Work in the UAE: How to Find and How Much You Can Make
October 22, 2020
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The United Arab Emirates is one of the richest countries in the world. High revenues from oil (40% of GDP) and strong intention to become the center of world tourism have formed one big reason why, in just 10-15 years a desert has turned into a state with developed infrastructure and a rapidly developing economy.
Now the territory of the Emirates is decorated with modern high-rise buildings, amusement parks, shopping centers, cultivated gardens. The authorities are investing in construction of investment real estate, development of tourism, agriculture, and international trade. At the same time, almost 90% of job positions are occupied by foreigners. Therefore, finding and getting a job in the UAE is not a problem.
But when looking for a job in one of the emirates, it is necessary to take some details into account: culture, differentiation between locals and visitors, the range of vacancies, climate, legal nuances. Prian.ru will tell you about all the features of finding and getting a job in the UAE.
The population of the Emirates is about 9 million people. There are no more than a third of local residents. The rest are labor migrants mainly from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Lebanon. Each nationality has its own role. Lebanese, for example, work mainly in the advertising field. Filipinos are in the service sector (hotels, salons, restaurants) thanks to at least some knowledge of English. Among taxi drivers you will mostly meet Pakistanis, while at construction sites you will find Indians.
As we said, one of the economy sectors, which the UAE government relies on is tourism. Therefore, if your English is at the spoken level and you are not shy when working in the service sector, there are enough job positions. And if you also have a higher education, and the profession is among those in demand - you can be sure to find a job with a decent salary.
By the way, the government of the Emirates encourages intellectuals and introduces 10-year visas for expats working in the fields of science, medicine and research. And according to a survey conducted by HSBC, 73% of labor migrants in the UAE earn more than in their home countries.
There is only one "but": it is almost impossible to obtain citizenship in the country. Those who are left without work, who have run out of a resident visa, must leave. If you have married a local resident, do not count on citizenship: only common children will receive it. The reason for this policy are privileges for the indigenous people. From free annual Internet when buying a SIM card, interest-free installment payments for a car to a cash gift when buying a house for newlyweds and $ 20,000 at the birth of a child. And also UAE citizens in the same job positions receive higher salaries than newcomers. But a little later about that.
Requirements for foreigners
Knowledge of English
There is absolutely no need to speak Arabic. But English is a must. The higher is the level, the wider is the range of vacancies opened to you. There are options for working with basic English, but the salary will be lower.
Pleasant appearance
Most of the vacancies are in the service sector, so attractive appearance is important.
Age
The majority of accepted candidates’ age varies from 18 to 30 years. If we are talking about a highly qualified specialist - up to 35 years (but there were exceptional cases when specialists at the age of 45-50 were hired). The contract is concluded for at least a year: local employers are committed to long-term cooperation.
Confirmation of diploma
In case you are a highly qualified professional. For example, doctors in the UAE are always required, but the selection is tough: the country maintains a reputation of a place with one of the highest levels of medicine in the world. In order to get a job at a local clinic, you need to pass an exam, confirm experience and education (theoretical and practical part), and be fluent in English. The specialization exam is held twice a year. If you want to open your own clinic, you will need to obtain a license. There are three ministries of health in the country, each of them issues a document for work only in a particular emirate.
A few words about legalization of your diploma. This process usually takes from two to three weeks. The validity of the diploma is confirmed by the UAE Consulate. This will need to:
get a certificate from the educational institution that you graduated from;
get you diploma translated into Arabic, certified with a notary, whose authority is confirmed at the Ministry of Justice by certifying the seal at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
bring your diploma and certificate to the UAE consulate.
Cultural Sensitivities
Before looking for vacancies in the UAE, remember that this is a Muslim country. Even in spite of the desire to Europeanize, traditions are observed strictly here. For example, women are allowed to walk in any clothes in the street, but some organizations may not allow to visit in trousers or a short skirt. Eating and drinking in public places is prohibited before sunset during Ramadan.
Other issues include:
Couples should not express their feelings in public (hugs and kisses are forbidden, even holding hands). You cannot officially live with a partner with whom you are not registered. Although unofficially, many couples do this. But there is a nuance: you can get to jail if neighbors report on you. So it's better to be friends with neighbors here.
You can buy alcohol in shops and bars. But do not be surprised if the store asks you for a special license (a certificate from work and from the landlord that they are not against your craving for alcohol).
The punishment for crimes is very severe here, and they catch criminals quickly, since cameras are installed even at public transport stops. Therefore, the UAE is considered one of the safest countries in the world. Many people do not close the door when they leave the house. You can take a safe walk or go to the store at night .
There is a kind of censorship in the UAE: you cannot abuse the sheikh in Internet correspondence, publish bad reviews about the state, spread negative gossips, upload photos of fires, fights, etc. The country cares about a positive image, therefore, they can fine you as best, or deport you as worst.
Peculiarities of Work in UAE
According to the UAE Labor Code, a working day lasts 8 hours, there are 48 hours in the working week. An exception is in the field of tourism and services: here the working day can be increased by 1 hour. There is one day off during the week (most often Friday)., the surcharge is 125% of the rate for overtime work during the day time, - 150% at night. It is negotiable to replace it with an additional day off.
All employees in the UAE are entitled to 30 days of paid leave regardless of citizenship and job position. Some companies will compensate for the cost of your air travel home for this period.
In most cases, the employer pays for accommodation of a foreign employee, his medical insurance, and sometimes meals. Upon dismissal, the employer considers how many years the employee has worked, and pays compensation equal to the salary for 21 days for each year.
Most enterprises assign a trial period when hiring, which can last up to six months. If the candidate does not fit, he can be fired in one day.
After the trial period and hiring procedure, either party has the right to terminate the contract by notifying the other party at least one month in advance. But! If you have not worked for a year since signing the contract, the company has the right to demand reimbursement of all costs for your employment (paperwork, air tickets, etc.).
Moreover: if the desire to terminate the contract in advance is purely yours, the UAE Ministry of Labor has the right to impose a six-month ban on your further employment. In especially difficult cases (for example, you leave work without giving any reason), the ban can be life-long.
If the contract is terminated by agreement of both parties, it is possible to avoid being banned by requesting a No Objection Certificate from the employer which proves the absence of claims against you.
There are no trade unions in the UAE. If a conflict arises between the employer and the employee, the situation is considered by the Immigration Service and the Ministry of Labor. The decision can be appealed in court.
There is an important point: the country has a Wage Protection System, which guarantees that a foreign worker will receive money for his work, even if the employer is unfair.
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The easiest and most common option is to contact a recruiting agency that specializes in selecting candidates for work in the country. Here you will also find a list of in-demand specialties, a range of salaries, conditions for obtaining a visa and employment. But keep in mind that the services of such companies are paid by the applicant. The range of prices is very large: from $ 200 to 1,000. In some cases, the employer returns this "commission" to you.
But there is an option for an independent search. You can find current vacancies on the following sites:
The easiest way is to find a suitable vacancy is to send a CV (in English, with a photo), pass an interview via Skype, sign a contract and then wait for a visa. This option is the cheapest for Dubai companies.
Work experience
Most companies in the restaurant and hospitality industry in the UAE offer work experience programs to young people. Obtaining a work visa is a concern of the employer, the organization also pays for the flight, medical insurance, provides accommodation and meals for the duration of the program and pays a "stipend" of at least $ 410 per month.
Requirements for candidates are: age limit of up to 30 years, fluency in English, studying in a specialized institution (optional). The duration of the internship is usually three to six months. It is not uncommon for the employer to conclude an employment contract with the intern afterwards.
In order to come to work in the UAE, a work visa is required, a tourist visa will not work. But local legislation does not prohibit looking for a suitable place while in the state as a tourist. If you find the option you need, you can discuss the issue of a work visa with a potential employer right on the spot. Moreover, this process will completely depend on the receiving party - all you need is to provide a completed application form (in English), a copy of your passport and two color photos.
The registration process usually takes from two to three weeks, the confirmation is sent by email. Your task is to print the document out on a color printer and present it to the customs officer when crossing the border. The document is valid for up to 60 days.
The next step upon arrival is a resident visa. Its registration takes about a month. In order to obtain it the employer must send the original passport, diploma (if required) and the contract to the immigration service. An important point is going through a medical examination at the expense of the company: it is required to pass tests for hepatitis, HIV, to do a fluorography, a pregnancy test is required for women.
Together with the resident visa, you receive a plastic ID card. This is your ID. The visa is valid for three years. The employer must contact the immigration office again in order to prolong it.
Consequences of Illegal Work in the UAE
Local authorities strictly enforce labor laws and regularly check the companies in the country. If the employer is caught in hiring an illegal, he faces a imprisonment for two months and a fine of up to $ 82 thousand. The illegal employee will be arrested for two or three months, deported and an additional fine will be issued: $ 27 for each day of illegal stay.
Mostly demanded job positions.
Most often, workers are required in the service sector.
bar tenders and waiters;
animators;
cooks;
sales assistants;
parking attendants;
administrators;
fitness trainers;
flight attendants.
Among the specialists who must have certain skills and knowledge, IT specialists, doctors, teachers (English language teachers especially), builders, experienced sales managers and financiers are in strong demand.
Salaries
The minimum wage in the UAE is not legally established. But if we take average wages, then the minimum salary is about $ 400-450 per month, the average salary in the service sector is about $ 600-800. Specialists with higher education and relevant experience can receive up to $ 8 thousand.
Unskilled workers receive the least. For example, maintenance staff and landscapers receive up to $ 400. But do not forget that those who work in the service sector do not spend money on health insurance, accomodation and meals, as well as travel expences to get to work.
Pakistanis, Indians, Filipinos earn the least of all visitors, since their knowledge of the English language is low and they can only work in the most unpresentable positions. Europeans, educated Americans, and Arabs from Saudi Arabia and Jordan receive the most.
Average salaries of foreign workers in the UAE
Taxi drivers 600-800 USD
Waiters 600-800 USD + tips
Secretary 700-1500 USD
Customer manager 1500-2000 USD
Dancer 1000-1500 USD
Flight attendant 1700-2400 USD
Engineer 2500-5000 USD
IT manager from 2500 USD
System administrator 2000-5000 USD
Software programmer from 5000 USD
Taxes
In order to encourage foreign professionals to come to the UAE, the authorities decided not to introduce income and income taxes. There is also no corporate tax - these measures encourage companies to open their offices here. The obligatory fee (up to 55% of the income) is paid only by foreign concessionaires working in the field of resource extraction. Plus, the authorities are gradually introducing VAT: from January 1, 2018 on all products and services.
Working in the UAE is not easy. In addition to all the culture peculiarities and legislation, year-round heat up to +50 ° C and high humidity. And constant heat drops due to the fact that the locals set very low temperatures for air conditioners ( even at public transport stops). But in return - ease of employment and obtaining a work visa, decent salaries and a "tasty" social package. And if you don't have a chance to become a citizen of the country, then work for several years to
