I arrived in the UAE on a visitor's visa. I've been given the opportunity to manage a friend's company in Dubai. Do I need to first obtain an employment visa before I can join on a visit visa?
Answer: Your pal who owns a mainland Dubai business is likely offering you a job. Therefore, Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on Employment Relations, Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 on Implementation, and Federal Decree Law No. 29 of 2021 on Foreigners' Entry and Residence apply.
Without a work permit, UAE employers cannot hire. This follows Article 6(1) of the Employment Law and Article 5(4) of the Immigration Law. The statutes' provisions read:
Article 6(1) of the Employment Law states: "No work may be performed in the UAE, and no employer may recruit or employ any employee without a work permit from the Ministry, in accordance with this Decree-Law and its Executive Regulations."
Article 5(4) of the Immigration Law: “An alien is obligated not to engage in any activity or work except in accordance with the legislation in force in the State.”
Employers in the UAE who hire workers without work permits may be fined or deported. This follows Article 60 (1) of the Employment Law and Article 25 (1) & (7) of the Immigration Law. The statutes' provisions read:
Article 60(1) of the Employment Law: You will be fined between Dh50,000 and Dh200,000.
– Hires a non-permitted worker.”
Article 25 (1) & (7) of Immigration Law:
Anyone who employs, harbours, or puts the alien in violation of this Decree-Law shall be punished with a Dh50,000 fine, and recidivism shall result in imprisonment and a Dh50,000 fine.
In such circumstances, the court shall order the expulsion of the violating immigrant and the alien who employed or harboured him upon recidivism.”
An employer and employee might agree to get a work permit based on the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation's work permit types. Part-time, temporary, and freelance employment permits are listed in Article 6 of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022.
You cannot work in your friend's business on a visit visa under the law. Instead, ask your friend for a work permit and UAE residency visa sponsored by his corporation to handle his UAE firm.
