Employment in the United Arab Emirates
Embassy of The UAE in London has no involvement in personnel recruitment, nor does it hold a list of job vacancies. We, therefore, regret that we are unable to provide individual advice on employment prospects. Also, the Embassy does not issue work permits or resident visas. All matters relating to employment and residence are dealt with by the concerned authorities in the UAE.
Travel to the UAE for the purpose of seeking employment, for which proper arrangements have not been made in advance, is not advisable. Persons entering the UAE as visitors are not permitted to take up employment. Those admitted for tourist or business purposes, with very few exceptions are expected to leave the country and wait for the approval of their working papers before being allowed to re enter the country for employment purposes. It should be noted that citizens of certain countries *, who are not required to have a visa to visit the UAE for tourist or business visits, are not exempt from the rules pertaining to employment.
Permission to employ an individual must be obtained in advance by the sponsoring employer in the UAE from the authorities concerned. For this purpose, the employer will require valid passport details of the prospective employee and, most probably, other documentation such as copies of professional/educational certificates evidencing suitability of that candidate for the designated post. Once approval is granted, an entry permit will be issued, enabling the candidate to enter the country for employment purposes, pending completion of the formalities relative to employment and residence.
Private and public sector employers seeking to recruit expatriate staff with special skills do so in a variety of ways: by engaging the services of recruitment consultants or specialist employment agencies overseas, or, in the case of some international organisations, by enlisting the aid of the personnel services of the overseas associates. From time to time, advertisements placed by such agencies appear in the national press or trade and professional journals.
The personnel offices of banks, hotel groups, hospital management companies and other international organisations with interests in the Middle East may also be able to advice on overseas vacancies within their organisation.
For Further enquiries regarding employment matters can be addressed to: The Ministry of Labour & Social Affairs, PO Box 809 Abu Dhabi, UAE.
* Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain**, Greece, Holland (The Netherlands), Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican, The United States of America
** Nationality status in the passport should read BRITISH CITIZEN. If not, visa is required.