Labor & Immigration Services

Labor & Immigration Services in the UAE – Complete Step-by-Step Guide:

What Are Labor & Immigration Services in the UAE?

Labor & Immigration Services refer to the legal procedures required to hire employees, issue work permits, obtain residency visas, and manage employment records in compliance with UAE labor and immigration laws. These services ensure that businesses and individuals meet all government requirements when operating or working in the country.

Why Are These Services Important?

• Visa-Ready Workforce: Ensures employees are fully documented and ready to work.
• Legal Compliance: Avoid fines and penalties by aligning with UAE labor laws and immigration policies.
• Efficient Hiring: Streamline the employee onboarding process and reduce delays.
• Company Sponsorship Setup: Enables your company to legally sponsor employees.
• Professional Record Management: Maintain accurate contracts, permits, and employee files.

Brightlink Consulting can help you with all visa services in Dubai and other Emirates. Get in touch with our team today.

Introduction to MOHRE, AMER & ICP:

MOHRE – Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation

MOHRE is the federal authority responsible for labor affairs in the UAE. It oversees employment regulations, work permits, labor contracts, and employer-employee relations.

MOHRE services include:

• Labor file registration
• Work permit issuance & renewals
• Quota approvals
• Employment contract approvals
• Handling labor complaints and disputes

MOHRE applies to all mainland companies across the UAE.

AMER Centers – Dubai Only

AMER centers operate under the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA-Dubai) and serve as a one-stop solution for visa and immigration services within Dubai.

AMER services include:

• Entry permit issuance
• Visa stamping, renewal & cancellation
• Change of status
• Dependent visa applications
• Emirates ID typing (in coordination with ICP)

AMER is exclusive to Dubai-based visa processes.

ICP – Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security:

Formerly known as ICA, the ICP is the federal body responsible for Emirates ID issuance and residency-related records across all Emirates.

ICP services include:

• Emirates ID application, renewal, and replacement
• Residency visa typing (in non-Dubai emirates)
• Change of status
• E-channel services and smart pass login
• Border control & entry/exit registration

ICP handles visa and ID services in all emirates except Dubai, where GDRFA/AMER manage immigration instead.

Step-by-Step Guide: Labor & Immigration Services in the UAE

Whether you’re starting a company or hiring employees, handling labor and immigration procedures properly is essential for legal compliance and operational success. Below is a complete breakdown of the process:

Step 1: Open a Labor & Immigration File

To legally hire staff or apply for employment visas, every company must first open:

• Labor file with the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE)
• Immigration file with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)

📄 Requirements:

• Trade license copy
• Tenancy contract
• Passport copy of owner/partners
• Emirates ID copy of owner
• Establishment card (if already issued)

Step 2: Apply for Establishment Card (Immigration)

This is your company’s identity in the immigration system. It is required for:

• Visa applications
• Entry permits
• Company sponsorship

📌 Issued by: Immigration authority (based on emirate)

Step 3: Apply for E-Signature Card (MOHRE)

This digital signature card authorizes you or your PRO to sign and submit labor-related documents electronically.

📌 Required for: Employment contracts, labor quota applications, and employee approvals.

Step 4: Submit Labor Quota Request

Labor quota approval is needed to hire new employees under your company sponsorship.

📄 Details required:

• Number of employees
• Job titles
• Nationality mix (if applicable)

✅ MOHRE must approve this based on your business activity and office size.

Step 5: Apply for Work Permit / Offer Letter

Once the quota is approved:

• A work permit (initial approval) is issued
• The offer letter must be signed by the employee and submitted to MOHRE

🕐 Validity: 60 days from date of issue (employee must enter UAE and complete visa process within this period)

Step 6: Entry Permit Issuance & Change of Status (If Applicable)

Once the work permit is approved, an entry permit (also known as the pink visa) is issued for both applicants inside or outside the UAE.

• For applicants outside the UAE:
  The entry permit allows the employee to enter the UAE and begin the residence visa process.
• For applicants already inside the UAE:
  A Change of Status request must be submitted through immigration to switch from their current visa (e.g., tourist, previous employment, or visit) to the new employment visa. This avoids the need to exit and re-enter the country.

📌 Processing Time: 1–3 working days
📌 Authority: GDRFA (Dubai) or ICA (other Emirates)

Step 7: Emirates ID & Medical Typing

Once inside the UAE, the employee must:

• Complete medical fitness test
• Apply for Emirates ID

🔹 These are mandatory for visa stamping.

Step 8: Labor Contract & Visa Stamping

The employment contract is finalized and submitted to MOHRE.

Then:

• Visa is stamped on the passport
• Emirates ID card is printed
• The employee is officially registered under your company

Brightlink Management Consultancy – Your Visa Experts

At Brightlink, we offer end-to-end residency visa solutions, handling everything from eligibility assessment and documentation to visa stamping and renewals. With expert knowledge of UAE immigration law and a commitment to client satisfaction, we make the visa process smooth, fast, and stress-free.

Get in touch with Brightlink today and let us help you secure your future in the UAE.