Following a Cabinet Resolution published last month, the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has revealed a new list of costs related to the issuance and revisions of work permits.
His Majesty Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, issued Cabinet Resolution No. 37 of 2022, which modifies a few conditions of a previous resolution from 2020 (Resolution No. 21 of 2020) concerning service fees and administrative fines within MOHRE.
The new list of fees will take effect on June 1, 2022, according to a statement on MOHRE’s official social media account.
MOHRE has provided a breakdown of the new work permit cost structure.
Fees for obtaining a work permit for an employee who is already in the country
- Issuing a work permit for juveniles – Dh50
- Temporary work permit – Dh50
- Issuing a part-time work permit – Dh50
- Training permit – Dh50
- Probationary work permit – Dh50
- Issuing a work permit for residency holders – Dh50
- Issuing a work permit for residency holders of freelancers for two years – Dh250
Work permit fees for workers from outside the UAE
If a worker is not in the UAE at the time of the work permit application, the following fees will apply:
Request for a work permit:
- Category A: Dh50
- Category B: Dh50
- Category C: Dh50
Issue a work permit for two years:
- Category A: Dh250
- Category B: Dh1,200
- Category C: Dh3,450
Issue a work permit for a project:
- Category A: Dh250
- Category B: Dh250
- Category C: Dh250
Fees to renew work permits and amend labor contracts
Renewal of work permits for two years:
- Category A – Dh250
- Category B – Dh1,200
- Category C – Dh3,450
Amending a labor contract:
- Category A – Dh50
- Category B – Dh50
- Category C – Dh50
Fees for transferring a worker from one company to another (transfer permit)
Request for a transfer permit from one company to another
- Category A – Dh50
- Category B – Dh50
- Category C – Dh50
Issuing a permit to transfer and employ a worker from one company to another, for a period of two years
- Category A – Dh250
- Category B – Dh1,200
- Category C – Dh3,450
Who pays work permit costs?
According to the new UAE Labour Law – Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 – the employer is responsible for all recruitment charges. This includes the price of obtaining a work visa and obtaining a work permit. This is in accordance with Article 6 (4) of the Law, which states: “An employer shall not charge the worker or collect from his recruitment and employment costs, either directly or indirectly.”
