Hiring Visit Visa Holders in UAE: Under UAE Labour Law, it is illegal to employ any person on a visit or tourist visa without first converting that visa to an approved employment permit or freelance license. However, thousands of companies unintentionally violate this law putting themselves at risk of fines, suspensions, and legal action.
If you’re planning to hire visit visa holders in UAE, this 2025 legal guide is for you.
Hiring Visit Visa Holders in UAE Legal Guide 2025
What the Law Says About Hiring Visit Visa Holders
Hiring Visit Visa Holders in UAE: According to the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE):
“No person may be employed unless a valid work permit is obtained under an approved sponsor.”
This applies to:
Private companies
Free zone entities
Households hiring domestic workers
Startups hiring freelancers
Working while on a visit or tourist visa is considered illegal labour and is subject to immigration violations.
Penalties for Hiring Visit Visa Holders
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Employing a visitor without permit | AED 50,000 per case |
| Repeat offence | AED 100,000 + deportation of worker |
| Labour ban for employer | 6 months to 1 year |
| Blacklisting of company | Temporary or permanent freeze |
Legal Options for Hiring Visit Visa Holders
Hiring Visit Visa Holders in UAE: Here’s how you can legally hire a candidate currently in the UAE on a visit visa:
1. Apply for a Work Permit (Labour Contract)
Submit job offer via MOHRE or Free Zone Authority
Upload employee’s passport, visa copy, and photo
Receive labour approval
Convert visit visa to residence visa without exit (typing center or ICP portal)
Complete medical, Emirates ID, and insurance
Timeframe: 7–14 working days
2. Hire on a Freelance License (If Applicable)
If the candidate works in creative, tech, or education sectors, they may:
Apply for a freelance permit via Abu Dhabi Creative Hub, Dubai Media City, or Sharjah Free Zone
Receive NOC and work for multiple clients legally
Sign contractual service agreement with your company
Good option for temporary project work or short-term hires.
3. Part-Time Work Permit (Under Another Sponsor)
The UAE allows individuals on family sponsorship or students to work part-time with MOHRE approval.
Requirements:
No Objection Certificate from original sponsor
Employer applies for part-time work permit
Valid for 1 year, renewable
What to Check Before Offering a Job
Hiring Visit Visa Holders in UAE: Before hiring any candidate on a visit visa, always verify:
| Item | Verified? |
|---|---|
| Visa type (tourist, visit, transit) | ✅ |
| Visa expiry date | ✅ |
| Passport copy | ✅ |
| Educational qualifications | ✅ |
| Profession match with MOHRE category | ✅ |
| Language & communication skills | ✅ |
Documents Required to Convert Visit Visa to Employment Visa
Passport copy
Visit visa copy (must be valid)
Passport-size photograph (white background)
Offer letter (signed by employer and candidate)
MOHRE application receipt
Educational certificate (if required)
Employer Responsibilities After Hiring
Hiring Visit Visa Holders in UAE: Once the visit visa holder becomes an employee, you must:
Issue MOHRE employment contract
Register salary on WPS (Wage Protection System)
Provide health insurance
Complete Emirates ID and labour card setup
Maintain records in company HRMS
Don’t Do This
- Don’t let the candidate start work before the work permit is issued
- Don’t hold passport or delay visa conversion
- Don’t pay them in cash without WPS registration
- Don’t apply for a cleaning or support role under professional visa quota
- Don’t delay their medical and insurance
Mahad HRC – Helping You Hire Legally in the UAE
Hiring Visit Visa Holders in UAE: At Mahad HRC, we support companies with:
Visit visa to employment visa transfers
Labour card and MOHRE approval
Visa documentation and ICP processing
Employee onboarding and contracts
Ensuring compliance with all UAE hiring laws
Whether you’re hiring retail staff, drivers, housekeepers, or admin roles we’ll handle all legal formalities from start to finish.
Final Takeaway
Hiring Visit Visa Holders in UAE: Hiring candidates on visit visas in UAE is possible but only after legal conversion. Employers must act responsibly and work with authorized agents or HR consultancies like Mahad HRC to avoid serious violations.
Summary: Hiring Visit Visa Holders in UAE
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Verify visa status and expiration |
| 2 | Apply for MOHRE work permit |
| 3 | Convert visit visa internally |
| 4 | Issue contract and labour card |
| 5 | Register salary via WPS |
| 6 | Provide insurance and ID |
| 7 | Stay fully compliant |