Work Permit Number in the UAE: What is it? How to Get it?
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What is a Work Permit Number in the UAE?
Every person who wishes to work in the UAE requires a work permit (or a labor card) to work legally. A work permit number is a unique code the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiritization (MoHRE) or the relevant free zone authority assigns to every worker.
The UAE work permit number is printed on the worker’s labor card and is known as the labor card number. This number can be used for various purposes such as checking work permit status, filing employment-related grievances, availing visa services, etc.
Types of Work Permits in the UAE
Foreign Worker Permit
This allows local businesses to hire talent from outside the UAE
Transfer Work Permit
This permit allows foreign workers to move from one employer to another within the UAE
Temporary Work Permit
Workers can be employed for fixed-term projects or assigned temporary jobs by issuing this permit
One Mission Permit
This is issued to foreign workers to complete short-term assignments or specialized projects of fixed duration
Juvenile Work Permit
Minor workers in the 15 to 18 age group can be hired and protected under the UAE labor laws by issuing this permit
Student Training Work Permit
Students in the UAE who seek practical learning or work experience can be hired as interns under this permit
National Apprentice Permit
This permits UAE citizens to undertake professional training and acquire valuable skills to chart a successful career in their chosen fields
Freelance Work Permit
Freelance foreign workers or self-employed professionals can render services to businesses in the UAE by obtaining this permit
Work Permit for Citizens Sponsored by Relatives
This permit allows UAE citizens to work by getting sponsorship from their family members
Part-Time Work Permit
This provides flexibility to foreign workers to work part-time with different employers and access multiple opportunities
Permit to Hire Emiratis or GCC Citizens
Employers in the UAE can hire Emiratis or citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries
Golden Visa Work Permit
This is a long-term residence visa that allows foreign nationals to live, study, or work in the UAE without an external sponsor. This visa helps to attract highly qualified, talented, and skilled professionals to work in the UAE
Requirements to Get a UAE Work Permit
Documentation
Recent photographs of the employee
A copy of the passport valid for at least six months
A copy of the company’s commercial or trade license
Three copies of the employment contract
Academic credentials or educational certificates
Medical certificate issued by a government-approved health center in the UAE
Eligibility Criteria (For Employees)
The prescribed eligibility criteria for workers in the UAE are as follows:
At least 18 years of age but not older than 60 years
Academic qualifications or training relevant to the job
Proper health and fitness to work (as certified by a medical examination)
Eligibility Criteria (For Employers)
Maintaining updated records of all employees including their personal information, job details, and work permit status
Compliance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the MoHRE
Providing labor cards to employees within 60 days of their arrival in the UAE
How to Get a Work Permit Number in the UAE? - Application Process
Log into the MoHRE platform with your username and password or the UAE Pass
Submit an application using any of the service fulfillment methods
The application and supporting documents are forwarded to the MoHRE for review. Any specific issues will be communicated to the employer for resolution
The Ministry grants the work permit after reviewing the eligibility criteria and documents
The employer must pay the prescribed fee upon approval of the work permit
For prospective employees moving to the UAE for a new job, the procedure to obtain a work permit is as follows:
After signing the employment contract, the employer can apply for the work permit on behalf of the employee
The MoHRE issues the Employment Entry Visa allowing the employee to arrive in the UAE. This permit is valid for 60 days and the employee is required to complete the necessary formalities within this period
The employer must submit the employment contract to MoHRE and apply for the residence visa and medical checkup within 14 days of the employee’s arrival in the UAE. This enables the employee to obtain the Emirates ID card
The work permit is formalized after the employee completes the medical examination and receives the Emirates ID card
Validity and Renewal of the Work Permit Number
As per the MoHRE guidelines, the renewal process can be initiated up to 60 days before the labor card expires. The procedure for renewal is as follows:
Documents such as the completed application form, recent photographs, passport copy, Emirates ID, and labor card must be kept ready
The application form along with the documents have to be submitted by the employer through the MoHRE portal or a Tas’heel service center
The employer pays the prescribed renewal fees based on the labor card type and the business category
The renewal application is processed and approved. The employee receives the new labor card. A digital copy of the same can be downloaded from the MoHRE website or mobile app
The employer has to obtain a new work permit within 60 days of its expiry
Cost of UAE Work Permit
The UAE work permit fee details are as follows:
Category 1: AED 300
Category 2: AED 600 to AED 2,000, based on whether the worker is skilled or unskilled
Category 3: AED 5,000
If you are a foreign worker over the age of 65, you must pay AED 5,000 in all categories
How to Check the Work Permit Status in the UAE?
Visit the official website of the MoHRE Inquiry
Select the ‘Pre-approval for Work Permit Information Status for MOI Service’ option under ‘Choose a Service’
Enter your work permit number and the captcha code. Then click on the ‘Search’ option. Your current UAE work permit information status and number will be displayed
UAE Labor Card Benefits
The labor card serves as valid proof of employment and contains details related to the job, employer, and permit expiry date
Employees can access health insurance applications using their labor cards
This card is linked to the payroll to accurately track an employee’s working hours
The labor card helps to streamline and simplify sick leave & annual leave procedures. It also helps to access social security benefits
The labor card ensures safe and fair working conditions for employees with adequate safety equipment and zero discrimination based on religion, gender, or disability
The labor card helps employers comply with labor laws and avoid punitive action by the government
The employers can adhere to key employment regulations related to maximum working hours, overtime, and providing adequate compensation
Frequently asked questions on Work Permit Number in the UAE
Is the work permit and labor card the same?
Yes. A UAE work permit and a labor card refer to the same thing. They provide a legal permit for workers to take up employment in the UAE.
What is the difference between a work permit and an employment visa?
There is a slight difference between these two terms. An employment visa provides a general authorization to work in a country. However, a work permit allows you to work for a specific employer and a specific job title.
How long is the UAE work permit valid?
A UAE work permit has an initial validity of 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days. The necessary arrangements to obtain a residence visa, an Emirates ID, and a labor card have to be made during this period of 30/60 days. Later, the work permit shall be valid for two years and can be renewed upon expiry.
What is the use of a work permit in Dubai?
A Dubai work permit provides legal authorization to enter the country and take up employment.
Is it possible to work without a work permit in the UAE?
No. It is illegal to work without a valid work permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiritisation (MoHRE) in the UAE.
How long does it take to get a work permit number in the UAE?
The average time to get a UAE work permit is five to seven days after signing the employment contract and completing the relevant paperwork.
Can I work in Dubai with a golden visa?
Yes. A golden visa is a long-term residence visa that allows you to live, work, or study in the UAE without depending on an external sponsor. This visa is valid for 5 to 10 years and can be renewed.
How to download my UAE labor card online?
The step-by-step procedure to download your UAE labor card online is given below:
- Visit the official website of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE)
- Navigate to the ‘Services’ section and select ‘New Enquiry Services’ from the available options
- Enter your UAE labor card number in the ‘Work Permit Number’ field, and then click ‘Search’
- Click on the option ‘Print Electronic Work Permit’
- Click the ‘Print’ button to download or print your labor card
