Dubai has recently updated its two-year employment visa system, aiming to make the process faster and more efficient. The enhancements involve AI-driven automation and digital streamlining, as announced by the UAE’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). These changes are intended to simplify entry procedures specifically for Indian nationals seeking employment in Dubai.

The two-year employment visa is essential for expatriates, as it allows them to work under a UAE-based employer’s sponsorship. This visa grants legal residency and access to vital services such as banking and healthcare. The application process for the 2025 visa includes several key steps, starting with a confirmed job offer from a registered UAE employer, who will act as the sponsor and manage the visa application.

After securing a work permit from MOHRE, which verifies the employer’s authorization to hire foreign workers, an entry permit is issued. This permit is valid for 60 days and allows the applicant to enter Dubai and complete necessary formalities. Upon arrival, applicants must undergo a mandatory medical examination, including a blood test and chest X-ray, followed by Emirates ID registration, which involves biometric verification. Finally, the GDRFA stamps the employment visa on the applicant’s passport, finalizing their legal residency.

MOHRE highlighted that the Labour Relations Law and its executive regulations have introduced various work permit types to meet the needs of private sector establishments. This facilitates the recruitment of both local and global talent.

To be eligible for the two-year employment visa, applicants must possess a valid passport with at least six months of validity, a confirmed job offer, relevant educational or professional certificates, a medical clearance certificate from a UAE-approved facility, and MOHRE work permit approval.

MOHRE currently offers 13 types of work permits for registered establishments and individuals, including permits for recruiting workers from outside the UAE, transferring workers, and various temporary work arrangements.

Notable updates for 2025 include AI-powered visa renewals through the ‘Salama’ system, which automates renewal applications, significantly reducing processing times. This system allows residents to complete visa renewals in minutes rather than hours, and provides easy access to their dependents’ visa status.

Additionally, eligible Indian passport holders can now obtain a visa on arrival, further streamlining entry procedures. Expatriates with a monthly income exceeding AED 4,000 can also sponsor their spouses, children, and parents, enhancing family reunification options.

The UAE, particularly Dubai, is home to a substantial Indian diaspora, with an estimated 3.5 to 4 million Indians residing there, making them the largest expatriate community in the country.