see if you are eligible.

Application Process for Temporary Work Permits

Due to the nature of this permit, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) is the one who grants it. Nonetheless, companies should know that this permit is only for work for a certain time, that is, it is short-term. Additionally, the entire application process and payment of fees is the responsibility of the employer of the applicant.

The employer can apply on the MOHRE website or app, or at TAW-SEEL centres. The process of applying for a temporary work permit UAE consists of the following and simple steps:

1. When applying online, you can use your username and password or the UAE Pass.
2. Then, the MOHRE receives the request from the company that wants the services of a professional worker.
3. If you did not send a document or have problems with one, you will receive a notification to resolve the situation.
4. Then, if everything is in order, the MOHRE will approve the issuance of the permit.
5. Immediately afterward, the Ministry will approve the employment contract.
6. Pay the applicable fees.

The temporary work permit processing time is approximately 2 days, then you will receive confirmation of approval. However, you can track your request through the same MOHRE website or application. In the same way, you can request information about the permit and your application from the call center at 600590000.

Understanding Temporary Work Permit Fees or Cost

The temporary work permit UAE cost includes an issuance fee by the authorities of AED 300. Additionally, the cost includes a 5% value-added tax, as well as additional charges if the sponsor is within the country. These include knowledge and innovation costs of AED 10 each.

On the other hand, requests made through MOHRE digital media have no cost. However, there are federal fees of AED 50, and if you apply at a service center, AED 72. Furthermore, these prices and fees may change without notice, so please check before starting the process.

Temporary work Permit UAE Benefits

The temporary work permit UAE benefits are several for workers who manage to obtain approval. Some of the advantages of obtaining one of these permits are listed below:

• You will be able to work for a company in the UAE for at least 6 months.
• You will gain quantifiable experience in the professional field in which you work.
• Working for 6 months (or a year if you extend the permit) will help you get used to the culture and environment of the UAE.
• You will be able to develop your skills in a favorable work environment.
• The experience will help you attract the attention of employers both in the UAE and in your home country.
• It could help you obtain long-term employment in important locations such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Sharjah.

Temporary Work Permit UAE Requirements

To obtain this permit, you must meet the temporary work permit UAE requirements. Next, we will show you the terms and conditions, as well as the documents necessary for the application:

• As we mentioned above, the applicant must be over 18 years of age.
• Labor legislation requires compliance with the requirements for certain professions and those that require a professional license.
• The authorized signatory of the company must handle the application process.
• The employee can only obtain a permit if the activity for which they are hired has directly to do with their profession.
• Having a current business license is essential for the contracting business.
• The contracting company must have no violations of the regulations or laws of the Emirates to avoid any suspension.
• The company can apply for the temporary work permit UAE once and can apply for it again once it expires.
• The current employer must approve the electronic form (this excludes employees with pending court cases).
• The permit applies to all skill levels and professions.

Documents Required for Temporary work permit UAE

Applying for a temporary work permit UAE also requires the submission of various documents by the applicant. Thus, you must have on hand, before the employer begins the process, the following documents:

• Photograph of the worker on a white background.
• Copy of the passport, which must have an expiration period equal to or greater than 6 months from the date of application.
• Employment contract form signed by both parties.
• Academic certificates for applicants who fall within levels 1 and 2 (Bachelor’s degree or higher). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation must endorse the said certificate.
• A professional license issued by the corresponding authority. This includes the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Justice, and other authorities in the country.
• Labor court form for employees with cases pending in said court.
• No Objection Letter (known as NOC) for a work permit.

Rights and Restrictions of Temporary Workers

The temporary work permit UAE allows workers to enjoy certain advantages but with restrictions as well. Below, you can see what this type of permit does and does not allow for foreigners who obtain it:

• The permit helps you work in the UAE but only for the stipulated time, which is 6 months.
• You may only work for the sponsoring company while the permit lasts.
• This permit is also used to work part-time in a company other than the main one you currently work for. However, you need approval from your current employer as it is part of the application process for such cases.
• If you have not received and signed an employment contract with an employer, you will not obtain the permit. Likewise, it is strictly necessary that you be a resident of the UAE, so you must have a residence visa.
• You can only carry out work related to your profession; otherwise the authorities can do the temporary work permit UAE cancellation.

Renewal and Extension Procedures

Renewing a Temporary work permit UAE is the same as applying for the first time by the employer. Therefore, it can only be done once the previous permission is completed through the following steps:

1. To begin, the employee must provide the employer with the permit renewal application form.
2. Then, you must provide all the documents, which you should have in person as they are basically the initial application documents.
3. The employer must continue the process by paying the necessary fees.
4. Finally, the company must submit the renewal application to the MOHRE or the entity in charge in the corresponding Free Zone.

Temporary work permit UAE Extension

The extension process also involves the same steps as the initial application and the same documentation. Additionally, you must submit a No Objection Letter from your current employer to work at another company. Once all this is obtained, the new employer must complete the entire permit application process.

Impact on Employment Market and Economy

The UAE authorities have created different ways to ensure opportunities for its skilled workforce. However, Emirati professionals have certain limitations in both the public and private sectors. Furthermore, difficulties in moving from the public to the private sector are a common problem.

The temporary work permit UAE is a solution for both nationals and foreigners in the country. Nevertheless, many companies prefer to hire foreign personnel because they are more likely to find qualified workers. Furthermore, as is the case with a standard work permit, the company must prove that an Emirati cannot occupy such a position.

This type of competition has often caused us to not value the skills and professionalism of Emirati citizens. However, the authorities continue to improve opportunities for national professionals, such as the Emiratization program. This scheme induces companies to meet an annual quota of 2% of Emirati workers in their businesses.

Temporary work Permit UAE Cancellation

After the regulatory time for the stay of the worker has ended, the employer must cancel the temporary work permit. Next, you can see what the process of temporary work permit UAE cancellation is like in a few simple steps:

1. The employer must submit the cancellation request, through a form signed by the employee, to the MOHRE.
2. Next, you must upload the necessary documents.
3. The Ministry processes the application and sends it to the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs).
4. Finally, the GDRFA cancels the residence visa, informing the MOHRE to cancel the permit.

Common FAQs about Temporary Work Permits

What is a temporary work permit in the UAE?

It is a short-term permit that allows individuals to work legally in the UAE for a specific employer and duration.

Who is eligible to apply for a temporary work permit?

Employees hired for short-term projects, probation roles, or specific assignments are eligible to apply for temporary work permits.

How long is a UAE temporary work permit valid?

It is usually valid for up to six months, depending on the approved employment terms.

What documents are required for a temporary work permit?

A passport copy, photograph, employment contract, and employer-related documents are required documents for a temporary work permit.

How much does a temporary work permit cost in the UAE?

The cost varies based on employee category and government fees.

Can a temporary work permit be converted into a residence visa?

Yes, it can be converted if the employer meets eligibility requirements and applies for a residence visa.