Working in Dubai on a part-time basis without your employer’s consent: everything you need to know

Part-time contracts offer flexibility and additional income opportunities for residents of the United Arab Emirates. If you are employed by a company and are considering working part-time, it is important to understand the regulations and requirements in the country.

Many people think that working part-time for a second employer is only possible with the agreement of your main employer… Well this is totally wrong, you do not need the approval of your original employer to be able to work part-time in the UAE.

Employment in Dubai and part-time contract

Part-time employment opportunities have increased significantly in the UAE in recent years. Whether you are a full-time employee looking to supplement your income or a student looking for work experience, part-time jobs can be a valuable option. In sectors such as hospitality, restaurants, retail and tourism, the demand for part-time employees is constantly increasing. Dubai, as a major commercial and tourist center, offers many opportunities in these areas. New favorable regulations in the UAE facilitate part-time employment by removing the requirement to obtain approval from the main employer. This makes it easier for individuals to balance their work and personal commitments. In summary, the supply of part-time jobs in the UAE, particularly in Dubai, is promising and offers the flexibility to balance work and other commitments.

More reading: Working in Dubai in 2023: part-time job possible in the Emirates

Conditions for working part-time in Dubai

Emiratis, other GCC nationals and expatriates residing in the UAE on a work visa have the opportunity to work in a second job after obtaining a part-time work permit issued by the MoHRE. This permit is valid for one year and can be obtained within 48 hours.

The first step to part-time employment is to obtain a work permit from the MohRE, this step is very simple. The work permit is required for any person employed in the UAE, regardless of the nature of the job.
The employer offering the part-time job must apply by submitting the signed part-time contract. This means that your new employer, the one offering the part-time position, will handle the work permit application process on your behalf.

The part-time work permit is available to all, regardless of nationality. The eligibility criteria are as follows:
– Be over 18 years old;
– Have a passport with a validity of more than 6 months;
– A valid residence;
– The part-time contract must be for at least 20 hours per week;
– The hours or days of work are less than those of full-time employees;
– Bank guarantee or insurance is not required;
– An electronic quota is not required to obtain a part-time work permit.

The part-time work permit fee includes an application fee of AED100 and an approval fee of AED500.

It is also important that your education, profession and experience match the position you are applying for, as well as the license of the company hiring part-time employees. In other words, the company can only hire someone if their profile matches their field of activity and the required qualifications. Meeting these requirements ensures qualified and professional staff.

Warning:
According to the provisions of Federal Decree Law No. 2 of 2007, when an expatriate is found working for a company other than the one that officially employed him/her, the said company will be subject to a fine of AED 50,000, in addition to possible additional penalties in case of recurrence.

No approval required from your original employer

One of the common misconceptions about part-time employment in the UAE is the need to obtain approval from your home employer. However, this is not the case. UAE labor laws do not require you to seek approval from your full-time employer to work part-time elsewhere. With this work system, you can work for multiple employers without requiring prior approval from your original employer or any other employer.

This means you are free to explore part-time opportunities as long as you meet the necessary legal requirements, such as obtaining a part-time work permit and meeting the minimum hours imposed by the MoHRE.

For more information, please contact us at support@merritt.group or by phone at +971 4 422 1345.