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The UAE attracts and continues to attract a diverse array of talents from around the globe. With a long-standing focus on this goal, the UAE government has implemented various steps and keen procedures to support Emirates, business entities, and the workforce employed in the region. Consequently, the efforts to streamline this process benefit both employers and employees alike.
At HRBluSky, we are dedicated to helping you understand the process in detail. To facilitate your understanding, here is a breakdown of the most important steps for acquiring an employment visa for your employees. By following these steps, you can navigate the visa application process efficiently and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Obtaining an employment visa can occur in three primary ways: an employee can be hired from overseas, a candidate may be interviewed while on a visit or tourist visa, or an employee can shift from one company to another. Fortunately, in any of these scenarios, the process to obtain the employment visa is not overly complicated.
To simplify your journey, we have compiled a comprehensive 12-step guide that will assist employers in securing employment visas for their employees. By following these steps, you can navigate the application process smoothly and efficiently, ensuring compliance with the necessary regulations while attracting top talent to your organization.
Filling out the E-Quota application
Eligibility check for your firm/organization by TAQYEEM team
Processing of the detailed job offer
Obtaining the work permit application
Acquiring the labor card
Getting the insurance policy instead of bank guarantee
Paying the immigration fees
Clearing the medical tests
Attain the Emirates ID
Procuring the health insurance for employees
Labour contract to be submitted to Tas’heel
Tas-heel is a government system that operates online to enhance government relationship management. This initiative encourages paperless transactions throughout the UAE and promotes efficiency within the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Additionally, Tas-heel’s physical centers across the UAE offer a wide range of services, including the issuance of Emirates IDs, work permits, medical fitness applications, and more. By streamlining these processes, Tas-heel improves accessibility and convenience for both employers and employees.
Private companies in the mainland must obtain a Labour Establishment Card to apply for an employment visa. You can acquire this card through a Tas-heel center. To submit an e-quota application, gather several documents. These include a copy of your trade license, tenancy contract, sponsor’s passport, e-signature card, immigration establishment card, electricity bill, and a location map with nearby streets and landmarks in Arabic. Additionally, you should provide 10 to 15 copies of sales or purchase bills.
After submitting your application, the Ministry of Labour will conduct an inspection to approve the employment visa quota within two working days if the inspection is successful. To assist you, here is a user guide on filling out the online e-quota application.
The next step involves issuing a job offer contract to the recruited employee. This work offer outlines the employee’s role in the establishment for which the electronic quota has been approved. It includes important details such as salary, basic pay, allowances, contract conditions, validity, warning period, and leave balances. Additionally, it specifies the type of contract.
Before issuing the application for the employee, the employer must obtain verification and approval from the Ministry of Human Resource and Emiratisation. To issue the job offer, the employer needs several documents, including the employee’s passport (valid for more than six months), signature specimen card, e-signature card, and salary details. Furthermore, the job offer must be provided in English, Arabic, and the employee’s language.
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New labor cards for individuals outside the GCC can be obtained through the services provided by any establishment. The newly issued permit and electronic contract will remain valid for two years. To acquire the labor card, applicants must submit several documents, including a color photograph with a white background, a copy of the medical certificate, a copy of the entry permission, and three copies of the employment contract.
When the application meets specific terms and conditions—such as the employee’s medical fitness, the establishment’s private status, and the presence of an electronic signature card—the application will be processed successfully.
Any organization recruiting foreign workers must pay a specific amount to the government as a bank guarantee. However, recent amendments allow employers to acquire insurance instead of submitting this bank guarantee for each employee. The UAE Cabinet has approved a “low-cost insurance” option to replace the bank guarantee. This insurance policy covers various benefits for employees, including service benefits, overtime allowances, return air tickets, vacation allowances, and work-related injury cases.
You can pay the immigration fee at typing centers. After payment, you will receive the e-Visa within a few hours. However, the approval time varies depending on the employee’s nationality and the required security check. Additionally, companies with five or more employees must submit their visa applications through the eDNRD online platform.
♦ Pulmonary tuberculosis (through X-ray)
♦ HIV (through blood test)
After clearing the tests, employees will receive a ‘Health Fitness Certificate for Residence,’ enabling them to access medical services from the government health authority. According to a cabinet resolution passed in 2016, renewing resident visas requires undergoing TB screening.
One major step in the visa process is obtaining the Emirates ID. This ID serves as a digital national identification system. In addition to facilitating the visa process, the Emirates ID supports digital transactions in the UAE and integrates with passport and visa information. Moreover, expatriate residents can sponsor their family and children if they meet the sponsorship requirements set by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). The Emirates ID remains valid for two years.
Health insurance coverage for employers and their dependents depends on several factors, such as the employee’s salary, skills, and designation. In Abu Dhabi, employers and sponsors must provide health insurance for employees and their families. In Dubai, employers must obtain insurance for employees, while sponsors must secure insurance for resident dependents.
Employers must submit a detailed labor contract to TAS-HEEL as part of the work permit application. After the medical screening results, they must submit this contract within 14 days.
Obtaining an employment visa in the UAE is essential for businesses looking to hire international talent. Moreover, understanding the process will not only save time but also ensure compliance with local regulations. In this regard, below, we outline important aspects and strategies to facilitate your visa application.
Compliance with UAE labor laws is critical. In fact, employers must understand and adhere to these regulations to avoid fines and penalties. For instance, keeping up-to-date with the latest amendments to visa requirements can prevent unnecessary delays in hiring. Additionally, non-compliance can lead to reputational damage, making it harder to attract talent. Thus, it is wise for employers to invest in compliance training and resources to stay informed about changing regulations.
Proper documentation is a cornerstone of the visa application process. Therefore, ensuring all necessary documents are accurate and complete will streamline your application. This includes contracts, identification papers, and proof of medical fitness. Furthermore, organizing your documentation can significantly enhance the efficiency of the application process. For example, using a checklist can help ensure that no critical documents are overlooked, reducing the risk of delays. Ultimately, thorough documentation not only expedites the process but also reflects professionalism, fostering a positive impression with authorities.
Medical testing is a mandatory part of the employment visa application. Consequently, all applicants must undergo specific health checks. Typically, screenings for communicable diseases are essential to maintain public health standards. Moreover, employers should inform potential employees about these requirements upfront, so they can prepare accordingly. By doing so, you can alleviate any surprises or concerns. In addition, facilitating access to medical services can further enhance the experience for new hires, demonstrating your commitment to their well-being.
The UAE has embraced digital solutions for visa processing, improving accessibility and efficiency. In particular, the use of online platforms, such as eDNRD, has simplified applications, allowing for quicker submissions and tracking. As a result, businesses can manage their visa applications with greater ease, ultimately saving valuable time. Furthermore, leveraging technology can enhance transparency throughout the process, as employers can receive real-time updates. Thus, adopting digital solutions is not just a convenience; it is a strategic advantage in today’s fast-paced business environment.
The Emirates ID serves multiple purposes beyond identification. In fact, it acts as a vital document for various transactions, including accessing healthcare and government services. Additionally, having an Emirates ID simplifies the process for expatriate residents wishing to sponsor family members, enhancing their overall experience in the UAE. Furthermore, the Emirates ID is increasingly becoming a key tool for digital transactions, making it indispensable for residents. By streamlining access to services, this ID not only improves convenience but also strengthens the integration of expatriates into the local community.
Health insurance is not just a legal requirement; it also provides essential coverage for employees, safeguarding their well-being and peace of mind. Moreover, by offering comprehensive health plans, employers can foster a supportive work environment that prioritizes employee needs. This, in turn, leads to increased job satisfaction and retention rates, as employees feel valued and cared for.
Additionally, investing in employee health can minimize absenteeism, ultimately enhancing productivity. For instance, healthier employees tend to take fewer sick days and can maintain consistent performance levels. Furthermore, employers who prioritize health insurance demonstrate their commitment to employee welfare, which can positively impact their brand image and attract top talent.
By showcasing a strong benefits package, organizations not only appeal to potential recruits but also reinforce their reputation as a desirable workplace. In addition, providing health insurance can encourage employees to seek preventive care, leading to early detection of health issues and reduced long-term healthcare costs for both the employer and employees.
Ultimately, investing in comprehensive health insurance plans not only benefits employees but also contributes to the overall success of the organization. In summary, prioritizing health insurance is a strategic move that can yield significant returns in employee loyalty, productivity, and organizational performance.
Facilitating the smooth integration of new hires into the workplace is crucial for long-term success. To achieve this, employers should consider implementing comprehensive onboarding programs that encompass not only cultural orientation but also tailored training specific to the roles of new employees. For instance, providing resources about local customs, workplace expectations, and organizational values can greatly assist new employees in acclimating to their roles and the local culture.
Additionally, offering workshops that cover essential skills and tools relevant to the job can empower new hires to perform confidently from day one. Moreover, mentoring programs can foster valuable relationships between new hires and existing employees, promoting collaboration and teamwork. By pairing new employees with seasoned mentors, organizations can facilitate knowledge transfer, ensuring that essential insights about the company and industry are shared.
Furthermore, regular check-ins during the onboarding process can help identify any challenges new hires may face, allowing for timely support and adjustments to their training. As a result, these initiatives can significantly improve productivity and employee morale, benefiting the organization as a whole. Ultimately, investing in a robust onboarding experience not only enhances employee retention but also cultivates a positive workplace culture, encouraging a sense of belonging and commitment among all team members.
Engaging with HR partners can simplify the employment visa process significantly. In addition, these specialists offer invaluable support, guiding employers through each step to ensure compliance and efficiency. Moreover, HR partners can provide valuable insights into best practices, helping businesses remain informed about industry trends.
For instance, they can assist in developing tailored strategies that meet specific organizational needs, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of the hiring process. By leveraging their expertise, companies can stay ahead of potential challenges and streamline their HR processes. Furthermore, HR partners often bring a wealth of experience that can help identify potential pitfalls before they become issues.
Consequently, investing in a strong HR partnership can enhance the overall hiring experience, leading to better outcomes for both employers and employees. As a result, organizations may find that their recruitment efforts are more successful, attracting top talent and improving retention rates. Ultimately, this proactive approach fosters a positive workplace culture and enhances overall employee satisfaction, which is critical for long-term business success.
We, at HRBluSky, knows all the process related to hiring an employee, getting them on-board with all the required processes, that’s why we provide you an integrated Human Resource Management Solution from visa services, payroll processing, medical benefits, business cards, employee devices, employee travel and even the training requests. Not finding what you’re looking for? We couldn’t state all our features in a single line,
click here and chat with our customer experts to know more about our offers.
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