Work Permit While Studying in Dubai
Dubai is evolving to be a promising city for international students. Working part-time on your university campus provides an excellent opportunity to manage your expenses while studying in Dubai.
It exposes you to the practical world and helps you develop essential soft skills such as:
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Decision-making
As an international student, you must be aware of some necessary steps to avoid having your student visa revoked and being sent back to your home country. Let’s take a look at them below.
Dubai Work Visa Permit
To seek part-time jobs in Dubai, international students must have an authorized work permit or visa from the UAE Labour Department. You need to get a residence permit before applying for a work visa, which qualifies you for one.
Please note that you can only work part-time as an international student, not full-time. The forms below request authorization to work in a part-time capacity while you are a student.
Residence Permit:
- A properly filled-out application form
- Valid passport
- Passport-size photographs
- Fitness certificate
- Entry permit issued by the Ministry of Labour
- Payment receipt for the application fee
Work Visa:
- Apply for a work visa at the university, with an approval letter for on or off-campus part-time work.
- Submit the visa approval letter to the UAE Labour Department in Dubai.
- Once you meet the eligibility requirements, you will receive a work visa.
- After graduation, you become eligible to apply for full-time jobs, provided you achieve a maximum GPA of 3.75.
Get Your Work Permit
Your university issues the letter of approval for your work visa. The UAE Labour Department will grant your work permit, enabling you to work part-time while attending university or college. You will be eligible as soon as you submit the authorization letter.
Complete Minimum Duration of Study
You must finish a minimum of a one-year study period at your university to be qualified for a work-permit approval letter from that institution. Additionally, you must be enrolled full-time in a degree program.
Adhere Work Rules
As an international student, you can work during the summer or other breaks from school. You can work at least 15 hours and a maximum of 40 hours per week. Remember, you must have only one job with a work permit; having more than one job is strictly prohibited.
These are very crucial rules to abide by to avoid penalties. You might not get paid for work completed or have your visa revoked and sent back home.
Age and Academic Requirements
For seeking popular part-time jobs in Dubai, the official age requirement is 18 years. There are two types of jobs, and you can get:
- On-campus jobs may include working in libraries and different university departments. For an on-campus job, you must have a GPA of 2.2 before being offered to work in the school.
- Off-campus jobs such as driving a cab, babysitting for your neighbors, or waiting tables in a local restaurant can also be done after considering your skillset.
Read on to learn about the hourly wages of the most popular part-time jobs in Dubai.
Types of Part-Time Jobs in Dubai
Working part-time in Dubai is an exciting opportunity. It is also a great way to earn money and sustain yourself. Here are some of the best part-time jobs in Dubai with salary structures. Although, it is important to note that these hourly wages can vary depending on the location and work demands.
- Teaching Assistant: AED 23 per hour
- Barista: AED 19 per hour
- Receptionist: AED 23 per hour
- Cab Driver: Hourly Wage: AED 45 per hour
- Waiter/Waitress: AED 18 per hour
Additionally, students can also opt for freelance or remote work that they can easily fit in their schedule.
Tips to Get Part-Time Jobs in Dubai
Here are some tips to keep in mind to get a part-time job in Dubai hassle-free. Ensure the following:
- Dubai recruiters are particular about their hiring process. So ensure you have the required skill set for the job.
- Keep Dubai’s recruitment cycle in mind and apply for a position during the beginning of the year.
- Avoid scams by applying through genuine websites such as Indeed, LinkedIn and Glassdoor.
- Get a local Dubai number for easy communications with recruiters. This also shows that you are ready to work and put in the effort.