UAE, is one of the best places in the world for living and working, offering competitive Expat life.
Chances are, you’ve already heard about the benefits and the promise that the UAE brings. A lot of expats are bragging about a good and a happy life in the UAE and they’re doing that for a reason. The UAE for them has given them the kind of life that they’ve been looking for.
If you’re committed to your plans of succeeding, then going to the UAE is an option you should definitely explore!
But before anything else, let’s talk about the things that you need to know about the whole process of going to the UAE. From job requirements, job opportunities, laws, etc.
You should at least have an idea about how the whole thing works so as not to get overwhelmed and be able to plan your actions carefully.
These are the basic things that you should consider first even before going to the UAE.
1.) How to Obtain UAE Visas
Although there are different kinds of visas you can acquire, if you plan on living and working in the UAE, a working visa is a must.
To obtain your working visa, you must first secure a job offer or a work contract from a foreign company based in UAE or even a local employer. Your employer will then initiate the process by requesting for a visa for you from the immigration department. Note that the fees are normally paid by the employer. Once the requirements are completed, you will then get your labor card once your contract with the employer is validated.
2.) How to Obtain UAE Work Permits
For you to obtain a work permit, you first need to have a residency permit. Some of the qualifications needed to obtain a residency permit are health checkup which includes, HIV and AIDS.
These are the requirements needed to obtain a working permit in UAE:
1.) Passport with at least a six months validity plus a residency visa.
2.) Picture of the applicant
3.) Valid health certificate
4.) A picture of the sponsoring company’s trade license
5.) Professional Qualifications (Just copies)
6.) Employment contract (3 copies) with signatures of both the employee and the employer.
Note that these requirements are subject to change. That said, it’s highly suggested for you to do some research and some inquiries about it.
3.) What are the Common Job Opportunities in UAE
There are countless of job opportunities in the UAE that there isn’t really a “common one” to consider. But here are some of the job offers that normally come-up.
• HR Officer
• Bank and Finance Recruitment Consultant
• Senior Managers for Business Development
• Account Managers
• IT Specialists
• Mechanical Engineers
• Project Managers
• Senior Private Bankers
These are some of the most common jobs that are needed in the UAE. If your specialty is in any of these fields, then consider it as a good luck sign that your chances of getting hired are dramatically higher.
If your skills aren’t within that field, then not to worry. As I mentioned the jobs needed in the UAE varies. The opportunity is so diverse that it’d be hard for anyone not to be accepted because of the type of the skill they posses.
4.) Tips for a Successful Job Interview in UAE
Acing the job interview is crucial to getting hired. The interview portion is one of those make or break steps that you should undergo. If you fail the interview will dramatically decrease your chances of getting hired.
Here are some of the helpful tips that can aid you to clinching that dream job:
• Go to the interview wearing the appropriate attire. Make sure that you dressed-up for the occasion and have good physical grooming.
• There could be several interviews for one job so be present in all of them.
• Never sit down when you aren’t invited. Wait for the interviewers invitation then graciously say “thank you”.
• Always have with you a copy of important documents such as your passport and an extra copy of your CVs.
• Avoid saying anything bad about your former employers as the interviewer might take it the wrong way.
5.) What is the Cost of Living in the UAE
Depending on the kind of lifestyle you want, your cost of living may range from 971 USD to 4724 USD per month.
There are a lot of things to consider when calculating your cost of living. Some the main things to take note of is you rent (do you want to live in a villa, pool building, etc.), your transportation, groceries, and so much more.
You’d also have to consider the number of heads-you’d have to budget for. Will you be going to the UAD alone or with your family.
6.) What are the Fun Activities and Places in the UAE
There are literally hundreds of must visit places in the UAE.
They have water parks, sightseeing tours, and not to mention a 40 minute silver seaplane flight. You won’t run out of fun things to do in the UAE.
Their restaurants and hotels are also TOP CLASS!
7.) What are the Laws in UAE that are Especially Applicable to You
Just recently, their government changed their laws about foreign workers changing their jobs. In the previous setting, foreign workers have a six-month work ban from the time they end their contract with their current employer. This rule has always been a hassle that expats aren’t so happy about as they find it a bit limiting.
A new law took effect on January 1, 2013 saying that a foreign worker will only be granted a new employment permit after the contract with his current employer ends. That means they no longer have to deal with the 6 months-ban period which normally starts after their labor card is cancelled.
Taking all of these into consideration, you should be able to plan the whole process systematically.
Although the whole idea of leaving your native land can be a daunting one, remember to focus on your goals and the things that are important to you.
If achieving financial success and a high career advancement are what you’re gunning for, then don’t let the fear of leaving your native land be a hindrance.
Remember that nothing worth conquering is easy! Focus on your goals and stay committed. Only then will things start to happen.