If you are currently employed by a mainland Dubai-based company and are planning to buy a new house to make yourself eligible for the Golden Visa, you may wonder what will happen to your employment visa if you decide to get the Golden Visa. The provisions of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relations, Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, and Administrative Resolution No. 38 of 2022 are applicable in such situations.
In the UAE, individuals residing under a UAE golden residency visa are allowed to take up employment. Golden Visa holders permit is issued upon the request of an establishment registered with the Ministry that wishes to employ an employee holding a golden Visa in the State. Before obtaining a golden residency visa, an employee must inform the employer about the change in their UAE residency visa. The employer then needs to cancel the existing work permit and residency visa of the employee.
Once the work permit of a prospective UAE golden residency visa holder employee is cancelled, they may sign a new employment contract with the existing or a prospective employer and obtain a work permit in accordance with the provisions laid down in Administrative Resolution No. 38 of 2022. The requirements to obtain a work permit through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiritisation (MoHRE) for a UAE golden residency visa holder include a clear colored photo, a copy of a valid passport, an approved employment contract by the Ministry, academic certificates, and a professional license where applicable.
Therefore, if you obtain a golden visa residency, you may request your employer to apply for a fresh work permit. It is recommended to contact the MoHRE for further clarifications on this matter. Ashish Mehta, the founder and Managing Partner of Ashish Mehta & Associates, is qualified to practise law in Dubai, the United Kingdom, and India. Readers can email their questions to [email protected] or send them to Legal View, Khaleej Times, PO Box 11243, Dubai.
In conclusion, as an employee of a mainland Dubai-based company, you can switch to a golden residency visa and still be eligible to work in the UAE. It is important to inform your employer about the change in your residency status and have them cancel your existing work permit before obtaining the golden visa. Once the work permit is cancelled, you can sign a new employment contract and obtain a new work permit in accordance with the regulations. Make sure to fulfill all the requirements and contact the relevant authorities for further guidance on the process.
