Dubai’s new employment visa system, enhanced with AI-driven automation, promises a quicker and more efficient process for Indian nationals seeking residency and employment
The update aims to improve the overall experience for expatriates, making it easier for them to work and reside in the UAE. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) have implemented AI-powered automation and digital tools to simplify the process, reported business-standard.com.
Key Steps in the New Visa Application Process
The two-year employment visa is vital for expatriates working under a UAE employer’s sponsorship. It allows individuals to live and work in Dubai while accessing services like banking and healthcare.
Here’s how the updated application process works for 2025:
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Job Offer and Sponsorship: Applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a UAE-based employer, who will manage the visa application.
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Work Permit Approval: Employers must obtain a work permit from MOHRE to verify their company’s authorization to hire foreign workers
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Entry Permit: Once approved, an entry permit is issued, valid for 60 days, to allow entry into Dubai
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Medical Examination: A medical test, including a blood test and chest X-ray, is required
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Emirates ID Registration: Applicants must register for the Emirates ID, which includes biometric verification
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Visa Stamping and Residency Approval: The GDRFA stamps the visa on the applicant’s passport, granting legal residency
Streamlined Visa Renewals and Family Sponsorship
The UAE government has also introduced AI-powered renewals through the Salama system, which automates visa renewals, significantly reducing processing time and simplifying the process for residents. The new system allows residents to complete renewals in minutes, making it more convenient.
Additionally, visa-on-arrival provisions for eligible Indian passport holders have been expanded, improving ease of entry. There are also more inclusive family sponsorship rules. Expatriates earning over AED 4,000 per month can now sponsor not only their spouses and children but also their parents.
13 Types of Work Permits Available
MOHRE offers 13 different work permits for various employment scenarios, including those for temporary jobs, part-time contracts, freelance workers, and Golden Visa holders.
The updates have made Dubai an even more attractive destination for Indian nationals, who form the largest expatriate community in the UAE, with an estimated 3.5 to 4 million Indians living and working there.
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