Securing Night Work Permits in Dubai and Abu Dhabi: A Guide for Employers and Employees
Obtaining Night Work Permits in Dubai and Abu Dhabi: A Comprehensive Guide
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), businesses operating outside of regular working hours (9pm to 6am) may require a night work permit. While there is no standalone "night work permit" distinct from regular work permits, the key steps and requirements can be summarized as follows.
Dubai
- Employer-Driven Application: The employer must apply for work permits (labor cards) on behalf of employees via MoHRE’s Tas’Heel online platform. This is a mandatory procedure for all employees, including those working night shifts.
- Required Documents: The employer must submit the work permit application form, employee’s passport copy and originals as needed, employment contract or job offer, company documents such as valid commercial license and company card, medical check and health certificate for the employee, entry permit issued by MoHRE, and Emirates ID for the employee (linked to residence visa).
- Approval Process: After submission, MoHRE reviews the application and may request additional documents or corrections. Once approved, the employer downloads the permit from the Ministry’s website.
- Additional Requirements: For specific activities such as maintenance work, inventory management, billboard installation, or cinematography, additional approvals may be required from relevant authorities.
- Permit Validity: The permit is valid for up to 14 days from the start date indicated in the application. The service fee for the permit is Dh100, with an additional Dh10 for the knowledge fee and Dh10 for the innovation fee.
- Obtaining the Permit: Details of all subsidiary companies and employee data must be submitted in a single request using the Dubai Police digital channels. In Dubai, the permit can be obtained in just one working day.
Abu Dhabi
- Employer-Driven Application: The employer must apply for a temporary evening work permit through UAE PASS or by visiting the service centre.
- Required Documents: The documents required include a copy of the employees' valid residency permits, a copy of the identity cards from both sides, a copy of the signature authorisation, a list of employees' names in Arabic (name, nationality, identity card number), an official letter addressed to the Criminal Investigations Department in Arabic, the commercial licence of the store and the implementing company, and a letter from the Central Bank and the automated alarm number (applicable only to banks, currency exchanges, and gold shops).
- Approval Process: The permit is aimed at ensuring workers' safety, well-being, and compliance with labour laws. The official letter for the permit must include the name of the executing company or companies, their nationality, and mobile phone number, as well as the start and completion date and time of the work.
- Permit Validity: The permit is valid for up to 14 days from the start date indicated in the application. Obtaining a temporary evening work permit has no additional costs in Abu Dhabi.
- Obtaining the Permit: The permit can be obtained through Smart Police Stations or Police Stations. Each emirate has streamlined the process for obtaining this permit, making it quicker and simpler.
It is essential to note that specific "night work permits" are not separately detailed in the official UAE labour and licensing documentation available. Night work is typically covered under the standard work permit regime, with employer responsibility to ensure compliance with labour laws and any industry-specific night operation approvals. For the most precise and up-to-date requirements, contacting MoHRE or relevant Dubai regulatory bodies directly is recommended.
- To maintain a successful business operation in the UAE, it's crucial to stay updated on the news regarding night work permit regulations, as they can significantly impact a career.
- In navigating the finance aspect of operating a business in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, understanding the costs associated with obtaining night work permits is essential, with fees varying between Dh100 and no additional costs.
- For those seeking advancement in their career, understanding how entertainment industries obtain night work permits can open up opportunities for unique projects and collaborations.
