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Updates of Dubai's Employment Visa: Faster Process, More Perks & Easy Approvals!

Dubai has recently introduced significant updates to its employment visa system, aiming to streamline processes, incorporate advanced technologies, and broaden eligibility criteria. These changes are designed to enhance Dubai’s appeal as a global hub for professionals and investors.​

Overview of Dubai's 2-Year Employment Visa

The 2-year employment visa is fundamental for expatriates working in Dubai under the sponsorship of a UAE-based employer. It grants legal residency and access to essential services like banking and healthcare.

Enhanced Application Process

The updated application process for the 2-year employment visa includes several streamlined steps:​

  • Job Offer and Employer Sponsorship: Securing a confirmed job offer from a UAE-registered employer, who will act as the sponsor and handle visa processing.​
  • MOHRE Work Permit Approval: The employer submits a work permit application through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to confirm authorization for hiring foreign talent.​
  • Entry Permit Issuance: Upon approval, an Entry Permit is granted, allowing applicants to enter Dubai and complete the formalities. This permit is valid for 60 days.​
  • Medical Examination: Applicants must undergo a medical fitness test, including a blood test and chest X-ray.​
  • Emirates ID Registration: Applicants must apply for a UAE Resident Identity Card (Emirates ID), which includes biometric verification.​
  • Visa Stamping and Residency Approval: Once all formalities are completed, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) stamps the employment visa on the applicant’s passport, granting legal residency.

Key Updates to the Employment Visa System

Several significant updates have been introduced to enhance the employment visa process:​

  • AI-Powered Visa Renewals (Salama System): The new “Salama” system automates visa renewals, reducing processing times significantly. ​
  • Expanded Golden Visa Categories: Professionals in teaching, healthcare, sustainability, and digital content creation are now eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa.
  • Faster Digital Processing: Most visa services have moved online, eliminating paperwork and reducing time. ​
  • Visa-on-Arrival Expansion for Indians: Indian passport holders meeting specific eligibility criteria can now obtain a visa on arrival, simplifying the entry process. ​
  • More Inclusive Family Sponsorship Rules: Expatriates earning over AED 4,000 per month can now sponsor their spouses, children, and even parents.

Introduction of the Blue Visa

The UAE has launched the Blue Visa, a 10-year residence permit aimed at individuals who have made significant contributions to the environment, both inside and outside the UAE. This visa is available to environmental supporters, international organization members, global award winners, and distinguished researchers. ​

Support for Content Creators

Content creators, including influencers, photographers, and writers, are now eligible for the Golden Visa through the newly launched Creators HQ. This initiative aims to support those with proven creative impact and potential to contribute to Dubai’s thriving creative community. ​

Expanded Visa-on-Arrival for Indian Nationals

Dubai has expanded its visa-on-arrival program for Indian nationals, effective from February 13, 2025. This update allows Indian passport holders with valid residency permits from six additional countries—Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea—to obtain a visa upon arrival at all UAE entry points. ​

Comprehensive Work Permit Options

Dubai offers a variety of work permit options to cater to different employment needs:​

  • Work Permit (Recruiting a Worker from Outside the State): Allows registered establishments to recruit a worker from outside the UAE.​
  • Transfer Work Permit: Applied when moving between jobs within the UAE.​
  • Work Permit Under the Residence of Relative Permit: For individuals whose residence visa is sponsored by a family member.​
  • Temporary Work Permit: For temporary work assignments not exceeding six months.​
  • One-Mission Permit: For recruiting a worker from abroad to complete temporary work or a particular project for a specific time period.​
  • Part-Time Work Permit: Allows working for more than one employer without the approval of the original employer, provided that the working hours are no less than 20 hours weekly.​
  • Juvenile Work Permit: This permit allows individuals between the ages of 15 and 18 to be employed at a registered establishment.​
  • Student Training and Employment Permit: For students who want to enroll in the private sector for training purposes.​
  • UAE and GCC National Permit: Allows a registered establishment to employ UAE or Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens.
  • Golden Visa Work Permit: For Golden Visa holders who wish to work for an employer.
  • Freelance Permit: Issued to individuals wishing to engage in self-employment without sponsorship from a specific employer in the UAE or a valid employment contract.

How Unimoni Can Assist in Your Work Permit Process

Unimoni, with 25+ years of expertise, provides a one-stop solution for all your travel, remittance, and forex needs, ensuring a seamless transition to life in Dubai.

Key Services Offered by Unimoni

  • Visa Assistance & Processing: End-to-end support for work permits and visas.
  • Outward Remittance Services: Secure and compliant international money transfers for visa fees, overseas education, NRE and NRO repatriation, employment-related payments, migration expenses, medical treatment, and international conferences.
  • Foreign Exchange: Competitive exchange rates for currency conversions. You can buy and sell currencies with ease, with minimum service charges.
  • Forex Cards: Forex cards which can be loaded with multiple currencies for seamless transactions abroad. An embedded microchip gives you high safety while making international transactions.
  • Travel Packages & Flight Ticket Booking: Tailor-made travel packages, flight ticket bookings, and hotel bookings.
  • Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Travel insurance plans that provide coverage for Medical expenses, lost passports, lost checked baggage, Personal Accidents, Personal Liability, and Daily allowances in case of hospitalization.

With 300+ branches, 15,000+ agent locations, Unimoni ensures a transparent, efficient, and customer-centric experience. Whether you need assistance with your visa, international remittances, foreign exchange, or travel arrangements, Unimoni is your trusted partner for a smooth relocation.

Planning your move to Dubai? Contact Unimoni for expert assistance today!