Ensure you have complete documentation!
The General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah are responsible for immigration-related concerns such as the issuance of visas and entry permits in each emirate. Notably, the GDRFA in Dubai offers a 24-hour toll-free “AMER Service” for visa issues. The Ministry of Labour, on the other hand, issues work permits. Once registered in the UAE, applications for new visas or visa renewals from GCC citizens can be submitted through the eChannels portal of the Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship. The Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship also processes ID card applications and renewals.
Sign a fair employment contract!
It is important to ensure that you have a written contract of your employment. Before signing, read your contract carefully. Do not sign a contract that you do not understand or agree with, and discuss and negotiate the terms of your contract with your employer. Your contract should contain information about your wages, working hours, holidays and leave regulations, as well as termination conditions. Most employment contracts in the UAE are for two years. You should always keep a copy of the signed contract with you.
Know your rights!
Find out more about the labour laws in the UAE. The GDRFAs in each emirate regularly release information with regards to working in the UAE (e.g. sponsorship, finding a job, working conditions, employment contracts).
Inform yourself!
The official online portal of the UAE government provides information with regards to moving to the country. This includes information on how to search for a job; what is entailed by labour bans, worker protection, and social security benefits; applying for visas and the Emirates ID; finding housing; as well as making travel arrangements. Further, Dubai’s GDRFA and Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs is working to distribute a handbook for migrant workers in English, Arabic, and Urdu.
Register your complaints!
Always keep a record of useful government and union contacts in case you encounter recruitment or employment problems. The UAE Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation allows for the registration of labour complaints by employees and labourers.
Other useful information