Have you decided where you want to work after graduation? The United Arab Emirates (UAE), and particularly Dubai, offer a wealth of opportunities for recent or soon-to-be graduates who want to add invaluable career-building experience to their resumes. But if you want to work in Dubai, you will first need a Dubai visa. Here is everything you need to know about why so many graduates are moving to the UAE and what is required to get a work visa to start the next chapter of your career.
“The opportunities Dubai, or the UAE as a whole present to graduates who study here are quite immense,” said Shamiksha Shetty, business partner – undergraduate at Heriot-Watt University Dubai. “UAE is a central hub, [where] many multinational corporations or brands have set up a base here. Whether you want to work in medical, law, entertainment, fashion, IT, marketing and so on, you will always find the right opportunities here, in any field you want to grow in.”
Read on for Shetty’s insights into why international students should consider work in Dubai and the UAE after graduation – and what they need to do to get the Dubai visa to make it happen.
Benefits of Working in the UAE
The UAE and Dubai are attractive to foreign employees for many reasons, but a main selling point is that expats aren’t required to pay income tax.
“Most companies [also] offer salary packages that would be both competitive in the market as well as aligned to their brands, this also helps add on to an individual’s standard of living,” said Shetty. According to a November 2023 AECC article, graduates at entry-level roles “can anticipate salaries ranging from AED 7,000 to AED 15,000 [$1,900 to $4,085] monthly.” This means that expat employees can earn extra income without having to pay income tax, while still gaining experience in their field of choice.
Another reason to consider a job in the UAE after graduation is the high demand for skilled professionals across a wide range of careers. As the second-largest and most populated city in the UAE, Dubai is a commercial epicenter in the Middle East and offers competitive job opportunities at some of the top companies in the world.
According to Dr. Job’s Top In-Demand Jobs in the UAE (recently updated for 2024), the UAE’s “emphasis on economic diversification and innovation”, as well as industry expansion, leads to a strong demand for skilled professionals, especially in technology, renewable energy, health care, and logistics. “Moreover, strategic initiatives like Expo 2020 and Vision 2030 are likely to contribute to job creation through infrastructure projects, tourism, and investments in sustainable development.”
As for living in the UAE, Shetty says that because the region is a multicultural hub, “you won’t ever feel out of place. The convenience in terms of traveling, living, and food is something that is hard to come by in different countries. In the UAE, we are encouraged to respect and understand each other’s culture, including religious beliefs, so you will always see everyone celebrating each other, whether it’s festivals or their home country’s main events.”
How to Apply to Work in the UAE After Graduation
If you want to work in Dubai (or elsewhere in the UAE) as a non-citizen, you will need to first obtain a proper work permit. The first step to obtaining a Dubai visa is to find a job that fits with your career goals. Shetty notes that the UAE is an evolving region, one “that constantly works with current market trends and focuses on innovations and technology, bringing in constant opportunities for the country.”
Recent graduates will find a range of career opportunities that are guaranteed to add sought-after experience in their desired field. After an international candidate secures an offer from their desired company, the employer will then “sponsor” the employee and apply for the work permit.
“Once you get your contract, the company will start the visa process,” said Shetty. “So basically, when you secure a job and sign the contract, you will be directed to go through the visa process.” The best time to apply for a job, according to Shetty, is usually June to September or January to March.
According to the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation, the “steps for recruiting a new employee from outside the country include filling out the unified application, issuing a work permit for the employee, then the employee should continue to complete the residence procedures, which include medical examination and issuance of the Emirates ID card, as mandatory steps that require employee’s presence.”
The UAE government has also recently launched the “Work Bundle,” a new way to streamline the process of “employee residency procedures and work permits in private sector companies. The first phase of the initiative will be implemented in Dubai and will be gradually expanded to include other Emirates” (UAE Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation).
Work Permit Requirements, Fees, and Schedule
Though the employer will apply for the candidate’s work permit, potential foreign employees will still be required to provide several important documents in order to be approved for a work visa, including:
Color photo against a white background
Copy of passport (valid for at least six months)
Official job offer form issued by the ministry, signed by both the employer and employee
A copy of both sides of the candidate’s valid national ID cards issued by their home countries (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran workers only)
Several other documents may be required, depending on the sought-after position, including:
Copy of birth certificate
Proof of a bachelor’s degree or a professional license
The cost to apply for a Dubai visa can vary based on the size of and rate of turnover for the hiring company, as well as the potential employee’s personal circumstances. The employer will be responsible for covering the cost of the application fee.The time it takes to approve an application is usually between 48 hours and seven business days. Regulations can change frequently, so check with the UAE Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation for the most up-to-date information.
Once approved for a work permit, employees will be given 60 days upon entering the country to complete the necessary medical examination and other requirements to earn a work visa that is then valid for two years. During this period, the employer will have to complete any remaining documentation, including security checks.
Working with a Dubai Visa
Working in the UAE doesn’t require much more effort than working in other countries, since the company that hires you will handle most of the visa application and fees. The benefits of working in the UAE, however, may far exceed jobs in other places. Graduates who choose the Emirates for employment or pursue work in Dubai will have the opportunity to gain experience at a competitive company while earning extra income from not paying taxes.
