Dubai: If you have just received a Golden Visa in the UAE, do you still need to have a work permit to work at a private company in the UAE? Gulf News raised the query with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), which is the authority that manages labour relations in the UAE.
In a response to the query, the Ministry’s contact centre said: “Kindly be informed that every employee must have a valid work permit along with the residence visa in order to render his or her services to the establishment under private sector.”
Work permit for Golden Visa holders
On July 1, 2021, MOHRE announced the start of issuing work permits for holders of Golden Visas, in implementation of a Cabinet Resolution, according to which a work permit for holders of the Golden Visa has been introduced.
MOHRE clarified that this permit is given in three cases:
1. Individuals who were not working at the time of getting the Golden Visa if they wish to work for an employer.
2. When a current employer wishes to renew the work permit and contract for the holders of the Golden Visa after the expiry of the work permit.
3. When a Golden Visa employee joins a new job with another employer.
MOHRE confirmed that the same procedures are followed by the Ministry, when it comes to issuing work permits and contracts, if a worker has a Golden Visa sponsored by his or her family member.
I already have a work permit
If you are already working under a labour contract, and became eligible for a Golden Visa, the ministry pointed out in its statement on July 1 that work permits and valid contracts concluded between employers and employees with Golden Visas continue to apply, as well as the validity of all applicable legislation in the country, especially the provisions of the Labour Law when they join employers in the private sector.
