Are you looking to pursue a career in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? If so, securing a Dubai work visa is a crucial step. For those who prefer working remotely, the UAE offers a Visa for Remote Work, catering to such preferences.

Let's delve into the details, starting with some essential information:

Understanding Dubai Work Visas for Indian Citizens

A Dubai work visa, also known as a UAE work visa, is an official document issued by the UAE government that grants Indian citizens the authorization to work in Dubai or any other Emirate within the UAE. It is a legal requirement for Indian citizens to hold a valid work visa to work in Dubai.

To obtain a Dubai work visa, one must first receive a job offer from a UAE employer who will act as the sponsor for the visa application. The employer will initiate the process by requesting necessary documents and applying for the work permit on behalf of the employee.

Once the work permit is approved, the individual can travel to Dubai and commence their employment. The UAE work permit is initially valid for 60 days, during which the applicant must apply for a UAE work visa. Once obtained, the Dubai work visa is valid for up to three years and can be renewed if the individual wishes to continue working in Dubai. It's crucial to note that the visa is specific to the job and employer mentioned in the application.

Eligibility and Visa Requirements for UAE Work Visa

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for a Dubai work visa, individuals must meet specific criteria, including:

• Education Level:
• Category 1: Bachelor's degree or higher.
• Category 2: Diploma after completing high school.
• Category 3: Completed high school with a high school diploma.
• General Criteria:
• Possession of a valid passport with at least six months of validity.
• Legal age, which is 18 years or above.
• Job offer from a UAE employer acting as a visa sponsor.
• Clear a medical examination to confirm the absence of contagious diseases.
• Clean criminal record and submission of a police clearance certificate.
• No existing valid work permit or labor card from another company; any existing permits must be canceled before applying for a new one.
• Required qualifications and experience for the job.
• The sponsoring company must have a valid license and no legal issues.
• A bank guarantee of AED 3,000 for each sponsored employee.

Document Requirements:

Before initiating the application process, ensure you have the following documents for a Dubai work visa:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.
• Recent passport-size photograph on a white background.
• Academic qualifications verified by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
• Copy of the business or trade license of the hiring company.
• Three copies of the employment contract.
• eSignature card of the firm, serving as a digital signature.
• Approval letter for certain jobs (applicable to specific professions like doctors, pharmacists, nurses, or teachers).
• Medical certificate confirming good health.
• Health insurance (provided by the employer).

All visa applications for Dubai or the UAE must be completed in Arabic, and employment contracts or job offers must be in Arabic as well.

Dubai Work Visa Medical Requirements

As part of the medical test required for the residency permit, applicants must undergo blood tests and an X-ray. The medical screening ensures that individuals do not carry any communicable diseases and are fit to work in the UAE.

When applying for a UAE visa, it's essential to complete the necessary medical tests at UAE-approved clinics. Tests and vaccinations typically include screening for HIV and AIDS, pulmonary tuberculosis, syphilis, leprosy, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and, for females, a pregnancy test.

Dubai Work Visa Application Process for Indians

The application process for a Dubai work visa involves several steps:

Apply for the Employment Entry Permit:

Secure a job and obtain the Dubai entry permit.

The employer applies for visa quota approval through the Ministry of Labour.

Submit the employment contract to the Ministry of Labour.

The labour ministry approves the work permit application, leading to the issuance of the employment entry visa.

Upon Arrival in Dubai:

Complete essential steps within 60 days of entering the country.

Undergo a medical fitness check and apply for the Emirates ID.

Obtain the labour card number from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Get the residence visa stamped on the passport.

The residence visa's validity depends on the type obtained, typically ranging from one to three years, with the option to renew.

It's crucial for the sponsoring company to fulfill financial obligations and provide a bank guarantee for each sponsored employee within 60 days. Failure to comply may result in automatic cancellation of the permit, requiring the employer to reapply.

Dubai Work Visa Additional Information

Dubai Work Visa Price for Indians:

While the work visa fees for Dubai can vary (ranging from AED 250 to AED 3,450 or approximately INR 5,500 to INR 77,000), it's generally covered by the employer or the hiring company in the UAE. The fees might differ based on visa types, the UAE Emirate, and the industry of employment.

Dubai Employment Entry Permit Fees:

The employment entry permit for the government sector through GDRFAD costs AED 200 or INR 4,500, with additional collection commissions.

For the private sector, the employment entry permit through GDRFAD is priced at AED 250 or INR 5,500, with additional collection commissions.

Dubai Work Permit Processing Time for Indians:

While the UAE government doesn't specify the exact processing time for Dubai work visas, the Dubai entry permit processing usually takes approximately 5 to 7 working days. The subsequent steps, such as obtaining the work permit and Emirates ID, add to the overall processing time.

Validity of Dubai Employment Visa:

The Dubai entry permit is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. During this period, individuals must travel to Dubai and complete the remaining steps to obtain their UAE work permit, labor card, and Emirates ID. Once obtained, the UAE visa, work permit, and Emirates ID are typically valid for 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on the visa type.

Types of UAE Work Permits

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation issues various work permits based on the nature of employment. These include permits for hiring individuals from outside the UAE, transferring workers between companies, hiring family members living in the UAE, and specialized permits for specific projects or timeframes.

Other UAE Visas for Indians

Apart from work visas, there are various other types of UAE visas catering to different needs, including:

• Tourist Visa for Dubai
• Transit Visa for Dubai
• Dubai Visa for Families
• UAE Freelance Visa
• UAE Golden Visa
• Visa On Arrival in Dubai

For further clarification, refer to the Frequently Asked Questions or explore trusted government resources such as the Official Portal of the UAE Government and the General Directorate Of Residency And Foreigners Affairs - Dubai. Trustworthy information is crucial, especially in navigating the intricacies of obtaining a Dubai work visa. Safe Travels!