A Comprehensive Guide to Dubai Job Seeking Visa: Benefits, Requirements, and Prices

If you’re considering relocating to Dubai in search of new job opportunities, the UAE’s job seeking visa is designed to simplify your journey. In this article, we’ll delve into the Dubai job seeking visa, exploring its advantages, requirements, and costs.

The UAE introduced the Dubai Job Seeker Visa to better accommodate individuals looking for work opportunities in the country, including Dubai. This visa allows you to come to Dubai specifically for job hunting without having to navigate the visit visa process.

What are the Requirements for a Dubai Job Seeking Visa?

To qualify for a Dubai Job Seeker Visa, you must have a valid passport from your country of origin and meet the eligibility criteria detailed below.

With the introduction of the Job Seeker Visa, the visit visa system has been revised. Visit visas are now available only for one or two months, priced at around 375 AED for a one-month visa and 480-500 AED for a two-month visa. Once your visit visa expires, you’ll need to leave the country and reapply, or pay an in-country renewal fee of 650-700 AED.

What are the Fees for the Dubai Job Seeking Visa?

The Dubai Job Seeker Visa offers a more cost-effective and efficient option. It is available for two, three, or four months (60, 90, or 120 days), with fees as follows:

• Two-month visa: 555.75 AED
• Three-month visa: 685.75 AED
• Four-month visa: 815.75 AED

Please note that these prices are subject to change, and you should confirm the current rates with the relevant authorities.

What is the Financial Guarantee for the Dubai Job Seeking Visa?

The UAE government will charge a financial guarantee of 1,000 AED for the job seeking visa. This amount is refundable once you obtain a work permit or if you leave the country without finding employment. The total cost of the Dubai job seeking visa, including the financial guarantee, ranges from 1,555 AED to 1,815 AED.

What Professions are Eligible for a Dubai Job Seeking Visa?

To qualify for a Dubai job seeking visa, your profession must be classified at Level 3 or above within the UAE’s level-based system, as established by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). This system aligns with the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organization and comprises nine professional levels:

1. Level 1: Legislators, managers, and business executives
2. Level 2: Professionals in scientific, technical, and human fields
3. Level 3: Technicians in scientific, technical, and humanitarian fields
4. Level 4: Writing professionals
5. Level 5: Service and sales occupations
6. Level 6: Skilled workers in agriculture, fisheries, and animal husbandry
7. Level 7: Craftsmen in construction, mining, and other crafts
8. Level 8: Operators and assemblers of machinery and equipment
9. Level 9: Simple professions

To be considered skilled labor, workers must meet the following criteria:

• Be classified at a professional level between 1 and 3, as mentioned above
• Hold a post-secondary certificate or an equivalent attested by competent authorities
• Earn a monthly salary (excluding commission) of no less than AED 4,000

Eligible professions for the Dubai job seeking visa include technicians, mechanics, programmers, engineers, and doctors, who fall within Levels 1 to 5 of the professional classification system.

What If Your Skill Isn’t in the Top 3 Professional Levels

If your profession is not within the top three levels, you can still be eligible for a Dubai job-seeking visa if you hold a degree from one of the world’s top 500 universities. Unfortunately, as of 2023, no universities in Pakistan are ranked within the top 500. Many universities in India hold such a rank, but Pakistani applicants will need to rely on having a profession within the top three levels to qualify. If you possess the necessary skills and qualifications within the top three levels, you will have met one of the requirements for the visa.

For example, if you are a writer without a profession in the top three levels, but your degree is from one of the top 500 universities worldwide, you are still eligible for the Dubai job-seeking visa. To check if your university is among the top 500, Check here.

There are three key points to consider for eligibility:

1. Your profession should be within the top three levels or have a degree from one of the top 500 universities.
2. You must possess a degree, which doesn’t need to be from a top-ranked university.
3. A mandatory financial guarantee of 1,000 dirhams is required.

With these three requirements met, you don’t need to rely on an agent to apply for the Dubai job-seeking visa. You can apply directly through the official portal, where you’ll find all the necessary requirements and step-by-step procedures. The link to the official portal Apply Here.

What are the Advantages of the Dubai Job Seeking Visa Over the Traditional Visit Visa?

The Dubai job seeking visa presents a more straightforward and cost-effective alternative for individuals looking to find work in the city. With reasonable fees, a streamlined process, and the potential for refunding the financial guarantee, this visa type offers numerous advantages over the traditional visit visa.

The Dubai Job Seeker Visa allows you to travel to the UAE with a clear purpose – to find a job. With this visa, you no longer need to lie at the airport about your intentions. Instead, you can confidently state that you are in the country to seek employment, making the entire process more transparent and stress-free.

In conclusion, the Dubai Job Seeker Visa is a valuable option for those looking to find work in the city. With its focus on transparency, affordability, and efficiency, this visa type is an attractive alternative to the traditional visit visa. By following the eligibility requirements and understanding the fees involved, you can make an informed decision about which visa type is best suited for your job seeking journey in Dubai.