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Staff Visa in Dubai: A Guide for Employers and Employees

A Staff Visa, commonly referred to as an Employment Visa, allows businesses in Dubai to hire foreign employees and provide them with legal residency in the UAE. This visa enables individuals to live and work in Dubai under the sponsorship of their employer. Staff visas are typically granted to professionals, skilled workers, and laborers, depending on the needs of the business.

Key Types of Staff Visas in Dubai
    1. Skilled Worker Visa:
      Issued to employees with professional qualifications such as engineers, IT professionals, managers, and consultants.
    2. Unskilled Worker Visa:
      Issued for laborers, drivers, construction workers, and other manual jobs.
    3. Domestic Worker Visa:
      This visa is issued for domestic staff, such as nannies, housekeepers, and drivers employed by individuals.
    4. Temporary Work Visa: Issued to employees hired on a short-term or project basis.

Benefits of a Staff Visa in Dubai
  • Legal Residency:
    A staff visa allows employees to legally reside and work in Dubai for the duration of their contract.
  • Health Insurance:
    Employers are required to provide health insurance for their employees, covering medical expenses in the UAE.
  • Access to Banking Services:
    With a staff visa, employees can open personal bank accounts, apply for loans, and manage their finances in Dubai.
  • Family Sponsorship:
    Depending on the employee’s job title and salary, staff visa holders may be eligible to sponsor their spouse, children, and immediate family members for residency in Dubai.
  • Multiple Entry and Exit: The staff visa allows employees to travel in and out of Dubai without any restrictions during the visa’s validity.

Eligibility Requirements for a Staff Visa
  1. Employer Requirements:
    • The employer must have a valid trade license and be registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
    • The company must have the required employee quota to sponsor staff visas, which depends on the size and nature of the business.
    • The employer must provide proof of ability to pay the employee’s salary and benefits as per the UAE labor law.
  2. Employee Requirements:
    • The employee must have a valid passport.
    • The employee must pass a medical fitness test.
    • The employee’s qualifications must meet the requirements for the job (for skilled positions). The employee must have a clean criminal record.

Documents Required for a Staff Visa
  1. For the Employer:
    • Valid trade license
    • Labor contract and offer letter
    • Quota approval from MOHRE
    • Establishment card
  2. For the Employee:
    • Passport copy (with at least six months’ validity)
    • Passport-sized photos
    • Academic certificates (attested by the UAE embassy if applicable)
    • Medical fitness certificate (issued by a UAE-approved medical center)
    • Entry permit (if applying from outside the UAE)

Steps for Obtaining a Staff Visa in Dubai
  1. Offer Letter and Contract:
    The employer provides the employee with a signed offer letter and a labor contract, outlining the terms and conditions of employment.
  2. Quota Approval:
    The employer must apply for quota approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to ensure that they have the authorization to hire foreign employees.
  3. Entry Permit Application:
    If the employee is outside the UAE, the employer applies for an entry permit (also known as a visit or work permit), allowing the employee to enter Dubai and proceed with the visa process.
  4. Medical Fitness Test:
    Upon arrival, the employee must undergo a medical fitness test at an authorized medical center. This test includes a blood test and chest X-ray.
  5. Emirates ID Application:
    After the medical test, the employee applies for an Emirates ID, which serves as their national identification card in the UAE.
  6. Labor Contract and Work Card:
    Once the medical fitness test is completed, the labor contract is registered with the MOHRE, and the employee is issued a work card (labor card).
  7. Visa Stamping:
    The employee’s passport is submitted for visa stamping, which finalizes the process and grants them official residency in Dubai.
  8. Residence Visa Issuance: The employee receives their residence visa, which is typically valid for 2 or 3 years, depending on the employment contract and employer.

Visa Costs and Fees
  • Visa Application Fee:
    This varies depending on the employee’s job role, category, and the type of visa (skilled or unskilled worker).
  • Medical Test Fee:
    Approximately AED 300 – AED 500, depending on the test and the medical center.
  • Emirates ID Fee:
    Typically AED 170 – AED 370, based on the visa’s validity.
  • Visa Stamping Fee:
    Visa stamping charges are approximately AED 500 – AED 1,000.

Employers usually cover most or all of the costs associated with obtaining a staff visa, though some companies may deduct visa-related fees from employee salaries.

Renewal of Staff Visa

A staff visa can be renewed before it expires. The process typically involves:

  1. Submission of updated documents (new medical test, Emirates ID renewal).
  2. Payment of renewal fees to the Immigration Department and MOHRE.
  3. Stamping of the renewed visa in the employee’s passport.

Cancellation of Staff Visa

If an employee’s contract is terminated or if they resign, the employer must cancel the staff visa. The cancellation process includes:

  1. MOHRE Notification:
    The employer must notify the MOHRE and cancel the labor card.
  2. Visa Cancellation: The visa cancellation request is submitted to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). After approval, the employee has up to 30 days to exit the UAE or transfer to a new employer.

Conclusion

The Staff Visa in Dubai is essential for companies hiring foreign workers and for employees who want to work and live legally in the UAE. The visa process involves several steps, including quota approval, medical fitness tests, and visa stamping. With a staff visa, employees benefit from legal residency, family sponsorship, and access to banking and healthcare services, while employers gain access to a global talent pool to support their business growth.