Dubai, the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is also home to thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Throughout the years, the Philippines has maintained a positive relationship with the city as it continues to supply Dubai with manpower in different sectors and fields of industry.
If you are thinking about working in Dubai, you should first secure a work visa and permit.
How do you exactly do that? We’ve gathered some practical tips from the DubaiOFW blog to help you out.
Important Reminders
First off, you can only get a work visa if you already have a sponsor or a recruiter who will vouch for your employment. Your employer should secure a work visa for you and shoulder the required visa processing fees.
Also, you should request a written employment contract or offer letter from your recruiter. Once everything has been verified, the UAE immigration department will get in touch with you.
Take note that it is crucial that you have a work visa (not a different visa such as tourist or family visa, etc) if you are there for employment purposes. Otherwise, you may encounter problems during your stay.
Health And Labor Requirements
After getting your work visa, the next step for you would be to undergo the required medical examinations. This means getting a blood test as a proof that you do not have diseases like Hepatitis, HIV, and Tuberculosis. A health certification claims that you are physically fit so you have to submit copies of your medical record, passport documents, job contract, and visa application.
Next, obtain a labor card from the Dubai Ministry of Labor. Required documents for this would be copies of your work contract, medical documents, labor license of your recruiter, and your entry visa. Afterwards, fill up a residence visa application with the Dubai General Directorate of Residence and Foreign Affairs.
Work Permit
With your residency visa and labor card in hand, you will then receive an employment visa valid for 30 days. This will allow you to start with your job while your recruiter takes care of the processing of your documents.
Your responsibility, on the other hand, is to make sure that you have these important documents with you:
- Passport size photograph
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Valid health card
- Residency visa
- Company’s license for trade
- Qualification documents
- 3 copies of your work contract (signed by you and your employer)
In no time, you will be able to get your work permit from the Dubai General Directorate of Residence and Foreign Affairs and continue working in Dubai without any hassle.
