No, it’s not legal to work in the UAE on a visit visa or tourist visa. If caught, both the worker and the employer can face fines, deportation, and even a ban from entering the UAE in the future.
Legal Ways to Work in the UAE
There are many legal methods to work in UAE, you need a work permit and a residence visa sponsored by an employer. Here’s the process:
1. Job Offer – Secure a job in UAE by getting a job offer from a UAE-based company.
2. Work Permit Application – After getting the offer letter, the employer has to apply for a work permit (issued by the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation – MOHRE) for you.
3. Entry Permit – Once your work permit gets approved, you will be able to enter the United Arab Emirates by issuing an entry visa for you.
4. Medical Test & Emirates ID – After you arrive in UAE you will guided to take a medical test to issue the Emirates ID. Once the medical is completed you will be able to continue in UAE.
5. Residence Visa & Labour Card – Your employer finalizes the visa process on your behalf to issue your residence visa and labour card allowing you to work legally in UAE.
Risks of Working on a Visit Visa
• If the Ministry of UAE catches, fines of up to AED 50,000 can be charged for both worker and employer.
• Illegal working in the UAE may lead to deportation and a potential ban from re-entering the UAE.
• There will be no legal protection for you when you are working on a visit visa (no salary guarantee, labour rights, or benefits).
Alternative: You can try Job Hunting on a Visit Visa
• You can search for jobs on a visit visa and change once a job offer is received for you.
• Many companies offer visa sponsorship, so negotiate this before accepting any job.
Best of luck for your journey.