How to work on visit visa in UAE
Do you think that working on a Visit Visa might be a good idea especially during the current economic crisis and the tough job market? peoples struggling in getting a suitable job for themselves in this tough situation, and if they got a job opportunity in UAE no one could deny it. But working in UAE with a Visit visa or Tourist visa can be dangerous.
Some UAE companies are taking advantage of visitors' visit visa status for employment by making false promises to job seekers.
However, it is clearly expressed in law that individuals entering the UAE on a visit visa or Tourist visa are prohibited from working and that organizations are precluded from employing such people.
The individual does not have the labour law entitlements if he/she is not working lawfully. So, in that case, if the individual is being exploited by a company, then they can't even file complaints against the company.
What is the UAE Law for working on Visit Visa?
According to the Article 11 of the Federal Law No. 6 for 1973 concerning immigration and residence, “The foreigner who obtains a visit visa may not work anywhere in the country with or without pay or for his own. If the visa is issued to work for an individual or an establishment, holder may not work for another individual or establishment without the written consent of that individual or establishment and the approval of the Directorate of Nationality and Immigration.”
How much Fine is there for Working on Visit Visa?
As per the virtue of Federal Decree Law No 7 for 2007, "there is a fine of Dh50,000 per worker has been prescribed if they caught working on a visit visa, also they will be banned from entering in UAE, apart from that if the MoHRE caught any employer employing an individual on a visit visa has to face penalties". If the offence is repeated, the fine amount is doubled.
Ban for working on Visit Visa:
Violations of the above-mentioned law by expatriate employers will result in deportation and lifetime bans from entering any UAE state.
The punishment for UAE nationals will be six months in prison. Despite this, it is not hard to find job listings online with a specific mention of applicants who are on visit visas.
In extreme cases, companies may request someone on a temporary visa, while some may also ask for someone on a trial basis before providing a company visa. However, when an agency is involved, this usually does not happen.
Here are a few things to consider when you start working in the UAE
1. Offer letter
Companies must issue you an offer letter from the MoHRE [Ministry of Labour] outlining the terms and conditions of the job, which must be signed and accepted.
2. Ministry approval
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation must approve the signed MOHRE offer letter.
3. Getting Work permit/residency visa
Getting a work permit and a residency permit will be the employer's responsibility.
4. Medical Test
Government-approved health centres in the UAE will conduct your medical tests. You will be tested for communicable diseases/conditions, and if found unfit may not be approved.
5. Certificate attestation
Obtaining a degree from outside the UAE requires certification from the UAE embassy or consulate in your country, as well as the Foreign Ministry. Then you must submit it to the UAE MoFA.
6. Keep your passport with you
It is one of your rights as a citizen of the UAE to have possession of your passport. In the UAE, detention of passports against the will of the passport holder is illegal.
Passports cannot be handed over to an employer without the employee's written consent.
In case you continue to experience harassment at your workplace, you can file a complaint at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), and you may also consider reporting this to the police.