Latest Updates on Dubai Work Visa for Indians 2024

The Burj Khalifa, Dubai’s pride, rises tall with all thanks to the efforts of 7000+ Indian workers. For ages, India and UAE have been closely working on trade, infrastructure, retail and financial services. It was in the mid-60s when the discovery of oil in Dubai brought hundreds of Indians to the UAE in search of work opportunities. Today, we comprise 38% of the population working in this gulf city. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world and is constantly working towards attracting more and more international workers and immigrants to work in Dubai on a Dubai Work Visa. If you wish to study in the land of dreams and fantasies, then read to know more about the Dubai Work Visa for Indians. 

What is a Dubai Work Visa for Indians?

A work visa is a special permit that allows foreign citizens to work in a specific country for a set amount of time. If you want to work in Dubai or the United Arab Emirates, or if you want to do business in Dubai, you can apply for a 60-day Dubai Work Visa, which allows you to arrive in the UAE and start working right away.

During this time, you must apply for and receive an employment and residency visa – usually for another two years – through your UAE employer. The appropriate rules may differ depending on nationality. There may not be many papers to process if you are from one of the UAE states.

Top Job Sectors in Dubai

Although the UAE is known for its oil reserves and trade, the country also has a thriving economy that includes the following sectors:

• Information Technology 
• Engineering and Construction
• Oil and Gas
• Steel Industry
• Retail
• Hospitality 
• Marketing and Advertising
• Education
• Healthcare

Also Read: Top Courses in UAE

Rules for Dubai Work Visa for Indians

To work in Dubai, both you and the organisation that hires you must meet the following conditions or rules:

• You must be 18 years or older.
• Your employer in Dubai should have a company license to employ immigrants.
• No violations from the employer side to hire you.
• The work you do must correspond to the nature of the company hiring you.

What is the Eligibility of Dubai Work Visa for Indians

Any foreigner above the age of 18 can work in Dubai as long as they meet the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s requirements (MoHRE). Although there is no upper age limit for employment in Dubai, the corporation does charge a premium price for individuals over the age of 65. Based on their academic qualifications/skill sets, foreign workers are categorised into three categories:

Categories for a Dubai Work Visa

• Category 1: If you have at least a bachelor’s degree.
• Category 2: If you have a post-secondary diploma in any field.
• Category 3: If you have a high school diploma.

Eligibility Requirements

These conditions need to be met in order to get a Dubai work visa for Indians.

• One should be above 18 years of age and have a valid Indian passport.
• The candidate should also have an offer letter from a UAE employer. The employer will also serve as the visa sponsor.
• The candidates must not have multiple valid work permits from various companies.
• The candidate’s criminal record must be clear and proven through a police clearance certificate.
• They will also have to pass a medical examination for contagious diseases.
• The applicant for a visa must have all the required qualifications and licences for the job role.
• A Bank guarantee amount of AED 3,000 is required by the ministry for each sponsor.

Also Read: Study in Dubai for Indian Students

How to Get a Dubai Work Visa?

Getting a Dubai Work Visa for Indians is indeed a lengthy process. As an employee, you don’t have to do much but submit your valid documents. Here’s the step-by-step process that will explain to you how to get a Dubai Work Visa to work in Dubai: 

Step 1: Search for a Job Offer

You can be offered a job in Dubai either when you are in India or touring Dubai on a Tourist Visa. The employer must send proof of the job offer to you before you submit your documents. In case of getting a job while on a Tourist Visa, some airlines like AirArabia offer you a facility known as ‘Visa Run’ wherein they take you to a neighbouring country like Oman while your Dubai Work Visa can be processed. 

Step 2: Submit Your Documents 

After getting a job offer, the next step is to submit all the essential documents for a Dubai Work Visa for Indians. The documents should be valid and not expired. You have to submit these documents to your employer in Dubai who will then apply for your work permit. 

Step 3: Work Permit for 2 Months 

Your employer in Dubai will submit your application to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) along with your documents. After verification, the ministry will issue a Dubai Work Visa or work permit that will be valid for 2 months only. 

Step 4: Fly to Dubai 

A Dubai Work Visa for Indians will allow you to fly to Dubai. A series of medical tests will be conducted to verify your health or abilities on reaching Dubai. Since the work permit is only valid for 2 months, you have to apply for the Emirates and a Labour Card within 2 months only.

Step 5: Dubai Work Residency Permit

After reaching Dubai, a Dubai Work Residency Permit will be given to you after the successful completion of your tests and post receiving your Emirates ID and Labour Card. This will ensure that you have officially become a part of Dubai’s workforce. 

Also Read: Exploring Student Life in Dubai

Documents Required for Dubai Work Visa for Indians

You have to submit valid documents two times in the entire process. Once while your employer applies for your work permit and second when you are in Dubai and need to apply for a Dubai Work Residency Visa. 

The list of all the essential documents for a Dubai Work Visa are:

• Valid Indian passport with 6 months validity from the time you are in Dubai;
• Entry permit is given by your employer to enter Dubai;
• Police clearance certificate from a local Indian police station attested by the Ministry of External Affairs of India;
• A medical test certificate from an approved medical centre in India; 
• Passport-size photos against a white background 
• A copy of a Business or Trade license if applicable is required. Otherwise, the Employment contract has to be shown.
• A medical and health insurance certificate is required.

The list of essential documents for a Dubai Work Residency Visa are:

• Copy of valid Indian passport with a 6-month minimum validity
• Birth certificate
• Driver’s license
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Police clearance certificate attested by MoEA of India
• Medical test certificate from India

Also Read: What are UAE’s new immigration laws?

What Medical Tests are Required for a Dubai Work Visa for Indians?

There are several blood tests and X-rays that need to be shown in order to get a Dubai work visa. These tests are to ensure that a person is not carrying any kind of contagious disease to the country.

• Pulmonary tuberculosis
• Leprosy
• Pregnancy Test (for females)
• HIV and AIDS screening
• Syphilis
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C

Dubai Working Visa Processing Time

The Dubai Work Visa processing time depends upon your employer’s application and the status of your document verification and approval. In case your application is considered valid, the Entry Permit can be issued to your employer in 2 to 7 working days.

Once your Entry Permit is sent to you, you have to upload it on the airline’s website along with your airline ticket. This is essential for the airlines to label you as ‘OK to Board’ (meaning eligible to fly) to Dubai. 

Once you are in Dubai your employer can start the process of getting you a work permit in Dubai. The entry permit itself allows you to stay in Dubai for 2 months which coincides with the time required for the processing of a Dubai Work Permit which is 60 days.

If your documents are incomplete, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation will send them back to your employer for changes. Once completed, you will receive your Dubai Work Visa in a week.

The ministry checks for any foul play exploitation or violation of rules and if found the employer will face investigation and you won’t get your Work Visa. 

Dubai Work Visa Fees for Indians 

The Dubai Work Visa fees for Indians depend upon a lot of factors like your educational qualifications, eligibility, etc. The table mentioned below will help you to better understand the Dubai Work Visa fees:

Visa Category	Description	Average Fees
Dubai Work Visa	A visa issued to international students after securing employment in Dubai. It is valid for 2-3 years depending on the employer’s contract.	AED 1,000 – AED 3,000
Dubai Work Residency Visa	Required for long-term employment in Dubai, allowing students to live and work in the city legally after getting hired. It is linked to the work visa and issued by the employer.	AED 1,000 – AED 7,000
Employment Dubai Entry Permit	This is a temporary permit allowing students to enter Dubai and start working while waiting for the work residency visa. It is valid for up to 60 days and can be extended.	AED 500 – AED 1,200

Also Read: Cost of Living in Dubai

Validity of Dubai Work Visa for Indians

When you first acquire a work permit, it is valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30. This allows you to stay in the nation for 60 days, during which time you and your employer must arrange for a Residence Visa, an Emirates ID, and a Labour Card.

It is the Residence Visa, as well as the Labour Card, that allows you to lawfully live and work in Dubai. A UAE residence visa is granted for 1, 2 or 3 years, depending on your purpose of travel and the UAE authorities’ discretion.

Terms & Conditions for Dubai Work Visa

For the ones applying for a Dubai Work Visa for Indians, there are a few terms and conditions which if not followed can lead to visa rejection:

• Females below the age of 24 and travelling alone can be denied a work visa (due to high human trafficking crimes in Dubai).
• Dubai does not allow informal sector employees like domestic help to apply for a Dubai Work Visa.
• The government in Dubai gives you a 30-day grace period after the Visa expiry to renew the same. If you overstay your Visa validity, the UAE bans you from their country or even jails you for up to 3 months.
• If you have a Tourist or Work Visa for Dubai which has never been used, you have to get it cancelled to apply for a new one.
• If you wish to cancel your Visa and go back to India, only your employer can do so and not you. 
• There must be no criminal record in India if you want to apply for a Dubai Work Visa.

Rights of an Immigrant Employee in Dubai

The official portal of the UAE government has set a list of immigrant worker’s rights, which if exploited can lead to the cancellation of your employer’s license.

• Your employer has to pay the work visa fees.
• Recruitment fees are illegal. In case your employer asks for it, you can report him.
• Employers must pay immigrant workers fully and on time. 
• A comfortable working environment for the employees.
• No employee can hire any worker below the age of 15.

Can Dubai Work Visa be Renewed? 

Yes, it can be renewed. All sorts of Dubai residency visas are provided for a period of 1 to 3 years and can be renewed. Your sponsor is required to renew your Dubai Work Visa for Indians within 30 days of its expiration date.

The procedure for renewing your Dubai Work Visa is the same as it was when you first got your visa: your sponsor must apply at the relevant emirate’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

If you are under the Dubai residence visa or UAE residence visa expiry grace period, your sponsor may renew your visa after it has expired.

Benefits of having a Dubai Work Permit

There are several benefits of having a Dubai Work permit, that includes:

• You earn in Dirham and pay no tax.
• You are considered a resident as long as your employment exists.
• You can sponsor your family, including parents, spouse and children.

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FAQs

So this was all about the Dubai Work Visa for Indians. Reach out to our Leverage Edu experts if you’re planning to kickstart your study abroad journey in one of the elite colleges of Dubai next semester!