If you want to work in the UAE, you must have a legal work permit in advance. According to UAE labor laws, it is essential for everyone to have a Labor Card, whether you are just looking for a job or running a business. In this article, we will show you a complete guide on what is a work permit number in UAE and how to check a work permit number.
What Is a Labor Card in UAE?
The Labor Card, also known as the UAE Work Permit Card, allows you to legally work in the UAE. It is your work ID that carries all your work details. If you are an employee, it will be your proof of employment and hold personal information, such as your job and company. Employers must ensure that all employees have valid Labor Cards to avoid any legal problems or fines.
What Is a Work Permit Number in UAE?
In Dubai and the UAE, the Work Permit Number or Labour Card Number is considered a unique identification code that is assigned to each individual work permit and is typically imprinted on your Labour Card. You can obtain the work permit number from MOHRE or the relevant free zone authority. This number can be used to lodge a wage-related grievance, request visa-related services, and track the work permit’s status and other associated details.
UAE Labour Card Front & Back
When you have the UAE Labour Card, you can find that there is a lot of basic personal information displayed on the card. Here you can check the details below:
UAE labor card front side
- The employee’s full name
- Personal identification number of the employee
- The employee’s nationality
- The employee’s occupation
- The employee’s photo
The back side of the UAE labor card
- The expiry date of the UAE Labour Card
- The sex of the employee
- Date of birth of the employee
- Employee’s labor card number
- The employee’s signature
Different Types of UAE Labor Cards & Work Permits
Before applying for a UAE work card or work permit, you should know the types of work cards. Here you can check the different types of UAE labor cards and work permits which is tailored to cater to various employment needs in the UAE.
Work Permit for Foreign Workers
It allows businesses to hire international talent from outside the UAE, which can contribute to the diversity of the UAE workforce.
Transfer Work Permit
It allows a foreign employee to move from one employer to another within the UAE, which can provide flexible jobs for employees and help employers retain skilled workers.
Temporary Work Permit
It is issued to someone who works on short-term projects or temporary positions with no long-term commitments.
One-Mission Work Permit
It is issued for companies to hire foreign workers to complete a temporary task or specialized project for a specific period.
Juvenile Work Permit
It allows individuals between the ages of 15 and 18 to gain early career experience. And they will get protection under labor laws.
Student Training Work Permit
It allows companies to hire students in the UAE for training or internship purposes. Therefore, it is good for students to obtain practical learning and work experience.
National Apprentice Permit
It enables UAE nationals to obtain training in various professions, which can help nationals gain meaningful careers in the private sector.
Freelance Work Permit
It allows self-employed foreigners in the UAE to offer services to individuals or companies, which brings entrepreneurship and flexibility to the job market.
Work Permit for Citizens Sponsored by Relatives
It allows UAE citizens to work while they are sponsored by family members.
Part-Time Work Permit
It allows employees to work for multiple employers, providing flexibility for workers to seek multiple job opportunities.
Permit to hire Emirati or GCC citizens
It promotes the employment of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals.
Golden Visa Work Permit
It allows UAE Golden Residence Visa holders to work in the country. In addition, it can attract and retain highly skilled professionals and investors.
Who Can Apply for UAE Labor Card & Work Permit?
If you wish to apply for a UAE Labour Card and work permit, employees and employers must meet the key eligibility requirements to obtain a UAE Labour Card. Here you can check the requirements below:
For Employees
- You must be at least 18 years old but not older than 60.
- A degree or diploma that proves that you are trained for the job if you are applying for a professional job.
- A medical exam to make sure you are healthy and fit for work.
For Employers
- You must keep up-to-date records for all your employees, such as job details, personal information, and their Labour Card status.
- You need to get their Labour Card sorted once someone joins your team.
- You must follow the rules of the Ministry of Human Resources and Empowerment (MoHRE) regarding the employment of staff in the UAE.
How to Apply for a UAE Labor Card?
Before applying, you must prepare all the necessary documents in advance. Here you can check the list below:
- A UAE passport-size photo
- A copy of the company’s valid trade license
- A copy of the employee’s passport and entry visa
- A valid health certificate
- Three copies of the employment contract
- Academic credentials depending on the job, such as a copy of a university certificate for a doctor or lawyer
After you have prepared all the documents, you can follow the steps below and apply for a work permit in the UAE.
- You must obtain MoHRE visa quota approval. If you work for a company that is in the free zone, you must obtain permission before entering the UAE.
- You must have a signed contract letter in both English and Arabic.
- You will receive an entry visa, a “pink visa”, which will allow the employee to enter the country.
- In addition, you need to go through a medical screening to receive the relevant documentation.
- You must complete the official application form and provide other documents at the Emirates ID Service Centre.
- Once the permit is issued, the staff at the center will stamp your employee’s passport, Emirates ID collection, and the official work permit.
How to Prepare a Work Permit Photo?
You must prepare a photo of the work permit for the application and you can take it home. Then you can upload this photo to a professional photo editor – AiPassportPhotos to make a compliant photo for your UAE work permit card. You must prepare a qualified UAE passport-sized photo, otherwise, your work permit application won’t be approved because of the wrong photos.
UAE Work Permit Processing Time & Fee
When you apply for the UAE work permit, it usually takes you about 5 working days to process the work permit application. In addition, you must pay the application fee according to the type of work permit you are applying for.
- Category 1: AED 300
- Category 2: AED 600 to AED 2000, depending on whether the worker is skilled or unskilled
- Category 3: AED 5000
- If you want a Dubai work visa for 2 years, you need to pay AED 3000 to AED 7000
- If you are a foreign worker over 65, you must pay AED 5,000 in all categories.
How to Check Work Permit Status & Number in UAE?
If you wish to check the status and number of your work permit, you can do so through the MOHRE Online website. Here you can follow the steps below:
- You need to visit MoHRE official enquiry website.
- Select the “Pre-approval for Work Permit Information Status for MOI Service” option from the Search option.
- Enter your permit number and click on the “Search” option, and you should see your current UAE Work Permit Information status and number.
UAE Work Permit Validity, Renewal & Fines
According to the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Empowerment (MoHRE), you need to begin the renewal process up to 60 days before your Labour Card expires. Here you can follow the renewal steps below:
- You must prepare the required documents in advance, such as a completed application form, passport size photo, valid copy of passport, copy, Labour Card and valid Emirates ID, etc.
- Your employer should submit the application form and required documents via the MoHRE portal or at a Tas’heel service center.
- Then, your employer will need to pay renewal fees that depend on the type of Labour Card and the company’s category.
- Once your renewal application is approved, you will receive your renewed Labour Card. Or you can check the digital labor card through the MoHRE app or website.
Fines for Renewal Delays
If your work card expires but the employer does not apply for a new work card within 60 days, they could be fined AED 500.
How to Modify UAE Labor Card Information?
If you find inappropriate information on your work card, you can change it at the Tash’heel Centre by providing valid documents and information. It only takes a few days to complete the modification process. However, when you want to change the work card for medical or academic employees, you need to provide a letter of approval from the relevant government agencies.
UAE Labor Card Benefits
When you have a work card, it can be used to access work-related benefits. Here you can check the list of benefits that employees can enjoy:
- Employees can access health insurance applications.
- It is easy to deal with things like accurate hours of work, sick pay, and annual leave.
- It ensures that you can adhere to key UAE employment regulations. For example: a maximum of 48 working hours per week and 8 working hours per day; working hours and overtime must be compensated correctly.
- It will ensure fair and safe working conditions. For example, employees should not be discriminated against on the basis of religion, sex, or disability.
- It can help access social security benefits and educational opportunities.
- They can make contributions to retirement funds.
FAQ
📌What happens when a labor card expires in the UAE?
If your work card expires, you need to get a new one within 50 days of expiry. If you do not, you will face a fine of AED 500. Therefore, you must obtain a valid work permit in the AUE.
📌Can I apply for a UAE work permit abroad?
Of course, you can. Before moving to the UAE, foreign nationals must apply for a UAE work visa in advance. You need to choose the right work visa, obtain an entry visa, and apply for an Emirates ID.
📌How do I know if my work card is active?
If you want to check if your work card status is active, you can do so via the MOHRE website online by selecting “Pre-approval for Work Permit Information Status for MOI Service” and entering your permit number. Then you will see your current UAE Work Permit Information status.
📌What is the maximum age limit to work in the UAE?
There is no maximum age limit to work in the UAE. So you can apply for a work visa if you qualify for the job you are applying for.
📌Is the UAE Labor Card mandatory?
Yes. According to the UAE Labour Law, it is illegal for a person to work in the UAE if they do not have a valid work permit. Therefore, you must have a work permit number through the Ministry of Human Resources and Empowerment (MoHRE).
Conclusion
All in all, it is important for you to apply for a Dubai or UAE work permit if you want to work in the UAE. You must keep your UAE work permit status active, otherwise, you may face a fine for an invalid UAE work card. And you can check the status of the work permit in UAE according to the steps mentioned above.
Dolores Xiao