03Jun

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

ViolationFine
Employing a visitor without permitAED 50,000 per case
Repeat offenceAED 100,000 + deportation of worker
Labour ban for employer6 months to 1 year
Blacklisting of companyTemporary 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:

ItemVerified?
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
StepAction
1Verify visa status and expiration
2Apply for MOHRE work permit
3Convert visit visa internally
4Issue contract and labour card
5Register salary via WPS
6Provide insurance and ID
7Stay fully compliant

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