JobXDubai

For mainland companies in the UAE, understanding the intricacies of hiring employees is crucial. This comprehensive guide outlines the essential steps and requirements for employing workers in a mainland company, covering work permits, contracts, and sponsorship procedures.

Understanding Mainland Companies in the UAE

Mainland companies in the UAE are offshore entities registered under various authorities across the seven emirates. These businesses typically require a local sponsor or partner but enjoy the freedom to operate across multiple sectors with minimal trading restrictions.

Employee Quota: How Many Workers Can You Hire?

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) determines the employee quota for each company. This quota is based on several factors:

1. The company’s legal structure
2. Premises size
3. Ongoing projects
4. Operational demands

Companies can request changes to their quota, subject to ministry approval.

Obtaining Work Permits: A Crucial Step

The UAE offers 12 types of work permits, introduced alongside six job models in 2022. MOHRE oversees the issuance of work permits at the federal level.

Key considerations for work permit approval include:

• The applicant’s professional competence or academic qualifications
• Legal entry and residency status in the UAE
• Availability of qualified UAE nationals for the position

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) also plays a role in the work permit process in each emirate.

The Standard Employment Contract

UAE employers must adhere to a standard employment contract set by MOHRE. Important points to remember:

• An employment offer must be issued before initial approval
• Both employer and employee must sign the offer
• The offer should align with the standard employment contract
• Registration with MOHRE is required before applying for an employment visa

Any additional clauses in the contract must comply with ministry requirements and receive approval.

Multilingual Contracts for Diverse Workforces

To cater to the UAE’s diverse workforce, labour contracts are available in 11 languages:

1. Arabic
2. English
3. Bengali
4. Chinese
5. Dari
6. Hindi
7. Malayalam
8. Nepalese
9. Sinhalese
10. Tamil
11. Urdu

Employers face a Dh20,000 fine if workers haven’t reviewed the annexes before signing.

Sponsoring Employees: A Two-Phase Process

Sponsoring employees involves two main phases:

1. Applying for work permits/labour cards with MOHRE
2. Obtaining employee work permits through GDRFA

Phase 1: MOHRE Work Permit Application

To apply for work permits:

1. Obtain an eSignature card for your company
2. Apply for pre-approval work permits for employees

Required documents include:

• Business licence copy
• Company eSignature card
• Employee’s coloured photo (white background)
• Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
• Attested academic qualifications (if required)
• Approval letters for specific professions (e.g., healthcare, education)

Eligibility Criteria

• Dh3,000 bank guarantee per sponsored employee
• Employee must not have an existing valid work permit
• Minimum age requirement of 18 years
• Valid business licence without violations
• Job role must align with company activities

Phase 2: GDRFA Work Permit Application

After receiving MOHRE pre-approval:

1. Visit the relevant emirate’s GDRFA
2. Request a firm card to open a file with immigration authorities
3. Apply for work permits for new employees

Key Points to Remember

• Work permit approval fees and bank guarantees must be paid within 60 days
• Pre-approval work permits are valid for 60 days
• Employees must complete medical checks and obtain Emirates ID during this period
• Resident permits are stamped on passports after fulfilling all requirements

By following these guidelines, mainland companies in the UAE can navigate the employment process smoothly, ensuring compliance with local regulations while building a diverse and skilled workforce.