Work Residence
The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a prime destination for many Pakistanis seeking employment opportunities and the means to support their families back home. To legally work in the Gulf country, individuals must obtain a work residence visa, and the process involves several key steps.
There are two main types of visas available for skilled workers intending to work in the UAE: the standard work visa, valid for two years, and the green visa for work, which has a longer validity period of five years.
The standard work visa caters to employees in both government and private sectors, covering those working in mainland companies or free zone firms. Aspiring workers need to prepare a set of essential documents, including a colored photograph with a white background, a passport copy with a validity of at least six months, and an attested university degree if required.
Upon securing a job offer, applicants from outside the UAE must obtain an entry permit, allowing them to enter the country. This permit is valid for two months, during which the employer completes the necessary procedures for obtaining a work visa. The application process for entry permits can be done through various online channels, such as the eChannels portal, the GDRFA-Dubai website, the ICP App on Google Play and App Store, and Dubai Now on Google Play and App Store.
Once in the UAE, job seekers are required to undergo a medical fitness test, similar to the requirements in their home country. Additionally, they must submit biometric data, including fingerprints and eye scans, for the Emirates ID.
Following successful completion of the medical fitness test and submission of necessary documents, applicants receive their residence visa. With a valid visa and Emirates ID card, individuals can then proceed to apply for a family visa, with a distinct process for this subsequent step in the immigration process. The overall procedure, though multifaceted, aims to streamline the entry and settlement of skilled workers in the UAE.
