Working in the UAE Without a Work Visa - Risks & Consequences

The UAE has been a magnet for ostracized laborers. Particularly those looking for rewarding open positions. A flourishing economy and various business centers draw in a different labor force from around the world. A few people decide to work in the UAE without a business visa. It is frequently alluded to as the work card. This training isn't just unlawful yet in addition accompanies serious results.

In this blog, we will explore the risks and potential penalties. The types of risks that are associated with obtaining no employment visa for employment.

Employment Visa Importance: Unlocking the Significance

An employment visa is known as a labor card. It is a legal requirement for anyone seeking to work in the UAE. It is issued by the MOHRE UAE or the respective free zone authority. It depends on the location of the job. For individuals, it serves as official permission to engage in gainful employment within the country.

Risks of Working Without an Employment Visa

Legal Consequences:

Working without an employment visa is considered a breach of UAE labor laws. Individuals who are caught working illegally can face:

·       Deportation

·       Fines, and even

·       Imprisonment.

Lack of Employment Rights:

Without a valid employment visa, individuals are not protected by UAE labor laws. They are not entitled to employment benefits. The benefits include such as paid leave, health insurance, or end-of-service gratuity.

Visa Overstay Fines:

Those working without the proper visa may also accumulate fines for overstaying their visit or tourist visas. The fines can be substantial. It complicates one's legal status in the country.

Trouble in Opening a Bank Account:

Many banks in the UAE require confirmation of a substantial business visa to open a record. The people might find it trying to deal with their funds without it

Limited Access to Healthcare:

Access to healthcare services in the UAE is often tied to employment. Without a valid employment visa, the individuals may struggle to secure proper healthcare coverage.

Reputational Damage:

Engaging in illegal employment practices can harm an individual's reputation and future employability in the UAE and other countries.

Enforcement Measures:

The UAE government takes the issue of illegal employment seriously. However, there are enforcement measures have been taken by the government to detect them. It includes:

·   The UAE authorities conduct frequent inspections of businesses. Ensuring that all employees possess valid employment visas.

·   The UAE encourages citizens and residents to report illegal workers or employers. They can do so through dedicated hotlines and online platforms.

·   The UAE offers visa amnesties to allow illegal residents to rectify their status

Legal aspects of working On a Visit Visa

·   Legal Penalties: UAE labor laws prohibit employment on a tourist visa. The individual engaging in illegal work can lead to

1.       Imprisonment

2.       Fines, and

3.       Even deportation.

·   Overstay Fines On Visa:

You may face fines for working on a tourist visa or for overstaying your visa. As it can accumulate over time.

·   Employment Rights:

On a tourist visa, the Individuals do not enjoy the employment rights and protections. On the other hand, individuals with valid employment visas. It includes paid leave, health insurance, and end-of-service benefits.

·   Services Limited Access:

The individuals encounter difficulties in opening bank accounts. They also face trouble in accessing healthcare, and other essential services.

·   Reputational Damage:

Those who engage in illegal employment practices can harm your reputation. They also cause trouble to future employability in the UAE

Fine without an employment visa in the UAE

Around the UAE, no work might be performed.  Also, no representative might be enlisted without getting a legitimate work grant. The people who disregard this regulation can bring about fines. It varies from AED 50k to AED 200k approx.

Both employee and employer can face the consequences. It can be fines or deportation

The individuals on visit visas must secure the appropriate work permit and UAE residency visa. The UAE offers various types of work permits, including:

1.  Part-time

2.  Temporary, and

3.  Freelance permits

Are there any special cases that permit me to work briefly on a visit visa?

While chipping away at a visit visa in the UAE is by and large not permitted, there are a couple of exemptions and explicit conditions where people might take part in impermanent business-related exercises without a work visa. These exceptions are limited and may require prior authorization or special permits. Some common exceptions include:

·   The individuals visiting the UAE for business conferences, meetings, or negotiations. Those business meetings related to their current employment in another country. So, they may be permitted to conduct business-related activities during their visit.

·   The artists, and athletes participating in events, shows, or exhibitions may be granted special permits. It is allowed only for the duration of their performances.

·   The consultants and experts in the UAE. Especially, those who are temporarily providing specialized services to UAE-based companies. They are allowed to work on short-term projects.

·   The owners of family businesses who are visiting the UAE. The ones who oversee or manage their business may engage in business-related activities

·   Some companies may arrange internships for students visiting on a tourist visa.

Employer issuance of employment visa

·   First, you need to secure a job offer from an employer in the UAE.

·   You will need to undergo a medical examination at an approved medical center or hospital in the UAE.

·   Once you have accepted the job offer. You and your employer will need to sign an official employment contract.

·   The employer of your company will initiate the process by applying for a work permit on your behalf.

·   If your work permit is approved. Your employer will then apply for an entry permit or e-visa for you.

·   Once you enter the UAE on the entry permit. You must undergo a status change from a visit visa holder to an employment visa holder.

·   After the status change process now you will obtain your UAE residence visa.

·   You will also need to apply for an Emirates ID. It is a mandatory identification card for residents in the UAE.

Changing of visit visa to Work UAE

Here are the general moves toward convert your visit visa to a employment visa:

·   Job Offer: In the UAE, secure a job offer from an employer. Guarantee that you have a conventional work contract that frames your:

1.       work job

2.       compensation,

3.       benefits, and

4.       other pertinent terms.

·   Medical Examination: The visa conversion process requires that you need to undergo a medical examination. It should be an approved medical center or hospital in the UAE.

·   Employment Contract: At this point, now sign an official employment contract with your new employer.

·   Work Permit Application: It’s time for your employer to initiate the process by applying for a work permit (labor card) on your behalf.

·   Status Change Application: Your employer, typically through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), will apply for a status change from a visit visa holder to an employment visa holder.

·   Residence Visa: After the status change is approved, you will obtain your UAE residence visa.

·   Emirates ID: You will also need to apply for an Emirates ID, which is a mandatory identification card for residents in the UAE.

·   Exit and Re-entry: Depending on your visa type and the specific requirements, you may be required to exit the country and re-enter to activate your new employment visa.

Any specific sectors or jobs where working on a visit visa is allowed?

Across the UAE, dealing with a visit visa is for the most part not permitted in any area or for any work. The UAE has severe work and movement regulations. It is a legitimate prerequisite to have the fitting work visa. It is otherwise called a work grant. Then again, visit visas are expected for the travel industry, family visits, or other non-work purposes.

Those individuals who attempt to work on a visit visa without the employment authorization is illegal. It can lead to serious consequences, including:

·       Fines

·       Deportation, and

·       Employment bans.

How to Obtain a UAE employment visa: Steps Involve in Employment Visa

Receive a Job Offer:

To begin with, you should get a substantial bid for employment from a business in the UAE. Guarantee that the proposition for employment is certified, as working without the appropriate documentation can prompt lawful issues.

Medical Examination:

Various organizations anticipate that you should go through a clinical evaluation to promise you are solid. This consolidates tests for adaptable sicknesses like tuberculosis and HIV.

Employment Contract:

Your manager will furnish you with a business contract framing the agreements of your business, including pay, benefits, working hours, and other pertinent subtleties.

Submit Required Documents:

You'll need to provide your employer with necessary documents, which may include:

§  Passport copy

§  Passport-sized photos

§  Educational certificates

§  Attested university degree (if applicable)

§  Any other documents required by your employer or the government

Entry Permit Application:

Your imminent business will apply for a passage license for your sake. This passage license permits you to enter the UAE and start the work visa process.

Status Change:

When you show up in the UAE, your status will transform from a guest on a visit visa to an occupant worker.

Emirates ID Application:

Your boss will start the application for an Emirates ID card, which is an obligatory ID record for all occupants in the UAE.

Medical/Clinical Insurance:

It is required for workers to have health care coverage inclusion. Your boss will regularly sort out for your health care coverage strategy.

Employment Visa Stamping:

In the span of 60 days of your appearance, your manager ought to finish the most common way of acquiring the work visa stamp in your identification. This stamp implies that you have lawful consent to work in the UAE.

Labor Card:

The employer will apply for a labor card, also called a work permit from the MoHRE. This card records your employment details and is crucial for legal employment.

Bank Account and Residency Formalities:

You can open a bank account and complete other residency formalities once you have the employment visa.

Labor Contract:

Sign an employment contract with your employer as per UAE labor laws.

Regular Medical Check-ups:

Regular medical check-ups may be required for certain professions. Ensure compliance with relevant health checks, if applicable.

Residence Visa Renewal:

The initial employment visa is typically issued for two or three years. You should renew your residence visa as needed to continue working in the UAE.

Remember that visa prerequisites and cycles might fluctuate depending on your work, ethnicity, and the particular emirate you'll work in. Continuously talk with your manager and the UAE's movement experts for the most modern data and direction on acquiring a business visa.