What is the legal age limit to work in Dubai?
With a fast-growing economy, Dubai has become a magnet for expats seeking career opportunities and a high standard of living. One crucial aspect of working in the city is understanding the visa regulations which govern the minimum age for employment. This blog provides an in-depth look at the Dubai work visa age limit.
DUBAI WORK VISA
A work visa in Dubai is a legal authorisation that allows foreign nationals to work in the emirate. The process of obtaining a work visa involves several steps, typically facilitated by the employer.
The primary types of work visas in Dubai include:
- Employment Visa: Issued to employees sponsored by a company.
- Investor Visa: For individuals investing in a business in Dubai.
- Freelance Visa: Allows self-employed individuals to work legally.
- Dependent Visa: For family members of expatriates working in Dubai.
Each visa type has its own requirements and regulations, but age-limit rules primarily apply to all types of employment visas.
LEGAL PROVISIONS OF AGE LIMIT FOR DUBAI WORK VISA
According to Article 5 of the UAE Labour Law, juveniles aged between 15 and 18 years are not allowed to work. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) does not issue work permits to emiratis and expats aged below 18 years.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS GOVERNING AGE LIMIT TO WORK IN DUBAI
The UAE Labour Law allows juveniles to work in Dubai, given both the employer and employee abide by certain rules and regulations. Here’s a brief overview of the terms and conditions imposed by MoHRE for juveniles who wish to work in Dubai.
- Juveniles should not work at night
- Juveniles should not work in industrial projects or at dangerous sites which are harmful to health
- The work should be in line with the activities of the establishment
- The employer must have a valid license
- The juvenile must not hold a valid work permit to work
JUVENILE WORK PERMIT IN DUBAI
Dubai work permit age limit is 18 years. However, MoHRE allows juveniles to work with an official permit. MoHRE issues these Juvenile Work Permits, provided that applications meet the requirements set by the ministry.
Here are the prerequisites to get a Juvenile Work Permit application approval in Dubai.
- Minors cannot apply for a Juvenile Work Permit for work prohibited in the UAE.
- The employer who is recruiting a minor should have a valid trade licence.
- Minors are not allowed to work during the night at industrial enterprises.
- Underage employees are not allowed to apply for dangerous jobs.
- The law forbids minors from working overtime.
- The maximum working hours for underage employees is six hours a day, including a one-hour break.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR JUVENILE WORK PERMIT
Minors who wish to apply for Juvenile Work Permit have to submit the following documents.
- A clear-coloured photo with a white background
- A written consent by a guardian or custodian
- A certificate of fitness for the work required (issued by the medical authority)
- A copy of the passport
- A copy of a valid residence permit
- The employment contract approved by the ministry with the signatures of both the employer and the employee
REGULATIONS GOVERNING TRAINING AND EMPLOYING STUDENTS
The UAE Labour Law allows students aged above 15 years to apply for work-related training during their academic holidays. Students within this age limit can apply for a training permit through MoHRE.
This training permit allows students to work for three consecutive months. MoHRE also requires written consent from the student’s guardian to issue the training permit.
You can also get the permit from Tas’heel service centres in Dubai.
REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR STUDENT TRAINING PERMIT IN DUBAI
To apply for the student training permit, s formal employment contract must be drawn. The contract should specify the nature of the work, duration, salary, weekly holidays and number of daily working hours. Other requirements include:
- Proof of the ‘student’ status
- A valid UAE residence visa for expat students
- A copy of the Emirates ID
- In the case of training, a no-objection certificate from the educational institute where the student is enrolled is needed
An employed student is not entitled to end-of-service gratuity.
RETIREMENT AGE IN DUBAI
The maximum age limit for gulf jobs in Dubai is 60 years. However, individuals are allowed to continue working until they turn 65. This is provided their employers apply for their permits successfully.
However, employees above 60 years must apply for work permits via MoHRE. Labour cards for employees above 60 also need to be renewed annually.
Furthermore, work permit approval for seniors over 65 is costlier for employers. A look at how expats can retire in Dubai can help you better understand the available options.
FAQS ABOUT THE AGE LIMIT TO WORK IN DUBAI
WHERE CAN I APPLY FOR DUBAI WORK VISA?
You can apply for a Dubai work visa through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDFRA) official website.
WHAT IS THE AGE LIMIT TO WORK IN THE UAE?
The minimum age limit for Dubai work is 18. As per the UAE’s Labour Law, anyone under the age of 15 isn’t allowed to work in the emirate. Residents of Dubai aged 15 to 18 can apply for positions like internships and training opportunities. This is subject to the regulations on hours and work conditions by the UAE Labour Law for working individuals below 18.
How to apply for a work visa in Dubai?
Those interested in understanding the various steps involved in applying for a work visa in Dubai can check out the process on MoHRE’s official website.
Can I get a freelancing visa in the emirate?
Yes, you can apply for a Dubai freelance visa if you fulfil the criteria. There are different types depending on your status in the country. Another option is the Dubai remote working visa residence scheme, provided that you fulfil eligibility requirements.
Where to work in Dubai as a freelancer?
Freelancers and entrepreneurs can benefit from many creative co-working spaces in Dubai that provide them with a professional set-up designed to stimulate creativity. There are also several work-friendly cafes in Dubai where visitors can work peacefully.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM DUBAI EMPLOYMENT VISA AGE LIMIT?
The maximum age limit to work in the UAE is 60. However, individuals can continue working until age 65 if they meet the required conditions.
WHAT IS THE AGE LIMIT TO APPLY FOR A DUBAI VISIT VISA?
The minimum age limit to apply for a Dubai visit visa is 18 years.
WHAT IS TAWJEEH TRAINING?
If you are a worker in the UAE, read our guide to learn about Tawjeeh and Tawjeeh training schedule.
This concludes our blog on the Dubai work visa age limit. The age limit in Dubai is an important regulation designed to maintain a balanced and productive workforce.
