Dubai Employment Visa

Employment Visa/Labour Card Renewal (Company Staff)-UAE

How can I renew my Employment Visa and Labour Card?

Required Documents: 
+ Online application (can be prepared from AMER center)
+ Original passport of the sponsored employee
+ One photograph (white background) of the employee
+ Original Medical certificate
+ Health Insurance
+ Copy of labour card renewal receipt from Thas’heel Centre
+ Copy of Emirates ID renewal form
+ Copy of the valid commercial license
+ Copy of valid Immigration establishment card

Fees & Collection 
Dh410 for 2 years Urgent mode. Normal Fees not available. Typing charge extra.

Payment: All fees and fine for Residence permits shall be paid at AMER center. No need to visit Immigration office if your application is typed with Normal fee.

+ Labour Card to be renewed within 60 days from the date of its expiry.

+ You can renew Labour Card if its validity is less than 60 days.

+ Visa in Passport and Emirates ID should be renewed within 30 days from the date of its expiry.

Documents Required for Labour Card renewal at Tas’heel Centre
Passport Copy with Visa page, Labour Card Copy, one photograph with white background, Labour Establishment Card Copy and Trade License Copy of the Company.

Tawjeeh centre: After typing the contract, employee should attend the awareness and guidance class conducted by Tawjeeh Centre. You can submit the contract then and there.

LABOUR CARD RENEW FEES DETAILS: 

1553553150150NIL2-A753145325050030002-B12532453500100030002-C17532953750125030002-D3453100015003000352535253250025003000

Company Category	Skilled (Degree Certificate Required Profession)	Unskilled (Secondary and below level Profession) (with typing)	Skilled (Status Change Employment to Employment)	Unskilled (Status Change Employment to Employment)	Bank Guarantee
1203
LABOUR CARD FEE (for more than 65 years old)	Dh5206 + Normal Labour Card fee according to the Company Category (see above table). Eg. Dh7206 for a degree qualified employee under Company Category 2D. Validity of Card: Two years.
Emirates ID	Dh270 (Can be typed from Typing Centre)
Medical	Dh320 (Form can be prepared from Typing Centre. Fees varies depends on Hospital)
Visa Renewal (two years)	477 (e-DNRD System. Typing charge extra. Form can be typed from Typing Centre).

e-Dirham Card: Payment should be made through E-Dirham Card at Thas’heel Centre. You can Buy E-Dirham Card from any branch of National Bank of Abu Dhabi or from Aafaq Islamic Finance Company found at Thas’heel branches.

FINE: Dh200 per month up to a maximum of Dh2,000.

STEPS TO FOLLOW

+ Renew Labour Card from Thas’heel Centre by paying fees according to Company category. You can check your company category through www.mohre.gov.ae

Visa: You can submit
Visa Stamping
application through eDNRD website if your company has User ID and Password or submit through AMER center.

e-Contract and e-Labour card online Print: You can print copy of your Labour Card and Labour Contract from MOHRE website after 48 hours from the time of submission. You can get the print-out from typing centre also.

+ Emirates ID will be the new identification document of employees. At the time labour inspection, only Emirates ID to be shown to the inspectors.

Age above 65 years: Labour Card can be renewed according to the the above mentioned fees till the age of 65. After that, normal fees + Dh5000 extra to be paid at the time of renewal. Labour Card validity will be for two years for each renewal. This renewal is unlimited till the company needs such employee’s service.

Validity of Visa: If you are renewing before expiry of the existing visa, the new visa will start from the date of submission. If you are renewing after expiry of the existing visa, the new visa will start from the date of last expiry.

Address of Tas’heel Centers in Dubai

Al Nukhba Business Centre
Matar Plaza, Qusais, Near Mai Tower
Tel. 04-259 9990
Immigration & Economic (DED) Counters also available

Al Arabiya Business Centre
Damascus Street, Al Qusais, Tel. 04-323 9429

Smart Tasheel
#64, Damscus Street, Al Qusais Plaza
Tel: +971 4 6073 555

Estemarat Services
Muraqabat Street, Opp. Coral Deira Hotel
Tel. 04-704 4900
Economic (DED) Service also available
OnTime Business Solutions
Oud Metha Road
Tel. 04-397 7776
Economic (DED) & Ejari Service also available
Itqan Businessmen Services
Opp. Al Mulla Plaza, Tel. 04-232 7333
Economic (DED) Service also available

Tas’heel Business Centre
Ground Floor, Al Tawar Centre
Tel. 04-263 5588
Economic (DED) Service also available

Al Reaya Services
Near Oasis Centre
Sheikh Zayed Road
Tel. 04-346 7991

Mu’amala Businessmen Service Center
First Floor, Hyat Regency Hotel, Near Shindaga Tunnel, Dubai
Tel. 04-250 5566

DXB Businessmen Services
First Floor, Al Khail Mall, Al Qouze-4, Dubai
Tel. 04-321 3000

Boulevard Businessmen Services
Bay Avenue Mall, Business Bay, Dubai
Tel. 04-421 9030
Immigration, DED, Emirates ID Counters also availableEQC Government Enterprise Transaction Clearing Center
Toufiq-X Building -Manama st -Industrial Area 2-Ras Al khor – Dubai
Tel. +971 4 333 0102Tasheel Alfaisal
Sheikh Zayed road heading to Abu Dhabi , Exit 41 , Al Thaniya Street.
Tel. 04 399 9993Twasol Businessmen Services L.L.C
Al zaruni Bldg, Al Muraqqabat Road، Op Coral Deira Hotel Al Muraqqabat Dubai.
Tel. +97147044900, Web: www.twasol.ae
Tasheel, BURJUMAN2nd floor, next to Sharaf DG

Tas’heel Centre Timing: Saturday to Thursday 7:30am to 7:00pm
Tel. 04-283 8800

UAE Employment Visa Rules and Regulations (FAQs) Know your rights

Things to remember as you take up a job in the UAE

1-Offer letter: It’s mandatory for companies to issue an offer letter to you, mentioning the terms and conditions of the job. This has to be signed and accepted by you.

2-Ministry approval: The signed offer letter should be submitted by the employer to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation for approval.

3-Work permit/residency visa: The employer will procure your work and residency permits

4-Health screening: Your medical tests will be conducted at government-approved health centres in the UAE. You will be tested for communicable diseases/conditions

5-Certificate attestation: If you hold a degree from outside the UAE, you must get it certified from the UAE embassy or consulate in your country and also from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your home country

6-Keep your passport: Remember! One of your important rights is entitlement to the possession of your passport

Employee; Know Your Rights

• You are entitled to keep possession of all your personal identification documents once your residency permit is issued
  •If you are asked to sign a contract with different terms and conditions, even if you are advised that the changes are of advantage to you, report immediately to the nearest Labour Office, as contract substitution is illegal
  • If your employer fails to present you with a contract or provide you with work, the Labour Office will assist you in finding alternative employment
  • If your employer fails to present you with a work contract within one week of your arrival, report to the nearest Labour Office
  • To avoid violating the law, do not accept other employment without first reporting to a Labour Office
  • UAE law requires your employer to pay the costs of your recruitment and deployment including residency permit
  • Your contract must match your job offer, and you should keep a copy of your signed contract
  • You have the right to leave your job at any time, but be aware of your contractual obligations
  • The termination of your contract can be ended by the employer or the employee, and it can be by mutual consent
  • It is important for employees to follow the required legal steps for terminating a contract, as the Labour Office can help recover any dues that are owed to the employee and arrange placement in alternative employment if eligible to obtain a new work permit

  The relationship between employers and employees is governed by Federal Act Number 8 of 1980 and its amendments. The Act is applicable to all employment relationships when engaging an employee, whether a UAE citizen or a foreigner. It is not applicable in the case of employment by a government authority.

  A work permit is issued by the Ministry for two years, subject to renewal for similar periods. Employment contracts may be for a limited period specified in the contract or for an unlimited period, in which case the employee will continue working with his employer until the contract is terminated.

  Working hours

  Working hours are eight hours a day or 48 hours a week. However, for persons or employees in trade, hotels, and restaurants, the daily working hours may be increased to nine hours. For overtime work, the employee is entitled to an amount equivalent to the wage paid for ordinary working hours, plus 25 per cent. Overtime may not exceed two hours per day unless necessary. An employee is entitled to an annual leave of 30 days, and maternity leave and sick leave are not part of the annual leave.

  Act Number 8 stipulates certain provisions for the employee’s health and safety and for workmen’s compensation against work accident. The employment contract may be terminated by mutual consent of the parties or on expiry of its duration. Any dispute arising between the employer and the employee will be resolved by the Ministry of Labor, which must make a recommendation within two weeks from the date the application for a dispute settlement is filed. If the parties fail to settle the dispute as recommended by the Ministry, the matter should be referred to the courts. The time limit for a lawsuit relating to an employment contract is one year from the date on which the amount claimed or entitlements become due. Employees are exempted from court fees before the court of first instance and court of appeal.

  As per the UAE Labour Law, employers have to bear the cost of visa fee of the employee and the health insurance coverage of the spouse and two dependents below 18 years of age, and all the other costs, visa fee for children and their other document processing fees like national identity cards (Emirates ID), are paid by the employee.

  How old must you be before you can work?

According to Article 20 young people of both genders under the age of 15 may not be employed in the UAE.

If you are between the age of 18 to 21 years, you can start working, however you must adhere to the following rules.

Documents you need

Article 21: You must submit these documents to your future employer if you want to work in the UAE:

1. A birth certificate or an official extract thereof, or an age estimation certificate issued by a pertinent doctor and authenticated by the competent health authorities.

2. A certificate of health fitness for the required job issued by a competent doctor and authenticated.

3 – A written consent of the guardian or trustee of the youth.

Article 22: The employer must keep in the work location a special register for the youth comprising the name and age of the youth, the full name of the guardian or trustee thereof, the place of residence, date of employment and the work for which the youth is employed.

Frequently Asked QuestionsEmployee can work for sponsor only
Q: I have been working with a company in Dubai for more than six months on a limited contract. Now, I want to avail power of attorney of my mother’s company in Sharjah.
Since it’s a family business, my mother wants me to take care of some parts of the business and for that she is willing to give me power of attorney to legally run her business. Is it legal to work for my mother’s company under a power of attorney approved by the Sharjah Court though I am working for another employer?
A: According to Article 67 in the third chapter of the federal law number 6 for the year 1973, a sponsored person is under a duty to not work except for his sponsor. Similarly, the sponsor is under a duty not to employ who is not sponsored by him. Hence, if your mother’s entity is not sponsoring you, you cannot take a role in it and this will be considered as a breach of the law.

Breaching any of these obligations and working in an entity where you are not sponsored put all the parties in a risk of being prosecuted and hence, subject to a minimum fine of Dh50,000 each or imprisonment and the same amount of fine (KT).

Q: How much does a recruitment agency in UAE charge for job applicant?A: There should be no charges from the applicant. The sponsor or employer has to pay the agency for all the expenses that may occur.

Q: What are the basic rights of foreign workers in UAE?
A: For professional, skilled and semi- skilled:

• The employer should apply for Medical, Emirates ID, Labour Contract and Resident visa within 60 days from the date of worker’s entry. Visa is valid for two years.
• A copy of the Employment Contract  must be given to the worker.
• There should be one day-off for the employee.
• The regular hour of work is 8 except for Hotel, Restaurant and Sales where the working hour is 9.
• Overtime must be given to the worker beyond 8 hours and 9 hours respectively.
• Gratuity or service benefits should be given to the employee upon completion of contract agreement.

Household Service Workers:
• Household Service Workers (HSWs) should have Emirates ID, Immigration contract and residence visa for 2 years. If the sponsor is a foreigner, then the residence visa is valid for 1 year only, renewable yearly. Medical test is must for first visa stamping and renewal. Sri Lankan and Indonesian housemaids should do Medical test from their home country also.
• One day day-off should be given to a domestic helper, as per agreement between the employer and employee.
• No overtime pay for HSWs.

Q: Is it legal to take part-time job?
A: No. An employee can only work with his/her sponsor whose name or company’s name is written in the residence visa. But some categories can apply for part-time work permit.

Q: What is the meaning of Overstaying?
A: An employee is considered “overstaying” if her/his residence visa is already expired. A grace period of one month will be given to the employee after the cancellation of his/her visa.

Q: What is the currency of UAE and how much is its equivalent in US$ Dollars?A: The currency of UAE is Dirhams (AED) and equivalent to US$ 3.68.

Q: What is the dominant language/dialect in UAE?
A: Arabic is the native language. English is widely used for business and everyday communication.

Workers’ rights stipulated by the law: UAE
> Remuneration (salary) within first 10 days of a month

> One day of rest every week, including service workers

> Employing a worker less than 18 years is illegal

> 30 days paid annual leave and decent accommodation.

> Medical insurance at the expense of the employer

> A return ticket at the expense of employer once in every two years

> Right to receive treatment and compensation due to occupational hazards

> Non-employment of a worker in an area that is different from the nature of his work

> Right to keep his or her identity documents including passport and Emirates ID

> Right to obtain a copy of employment contract

> Right to sick leave.

> Right to end of service gratuity

Know the types of visa bansHere are the dos and don’ts to avoid them.

If you are working in the UAE, it is crucial for you to know the different types of visa ban rules that apply to the region.

A visa ban prohibits a person from entering the country or taking up a new job. It is important to know the dos and don’ts to make sure you avoid getting a ban.

Permanent residency ban:
This type of ban is applicable to any serious labour offense considered illegal or absconding. The federal department keeps record of banned individuals (fingerprint and scanned sample).

Labour Ban
Labour ban is only executed under the following situations:

> On the expiry of contract, when on action is taken by the present employer’s end in relation to your employment.

> In case, if no new application is applied by different employer.

> Termination of unlimited labour contract before completing 1 year service.

> Termination of limited labour contract before date of expiry.

Immigration ban
This ban denies the entry of the employee in the UAE. The reason depends. It may be a criminal offence, bad debt, bounced cheque, rape violence, rash drinking, drinking, theft, inappropriate relationship, etc. Immigration ban is also applicable when you have broken government rules and regulations.

Employment ban
This type of ban is also called work permit ban. You can work in the UAE for a limited period of time, but can be applicable for 6 months or permanently.

Six-month ban
Candidates who left their job without legally binding reasons may be given a 6 month ban by the employer. This is imposed by the Labour ministry on the employee’s labour card or work permit.

Howsoever, this ban does not affect your entry in UAE. You can easily enter UAE on tourist or visit visa.

One-year ban
When you resign any job prior to its completion of limited contract, this is enforced. When you lose your case filed against labour ministry, this rule comes to exist. In this case, the employer needs to start the proceeding of work permit even before the expiry of the visa. The ban gets automatically activated, if new application is not forward well before expiry of work permit or visa.

How to avoid getting a visa ban?
First thing that you need to assure is that your current employer has executed proper action for extension of your employment contract, even before it expires. The employer needs to go to the Ministry of Labour. If changing jobs, you need to be sponsored by the new employer or else your labour card gets banned. Lastly, knowledge is power. Always keep up to date with the latest rules about Dubai visa and employment issues, as well as amendment to labour laws.

7 reasons why your UAE visa application may be rejected
Below are the most common reasons:

1. If you held a residence visa previously and left the country without cancelling the UAE visa. To get an approval, the PRO will have to go to the immigration department and clear your previous residency visa.

2. Hand written passports will automatically get rejected by the UAE Immigration.

3. Visa applicants with previous criminal offence, fraud or misconduct committed in the UAE.

4. Previously applied for tourist visa but did not enter the country. In order to get an approval, PRO of the travel agency or sponsor must go to the immigration to clear the previous UAE visa.

5. Applicants who applied for employment visa via a company (prospective employer) but did not enter the country. To get an approval, the PRO of a travel agency or sponsor must go to the UAE immigration and clear the previous employment visa.

6. Visa application with typo errors of name, passport number, and profession code will see a delay in getting approval, or result in rejection of the passport.

7. When photo of the passport copies are not clear or blurred when applied in the online UAE immigration system, the approval might get delayed or rejected.

NOTE:
Visa rules are subject to changes. Follow UAE embassy in your country or the relevant authority in the UAE.

Marital status not criterion for employment visa
Q: I work for a private company in Dubai, and I am sponsored by the company. I am not married and I hear there is an age limit for non-married ladies to get an employment visa. Can you please tell me up to which age a lady who is not married can work on an employment visa in UAE?

A: It is understood that you are an unmarried lady working in a private company at Dubai and your employer provides your employ-ment visa. Further, you understand that there is an age limit for unmarried ladies to be under the employment visa provided by the employer.

Pursuant to your question, it may be noted that an individual’s marital status is not the criteria for issuance of employment visa, in accordance with the prevailing laws of the UAE. It is understood that since January 2011, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiritisation (the “Ministry”) of the UAE is accept-ing requests for work-permits of individuals up to the age of 65years. As per the prevailing prac-tice, for all employees working at private sector entities, the retirement age is deemed extended up to 65 years. However, the upper limit of 65 years on the retirement age may be further increased in consider-ation of the individual’s nature of work, his or her credentials or ex-pertise which is important for the entity he or she is working for. Further to this, employment visa may be issued to an employee annually after the em-ployee attains the age of 65 years, subject to the approval of the ministry. (KT).

+ Ministry of Labour, Al Qusais, Dubai,
Timing: Saturday to Thursday 7:30am to 7:00pm
Call Centre: 80060 Website: www.mohre.gov.ae

by Lingodome at 10:40 AM  

 

New job classification in UAE

Nine professional categories
The UAE Professional Classification comprises nine categories. The first category includes 83 designations for managers, while the second category comprises 183 job titles for specialists in scientific, technical and human areas.

The third category includes 114 jobs for technicians and professional assistants, while the fourth category comprises 37 jobs for office support staff.

The fifth category includes 63 professions for service and sales workers and the sixth category includes 16 job titles for skilled workers in the fields of agriculture and fishery, while the seventh category includes 111 jobs for craftsmen and related industries and the eighth category 63 jobs for operators of machinery and equipment.

The ninth category includes 55 job titles for low-skill workers.

These professions are divided into five skill levels: The first includes specialised professions, which require a high degree of scientific, technical and administrative skills with a minimum of a university degree.

The second skill level includes technical occupations that require scientific and technical skills as well as practical and supervisory skills with study of two to three years after high school.

The third skill level includes jobs, which require practical and professional skills, with a secondary school qualification, while the fourth level includes jobs that require practical and vocational skills related to only part of the work.

The fifth skill level includes a segment of the workforce associated with a limited skill set.