UAE moves overseas recruitment work permits into a fully digital service
Registered employers can submit information and documents online when applying to recruit workers from outside the UAE.
Photo: Startup Stock Photos (CC0 1.0)
MoHRE has launched a digital service for establishments applying to recruit and employ workers from outside the UAE. Registered employers can submit the required details and documents through the ministry's online channels without relying on an in-person filing journey.
The change is intended to shorten processing and reduce administrative steps, but it does not transfer the employer's legal responsibilities. Recruitment costs, government fees, insurance, guarantees and required contributions remain the employer's responsibility.
Recruitment teams should update mobilisation checklists, assign ownership for digital submissions and confirm that candidate documents are complete before filing.
What it means for employers
- Move overseas-hire permit workflows to the official digital channel.
- Keep recruitment fees and mandatory worker costs with the employer.
- Validate document quality before submission to avoid digital rework.
Related pages
Summarised by the Horizon GCC team. Original reporting: Gulf News
This briefing is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the relevant authority before acting.
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