UAE MOL Offer: Work Visa Processing Timeline

Congratulations on receiving the MOL Offer Letter from a UAE-based company! The process to obtain a UAE work visa after receiving the Ministry of Labor (MOL) offer letter typically involves several steps. Here’s a general timeline and the process:

1. Labor Approval and Entry Permit (2-4 weeks)

• MOL Approval: After the company submits your documents to the Ministry of Labor (MOL) and receives the approval, you can proceed with the next steps.

• Entry Permit: Once your MOL offer letter is approved, the company will apply for an entry permit (also known as a pink visa). This entry permit is your authorization to enter the UAE and begin the work visa process.

• Timeline: The entry permit usually takes around 2 to 4 weeks to process, depending on the workload and processing times of the Ministry.

2. Travel to the UAE (Entry Permit Validity):

• Once the entry permit is approved, you will be able to travel to the UAE. The entry permit is usually valid for 60 days, during which time you must enter the UAE and complete the remaining steps of your visa process.

3. Medical Examination and Emirates ID (1-2 weeks)

• Medical Exam: Upon arrival in the UAE, you will need to undergo a medical examination at a government-approved medical center. The test typically includes a blood test and a chest X-ray to check for communicable diseases like tuberculosis.

• Emirates ID: Along with the medical test, you will also apply for the Emirates ID, which is a national identity card that all residents must have.

4. Labor Card & Residency Visa (1-2 weeks)

• Once the medical exam results come in, the company will proceed to apply for your labor card and residency visa.

• The labor card is proof that you are authorized to work in the UAE, while the residency visa will give you legal residency status in the UAE.

• The entire process of obtaining the residency visa and labor card typically takes 1-2 weeks after your medical examination and submission of your application.

Total Time:

• In total, it usually takes around 4-8 weeks from receiving your MOL Offer Letter to getting your final work visa and residency visa.

• However, keep in mind that the processing time can vary depending on factors such as the efficiency of the company, the government’s processing speed, and the workload of the relevant departments.

Key Tips:

• Make sure all documents are accurate and submitted on time to avoid delays.

• Stay in close communication with your employer to ensure all steps are being completed correctly and on time.

• Be prepared for possible delays during certain stages of the process, especially with medical exams or background checks.

Once your work visa is approved, you can start working in the UAE legally. I hope this helps clarify the timeline! If you have any specific concerns or need further information, feel free to ask.