Domestic Worker Visa Application

Obtaining a domestic worker visa in the UAE is an essential process for sponsors who want to employ housemaids, nannies, or other domestic workers. This guide will break down the process step by step, ensuring you have all the information and documents required to make it smooth and efficient.

Step 1: Opening a Sponsor File

The very first step in sponsoring a domestic worker is opening a sponsor file. This is essential if you have not previously sponsored a dependent or maid.

Documents Needed:

• First Name
• Last Name
• Email
• Mobile Number (+971)
• Worker Category
• Worker’s Nationality
• Comments (Any additional requirements or notes)

Approval for opening the sponsor file typically takes 24 hours, and a notification will be sent via SMS. Ensure that all provided information is accurate to avoid delays.

Step 2: Obtaining an Entry Permit

Once the sponsor file is opened, the next step is to apply for an entry permit. There are different requirements based on whether the worker is inside or outside the UAE.

For Expats:

A refundable deposit of AED 2,000 is required, and an IBAN is necessary for the refund. Once the typing process is completed, approval will be notified via SMS, and the employment visa will be emailed by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

For Workers Inside the UAE:

If the worker is already in the UAE on a visit or canceled visa, the process follows a similar pattern, and approval will be sent via SMS.

For Workers Outside the UAE:

The worker will enter the country on an “Entry Visa,” which will be sent following the approval process.

Step 3: Change of Status

Once the entry permit is approved, you’ll need to change the worker's visa status, particularly if they are already in the UAE. This process must be completed before the expiry date of the "Change of Status" document, which is valid for 60 days.

Important Notes:

• The worker cannot leave the UAE until the residence visa is stamped.
• If there’s an urgent need to leave the UAE, the entry permit can be canceled, but the visa process will need to be restarted.

Step 4: Medical Fitness Test

In compliance with UAE law, domestic workers must pass a medical fitness test before their residence visa can be issued. Here are the key points:

• Typing must be completed before the worker undergoes the medical test.
• Medical exams must be conducted at approved government health centers.
• The fitness certificate is valid for 90 days.

Step 5: Emirates ID Application

The next step in the process is obtaining an Emirates ID, which is essential for completing the residence visa application.

Biometrics:

• Biometrics must be completed if the worker is applying for an Emirates ID for the first time.
• The biometrics process must be done within 10 days of generating the Emirates ID application; otherwise, the application will become invalid.

ID Validity:

• Local (Emirati): 2 years
• Expat: 1 year
• GCC Nationals: 2 years

Step 6: Medical Insurance

In accordance with UAE regulations, it is mandatory to provide medical insurance for all domestic workers. This includes maids, nannies, and housekeepers.

Policy Issuance:

The insurance policy will be issued once the following documents are provided:

• Signed labor contract
• Medical certificate (FIT)
• Copy of the Emirates ID application

Step 7: Employment Contract

Before the visa can be finalized, an employment contract must be signed under the New Domestic Workers Law (Law 10/2017).

Important Points:

• The contract must comply with the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) regulations.
• MOHRE employment contracts for 2017 and 2018 are accepted for new visa applications.
• If the worker already has an old contract, it must be updated.

Step 8: Residency Visa Application

The final step is submitting the residency visa application. Once approved, the visa sticker will be stamped in the worker’s passport.

Visa Validity:

• Local (Emirati): 2 years
• Expat: 1 year
• GCC Nationals: 2 years

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Conclusion

Sponsoring a domestic worker in Dubai involves a detailed and structured process, but by following these eight steps carefully, you can ensure a smooth visa application. From opening the sponsor file to applying for the residence visa, each phase is crucial and requires attention to detail. Keep in mind the importance of medical exams, insurance, and proper documentation to avoid delays.

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FAQs

1. How long does the domestic worker visa process take in Dubai?
The process can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 1 month, depending on how quickly each step is completed.

2. Can I sponsor more than one domestic worker in Dubai?
Yes, you can sponsor more than one domestic worker, but it requires separate applications for each worker.

3. What is the cost of sponsoring a domestic worker in Dubai?
The total cost varies, but it includes the deposit, visa processing fees, medical exams, Emirates ID, and insurance, which can total around AED 6,000-8,000.

4. What happens if the medical fitness test is not passed?
If the worker does not pass the medical fitness test, the visa application will be denied, and the worker will need to return to their home country.

5. Can a domestic worker travel outside of the UAE while the visa process is ongoing?
No, the worker cannot leave the UAE until the residence visa is stamped. If they need to leave urgently, the entry permit will have to be canceled.