Part-time contracts offer flexibility and additional income opportunities to residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). If you are employed by a company and are considering working part-time, it is important to understand the regulations and requirements in force in the country.
Many people think that working part-time for a second employer is only possible with your main employer's approval... Well, that is completely false. Be aware that you do not need your original employer's approval to work part-time in the UAE.
Employment in Dubai and part-time employment contracts
Part-time employment opportunities have increased considerably in the United Arab Emirates in recent years. Whether you are a full-time employee looking to increase your income or a student seeking professional experience, part-time jobs can be a valuable option. In sectors such as hospitality, catering, retail and tourism, demand for part-time employees is constantly increasing. Dubai, as a major commercial and tourism hub, offers many opportunities in these fields. New regulations favorable to the UAE make part-time employment easier by removing the requirement to obtain approval from the primary employer. This makes it easier for individuals to balance their professional and personal commitments. In summary, the part-time job market in the United Arab Emirates, particularly in Dubai, is promising and offers the flexibility needed to balance work with other commitments.
Read more:
Working in Dubai in 2023: part-time employment possible in the United Arab Emirates
Conditions for working part-time in Dubai
Emiratis, other GCC nationals and expatriates residing in the United Arab Emirates with an employment visa may take on a second job after obtaining a part-time work permit issued by the
MoHRE. This permit is valid for one year and can be obtained within 48 hours.
To work part-time, the first step is to obtain a work permit from MoHRE; this step is very simple. A work permit is required for anyone employed in the UAE, regardless of the nature of the job.
The employer offering the part-time position must submit the application along with the signed part-time contract. This means that your new employer, the one offering you the part-time position, will handle the work permit application process on your behalf.
The part-time work permit is available to everyone, regardless of nationality. The eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Be over 18 years old;
- Have a passport valid for more than 6 months;
- Have a valid residence permit;
- The part-time contract must be for at least 20 hours per week;
- The working hours or days must be fewer than those of full-time employees;
- No bank guarantee or insurance is required;
- No electronic quota is required to obtain a part-time work permit.
The fees for a part-time work permit include an AED100 application fee and an AED500 approval fee.
It is also important that your education, profession and experience match the position for which you are applying, as well as the license of the company hiring part-time employees. In other words, the company may only hire someone if their profile matches its field of activity and the required qualifications. Meeting these requirements ensures a qualified and professional workforce.
Attention:
Under the provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. 2 of 2007, when an expatriate is found working for a company other than the one that officially employs them, that company will be subject to a fine of AED50,000, in addition to any further penalties in the event of repeat offenses.
No approval required from your original employer
One common misconception about part-time employment in the United Arab Emirates is the need to obtain approval from your original employer. However, this is not the case. UAE labor laws do not require you to seek approval from your full-time employer to work part-time elsewhere. Under this work system, you can work for multiple employers without requiring prior approval from your original employer or any other employer.
You are therefore free to explore part-time opportunities as long as you meet the necessary legal requirements, such as obtaining a part-time work permit and complying with the minimum hours required by MoHRE.
For more information, please contact us at
support@merritt.group or by phone at +971 4 422 1345.
Merritt Group
