Step by step process to know how to get a job in Dubai
Interested to take up a job in Dubai? After a not so good 2016, things are getting better in 2017. According to a recent LinkedIn report, businesses in Dubai has already started to focus on new hires.
For those seeking job in Dubai, we would like to highlight that statistical analysis, data mining, public policy, international relations, algorithm design, web architecture, SEO/SEM marketing and UI design among the top qualifications which are in demand in Middle East especially in Dubai.
So, if your skill set match with the aforementioned list and you are ready to jump into the budding job market in Dubai, we would let you know from where to start. This guide will be helpful for you to understand the most important information and steps involved for visa, sponsorship, interview tips and job portals to look at.
- Get the right visa
The primary requirement to work in Dubai is to have a work visa in place.
If you’re planning to work in Dubai, you’ll need a work visa. If you’re employeed by company directly, it is pretty easy to get the work visa. Because a work visa is mandatory, it is easiest to go Dubai soon after you’ve been offered a position there. There is another option which one can consider – it is also possible to enter Dubai on a visitor visa or tourist visa, do your job search and then once you’ve found employment then you can get the visa status transferred.
Most visitors to Dubai aren’t required to obtain a visa ahead of time; it will be issued to you upon arrival.
Citizens who don’t need a visa for 90 days
Job seekers who are citizens from the following countries are allowed to remain in the UAE for a duration of 90 days after their arrival in the country. They can find a job in Dubai and apply for a work visa in that span of time.
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Cyprus
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Holland
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Citizens who don’t need a visa for 30 days
Below is the list of countries whose citizens don’t need to get a visa in advance for their arrival. Visa will be issues to them once they reach UAE and will be valid for 30 days. Also, if required citizens of these countries may also extend their visa up to 60 days of duration.
- Andorra
- Australia
- Brunei
- Canada
- China
- Hong Kong
- Ireland
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- Russia
- San Marino
- Singapore
- South Korea
- United Kingdom
- United States
- The Vatican
While these tourist visas are a good way to get into the country and do your job search, it is equally important to have a work visa once you find job there or leave the country when your visa expires. People who are caught working without work visa can be jailed, fined and deported back to their native country.
The best part is, once you find a job, the process of getting the visa will not require too much attention from your end. The company which has hired you will take care of all the processes and your role would be to help them with documents.
- Get your health and labor cards
You will need to submit your medical reports, copy of passport, photo (as per Dubai Visa specifications), job offer letter and visa application to the Department of Health and Medical Services.
One also has to give a blood test to show that he or she doesn’t has any diseases like HIV, Hepatitis C and tuberculosis. Once you pass all the tests you’ll be issued a health card, which is compulsory for foreign workers in Dubai.
You’ll also need a labor card which includes sending your passport photo, employment contract, entry visa, medical records and your employer’s labor licence to the Ministry of Labor.
Additionally, you’ll need a residence visa, which is issued by Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. Once you reach their in person, you’ll need to fill out a form, provide your passport, medical records, passport photos, health certificate, original entry permit, a copy of your labor card and the receipt from your labor card processing.
And that’s it! You’re all set to legally start working in Dubai, as you now have your work visa, health card, labor card, and residence visa in hand.
- Know your job market
The overall financial health of emirates is becoming stable, not all job markets are going to see the bloom. But it is true that there are some areas that are expected to hire new employees in preparation for Dubai’s hosting duties at expo 2020. Below markets with which you can be hopeful are:
- Legal
- Finance
- Marketing
- Procurement
- IT
- Hospitality
- Telecomm
- Tourism
- Check out the big companies
Companies that are well known in Dubai for their rigorous hiring and excellent standing should be seen as potential places to work. The top 10 of those businesses include retail chains THE One, Splash, Hilton Worldwide, Estee Lauder and Hilti Emirates, media giant Omnicom, IT specialists EMC², FedEx and Weber Shandwick Professional services.
- Apply online
A favorite among Dubai job-seekers in Dubai is bayt.com. To get a better idea of what companies are hiring in Dubai you may take a look at the openings on this job site.
Some other good sites for finding jobs and internships include:
- Dubai Task
- Khaleej Times Jobs
- Dubizzle
- Naukrigulf
- Indeed
- Laimoon
- Gulftalent
- Efinancial Careers
Some great sites that are specific to finding internships include:
- Dubai Minds (High school student placement)
- Internsme
- GoAbroad.com
- Consider a recruiter
Many Dubai businesses hire through headhunters. Working with an agency is still the best way to find a job within the emirate. Some of the best reputed agencies include:
- Jivaro Partners (marketing & communications jobs)
- ESP International (conferences, events, hospitality)
- MCG & Associates (PR, publishing, marketing & communications jobs)
- Robbert Murray (development, construction, engineering & public sector jobs)
- BAC Middle East (engineering, marketing & management jobs)
If plan to work through an agency, look for agencies that take commission on the employer’s end, not yours. Be wary of recruiters that collect high fees from job-seekers, these may be scams.
- Work on your CV
The single most important tool and the very first introduction document that you share with any interviewer is your CV.
Job market in Dubai is extremely competitive and usually a recruiter will only spend six seconds checking out your resume. It’s important to avoid major CV mistakes, like using buzzwords. Try to include facts like targets achieved, projects worked on etc. Here are some great interview tips for those who are in process of find a job.
- Network
Dubai is famous for hiring candidates internally and through employee-referenced. If you know someone inside the company, you are 6.6% more likely to find a job in Dubai. If you don’t know someone in Dubai, you can still network. Not only are there many online communities and social media platforms, you can also find specific “online job fairs” to help with the “who-you-know.”
Lastly, we would say that it takes time to find a job anywhere in the world, but Dubai’s job market is competitive. On top of this, hiring in Dubai tends to be seasonal, meaning most recruitment takes place from January to March because of the halt during the holy month of Ramadan and the hottest months of the summer. It may take you around six months you find a job in Dubai – so be patient.
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