The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a center of attraction for many employment-seeking individuals. Professionals/non-professionals from all over the world travel to the UAE in search of a high-paying job.
But is getting a job in UAE that simple?
Yes, it is, if you have the right documents ready with yourself and the Labour Card in UAE is one such document that is mandatory to have by professionals seeking employment in UAE.
What is Labour Card in UAE?
In simple terms, Labour Card in UAE is a government-issued identification document that gives authority to legally work in the UAE. This document comprises all the major details of an individual like their name, occupation, employer details, employment type, nationality, etc.
The Labour Card in UAE is issued by the Ministry of Human Resource and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Also read: UID Number in UAE
How to Apply for Labour Card or Work Permit in UAE?
Step 1: The employer needs to first get a secured contract approved from the MOHRE detailing all the work and related terms
Step 2: Once the employment contract is approved by the officials, the employer has to submit an application on behalf of the employee at MOHRE to apply for the Labour Card
Step 3: To apply for a labour card the employee documents like passport copy, passport size photographs, educational qualification certifications, etc.
Step 4: Once the documents are submitted the officials might take a few weeks to prepare the labour card since the day of application
Step 5: The labour card comes with a validation date (mainly 2-3 years) after which needs to be renewed legally.
Types of Labour Cards or Work Permits in UAE
In UAE there are 12 types of labour cards or work permits offered by the MOHRE depending on the nature of the job. Check the types of work permits below:
Work Permit for Foreign Workers
This permit allows employers to hire professionals from outside of the UAE to empower their workforce with international talent.
Transfer Work Permit
Enables employers to transfer their employees among each other within UAE providing job flexibility and retention of skilled workers.
Temporary Work Permit
This permit is issued to companies or organizations hiring for a short-term project or for temporary positions.
One-mission Work Permit
This permit allows employers to hire professionals from outside the UAE for a short-term or project-specified job.
Juvenile Work Permit
This permit allows employers to hire employees aged between 15-18 years while protecting their rights under the labour laws.
Student Training Work Permit
This permit allows the hiring of students bridging the gap between educational institutions and the workforce.
National Apprentice Permit
Allows UAE citizens to prepare for various professions and various jobs in the private sector.
Freelancer Work Permit
This is a permit offered to self-working professionals who wish to offer their services to various industries in the UAE.
Work Permit for Citizens Sponsored by Relatives
This permit allows a professional to work while getting sponsored by family members or relatives.
Part-time Work Permit
This permit is given to employees who want to work for multiple employers, offering flexibility to both the employee and the employer.
Permit to Hire Emirati or GCC Citizens
This permit allows to hiring of UAE professionals from other GCC countries enhancing regional integration.
Golden Visa Work Permit
This permit allows providing work opportunities for highly skilled professionals with long-term residency.
Cost of Work Permits or Labour Card in UAE
The cost of getting a work permit or labour card in UAE depends on the nature of the job and it can range from AED 250 to AED 3,450.
Work Permit From Inside The Country (Valid Residence Visa Holders)
| No. | Service Type | Fee (AED) |
| 1 | Juvenile Work Permit | 50 |
| 2 | Temporary Work Permit | 50 |
| 3 | Part-Time Work Permit | 50 |
| 4 | Training Permit | 50 |
| 5 | Worker Testing Permit | 50 |
| 6 | Residence Visa Holder Work Permit | 50 |
| 7 | Golden Visa Holder or Freelance Work Permit for Two Years | 250 |
Work Permits From Outside The Country (All Employment Types)
| Service Type | Fee in AED (Category 1) | Fee in AED (Category 2) | Fee in AED (Category 3) |
| Work Permit Application | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Issuance of Work Permit – Two Years | 250 | 1200 | 3450 |
| Issuance of Work Mission Permit | 250 | 250 | 250 |
Renewal of Work Permits, Modification of Employment Contracts, Transfer of Employees from One Establishment to Another (All Contract Types)
| Service Type | Fee in AED (Category 1) | Fee in AED (Category 2) | Fee in AED (Category 3) |
| Work Permit Renewal – Two Years | 250 | 1200 | 3450 |
| Modification of Employment Contract | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Transfer From One Establishment to Another Permit | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Permit for Transfer and Employment of Workers from One Establishment to another | 250 | 1200 | 3450 |
Licensing of Meditation and Employment Agencies
| Service Type | Fee in AED (Issuance) | Fee in AED (Renewal) |
| Meditation Agency License – One Year | 25,000 | 12,500 |
| Employment Agency License – One Year | 50,000 | 25,000 |
Importance of Labour Card in UAE
The labour card in UAE complies with major uses like:
- Legal Compliance: The labour card certifies that the workers coming from outside the country are working legally under the valid contracts approved by MOHRE
- Residency Requirements: The labour card is sometimes linked with the rent agreement to ensure that the employee is working and residing in UAE only
- Labour Rights: An employee holding the labour card in UAE has the guarantee and security of labour laws in UAE and can get benefits like right to wages, working hours, leaves, etc.
- Documentation: For any employee the labour card is like their identification card which can be used as identity proof for almost all kinds of documentations.