Labor cards are often known as work permits for foreign workers in the UAE. Acquiring a labor card or work permit is mandatory to obtain valid employment and continue to work legitimately in the Emirates. The UAE has a significantly huge expatriate population and has established clear rules and guidelines regarding foreign workers’ entrance. The employers are liable to accomplish several formalities before the worker arrives in the UAE, while other formalities can be fulfilled over time.
In this blog, we shared some important facts and details about foreign workers’ entrance and acquiring a work permit or labor card in Dubai. Foreign individuals seeking valid work possibilities may consider the content below to learn more about the employment and work permit process and smooth protocol.
Multiple Categories of Work Permits or Labor Cards in the UAE
The UAE provides various labor cards and work permits to meet the country’s diversified employment demands. Each kind is adapted to specific work responsibilities, sectors, and employment situations, assuring compliance with UAE labor regulations and supporting the efficient recruiting process.
Work Permit or Labor Card for Foreign Workers:
It allows firms to hire personnel from outside the UAE, increasing the variety and skill set of the UAE workforce.
Temporary Labor Card or Work Permit:
It is issued for short-term assignments or temporary roles, allowing businesses to acquire the best personnel for particular tasks without making long-term commitments.
Labor Card or Work Permit Transfer:
Allows a foreign worker to be transferred from one company to another inside the UAE, giving individuals the freedom to change occupations and firms the ability to retain competent personnel.
Work Permit or Labor Card One-Mission:
Hiring foreign workers to accomplish a temporary activity or project for a certain term allows firms to efficiently meet urgent or specialized employment needs.
Work Permit or Labor Card for Students:
Allows enterprises to recruit students in the UAE for training or internships, allowing students to acquire practical experience while filling the gap between college and the industry.
Work Permit or Labor Card for Part-Time Workers:
Professionals may work part-time for several businesses, providing flexibility for people looking for different career possibilities and organizations needing part-time personnel.
National Apprentice Labor Card or Work Permit:
To teach UAE natives in a variety of vocations, therefore promoting Emiratization by educating citizens for valuable opportunities in the private sector.
Work Permit or Labor Card for Freelancers:
Self-employed international professionals in the UAE may provide services to individuals or businesses, boosting innovation and labor market flexibility by enabling experts to operate on a freelance basis.
Labor Card or Work Permit for Emirati Citizens:
Accelerates the procedure of hiring UAE nationals or citizens from various GCC states, increasing the job prospects of Gulf Council individuals and strengthening regional integration.
Work Permit or Labor Cards for Residents Sponsored by Family Members:
Allows UAE residents to work while being sponsored by family members, promoting family harmony and financial contribution among nationals in the local labor market.
Investor Visa Work Permit:
Persons with UAE residence visas may work and reside in the nation. Business owners may attract and retain high-skilled specialists and investors via long-term residence and employment possibilities.
Criteria for Standard Labor Cards and Work Permits in the UAE
The regular work permit is the most frequent form granted to foreigners pursuing jobs in the UAE. Aspirants must have a verified employment offer from a UAE-based organization, and their company must sponsor the work permit. The standard procedure entails receiving preliminary clearance from the MOHRE and visa and immigration authorities to acquire the company labor card in Dubai.
Eligibility Criteria for UAE Standard Labor Cards:
A reliable job offer from a UAE-based firm.
Credentials, certifications, and experiences are relevant to the field of employment.
Clear medical fitness exam.
Paperwork Required for Standard Labor Cards:
A copy of the applicant’s passport.
Current photos.
Educational and professional certifications.
Labor contract.
Entry permit.
Healthcare test results.
Application Procedure for Standard Labor Card:
The company must acquire MOHRE permission to obtain hire quotas.
Following acceptance, the worker is awarded an entrance permit to enter the UAE.
After the entry in the region, the worker can proceed for a medical examination and register for an Emirates ID card.
Ultimately, the employer registers and pays the labor card fees in Dubai for the staff member’s necessary work permit and resident visa.
Criteria for Industry-Specific Labor Cards and Work Permits in the UAE
Understanding the need to recruit experts in specific disciplines, the UAE has implemented industry-specific visas and Dubai labor cards. These are designed for the healthcare, academic, and engineering sectors, which require qualified employees. These permissions sometimes demand extra certificates or credentials particular to the field.
Eligibility Criteria for Industry-Specific Labor Cards:
Credentials that are relevant to the specific industry.
Accreditation for regulated occupations, such as medicine and engineering.
A contract of employment from a UAE-based firm in the relevant field.
Paperwork Required for Industry-Specific Labor Cards:
A copy of the individual’s passport.
Recent pictures.
Educational and professional credentials.
Work agreement.
Entry authorization.
Health test results.
Further certificates or licenses are industry-specific.
The application process is similar to the standard work permits and labor cards.
Determine the Risks and Obligations Involved in Hiring an Employee Without Labor Card in the UAE
Hiring an individual without a valid work visa in the UAE seriously breaches labor and visa regulations. This situation imposes considerable risks and penalties for the company and the employee. Identifying these risks is critical for organizations and hiring managers to maintain compliance and prevent legal ramifications. Here are the primary hazards involved with such an infringement:
Risks and Obligations for UAE Employers:
Statutory Charges And Penalties:
Employers that recruit employees without proper work permits may face significant penalties due to the Dubai labor card check. The UAE government enforces severe penalties on enterprises that violate labor rules, and these fines may be substantial, possibly jeopardizing the company’s financial viability.
Corporate License Revocation:
In severe circumstances or for repeated infractions, the authorities may cancel the offending organization’s business license after an official employment inspection. This stage may suspend all business activities and lead to closure.
Goodwill Destruction:
Being accused of a labor regulations breach may damage a company’s goodwill in the market. This unfavorable publicity may lead to losing customer trust, lower investor assurance, and harm the business’s brand image.
Judicial Proceedings:
The company may face legal action, which may be complicated and costly. The procedure may also detract from routine corporate activities and necessitate hefty legal resources.
Constraints Upon Ongoing Recruitment:
When employing new international staff, the firm may encounter constraints. These constraints may impact the company’s capacity to develop and run effectively, particularly in industries requiring highly trained foreign workers.
Deportation of Staff Members:
Companies may also be liable for deporting staff members caught working without proper work permits. This duty may include funding the fees connected with deportation.
Risks and Obligations for Employees in UAE:
The Deportation of Unauthorized Workers:
Workers who work without legal permission risk being deported from the UAE. Deportation may have a long-term impact on their potential to return for jobs or tourism to the UAE.
Statutory Sanctions:
Individuals who labor illegally could suffer judicial consequences, including fines and jail. These punishments might have serious personal and professional repercussions.
Disqualified for Further Work in the Future:
Being detected working without authorization may result in being blacklisted, making it challenging or impossible for the person to receive a work visa in the UAE again.
Lack of Constitutional Protection:
UAE labor regulations only protect workers who have legitimate work permits. Because of this lack of protection, individuals cannot complain about unfair treatment, unpaid salaries, or harmful working conditions.
Issues Obtaining Healthcare and Other Facilities:
Workers with a valid work permit can easily access medical care, banking, and other essential amenities in the UAE.
Final Words
In its initial phase, the UAE labor card system seems to be a complex procedure requiring more paperwork. However, if you understand the intricacies of the necessary element, it will be much easier to cope with. Employers are responsible for applying for the labor card or work permit, although workers may assist by completing the essential papers beforehand. Once the documentation is in place, the labor card will assist in setting up payroll to ensure that the employee is appropriately paid and gets all essential benefits.
