Dear [employee name],
Congratulations and welcome to company
We are so excited to have you on board. Other employees are looking forward to helping you find
your way in our company and learn more about what we do here.
Your skills will be put to good use as we move on and we believe that you will be a great asset to our
company.
Let me know if our team can be of any assistance. Please know that many of us moved here in
United Arab Emirates in the past year and we know how hard it can be to grow accustomed to a new
environment. We are here to help you out and give you recommendations, meanwhile below are
visa steps that will be followed to officially have you onboard.
Please feel free to reach out if you would require further assistance by providing additional
resources and support to help you settle in.
1. Visa Quota Approval
The first step towards getting the Entry Visa (and work permit) is to get visa quota approval from the
Ministry of Labour (MOL), and the employer will apply for this on behalf of the employee. There will
be few designations already reserved as how quota works. Some of the designations are now
restricted for expats and are only reserved for UAE nationals.
Time to Process: Depends company’s quota approved job designations available.
2. Job Offer Contract and Signature
Prior to the job contract signed off by our management and employee, the next step is sending the
job offer contract for the employee’s signature and having them return it to the employer. It must
be in both English and Arabic. This confirms that the employee is arriving for a valid work position,
and the offer letter will be reviewed by the MOL.
Time to Process: This can be expedited electronically and completed in four working days.
3. Work Permit: Approval of Application
Before the Entry Visa is issued, the work permit application must be approved. During this approval
process, the Ministry of Labour usually bases its decision that the sponsor is a registered UAE
corporate entity.
Documents required as below mentioned:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Passport copy (front & back)
Emirates ID copy “only applicable for UAE residents only”
2 Passport size photos with white background
Copy of Attested Educational certificate, but we will require original transcript/certificate for
immigration purpose.
E. Visa Cancellation paper - “only applicable for job holder currently in UAE”
F. Visit visa copy “only applicable if already in country by visit/tourist visa”.
G. Employment knows how forms to be filled for internal purposes as attached.
Time to Process: 7 days
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4. Employment Entry Visa
Upon receipt of work permit approval, the Ministry issues an Employment Entry Visa also known as a
pink visa) which allows applicants to legally enter the UAE. This permit is valid for 2 months from the
date of issue and allows the holder to remain in the UAE for a period of 30 days, extendable twice
while the formal work permit is being approved.
Time to Process: 5 days
Stage Two: Obtaining the Work Permit and Residence Visa in UAE
5. Entry to UAE with new Entry Permit / Visa Change of Status
There are two options to enter the country and begin the work permit process. If the Entry Visa was
ready prior to arrival, then the employee picks it up on arrival at the airport. If the employee was
already in the UAE on another type of visa, they will have to apply for a visa ‘change of status’ after
the entry visa is issued (or they can leave and re-enter the country with the Entry Visa).
Once the employee enters the country, they have sixty days in which to complete all the formalities
required to get a work permit and residence visa. It is advisable to get these procedures done as
soon as possible rather than waiting till the last moment.
6. Medical Screening
The UAE requires all foreigners to go through a medical screening before the work permit can be
issued. We can help you locate and reach out medical centres, as necessary.
https://www.mohap.gov.ae/en/Aboutus/Pages/MedicalExaminationCenters.aspx
The above link has all the locations available along with documents needed.
Time to Apply: 3-4 Days
7. Emirates ID Application/Biometrics
The employee then needs to go to the Emirates ID service centre after getting the relevant form
typed up at any valid typing centre. An original valid passport and employment entry permit are
required to apply for an ID and have the biometrics done.
Time to Apply: 3 Days
8. Medical Screening Result
The medical screening results must be obtained and included in the above emirates ID application.
Time to Process: 2 Days
9. Labour Contract Signature
A signed labour contract must also be submitted as part of the work permit application. There is a
new deadline for the contract, and it must be sent to the MOL within 14 days following the issuance
of medical results. The labour contract can be uploaded to the MOL website.
10. Receipt of Labour Card/Work Permit & Contract with Start Date
Once the work permit is received, that is when payroll can officially start through the official UAE
system.
Time to Process: 5 Days
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11. Medical Health Insurance Card Application
Because health insurance is now mandatory in UAE, all employers must provide coverage for expat
workers (or they have to buy it on their own). The work permit cannot be issued or renewed
without a valid insurance card.
Time to Process: 5 Days
12. Residence Visa Stamping in Passport
All expat workers and their family members will need a residence visa to legally live in UAE. The visa
is required to open bank accounts, register a car and open a PO Box.
Time to Process: 5 Days
13. Emirates ID Collection
In addition to the work permit, the employee will receive an Emirates ID card, which is useful for
everyday identification purposes (rather than carrying a passport). This will further act as an
important identification card anywhere in the country. The Dubai airports also facilitates E-Gate
check in with the emirates ID.
Time to Process: 12 Days after Residence Visa is stamped in the passport.
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