The United Arab Emirates has been one of the top destinations for Pakistanis to earn a livelihood and support their family back home. As per the law, they need to have a work residence visa in the Gulf country. Below are the steps.

What you need

There are two types of visas for those intending to visit the UAE as a skilled worker.

Types of visa

For skilled workers, there are two types of visas: a standard work visa (valid for two years) and a green visa for work (valid for five years).

Standard work visa

The standard work visa is issued for employees in government and private sectors. It is issued to the people working in a mainland company or free zone firm.

Documents required

Aspirants need to have a colour photograph with a white background, a passport copy, with a passport valid for at least six months, attested university degree, if needed.

Entry permit

Anyone hired from outside the country would have to receive an entry permit, allowing the applicant to enter the UAE. It is valid for two months during which the employer would complete the procedure for a work visa.

These are the online channels for applying for entry permits: the eChannels portal, the website of GDRFA – Dubai, the ICP App on Google Play and App Store, and Dubai Now on Google Play and App Store.

Medical fitness test

Like in the home country, job seekers are required to have a medical fitness test in the UAE. They would also have to submit biometric data (fingerprint and eye scan) for the Emirates ID.

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Residence visa

This may sound a bit difficult, but the aspirants just have to submit their documents and take the medical fitness test.

Family visa

After getting a visa and Emirates ID card, people can apply for a family visa. The process is different for this.

The article was originally published in Gulf News.