Why UAE employment visas get rejected, and how to fix it

Refused or delayed: knowing the difference

A file that is returned for correction is not the same as a refusal. Most employment visas that stall are waiting for a document, a payment or a corrected detail. A refusal is a decision by the authority, and it doesn't always come with a full explanation.

Either way, start by finding out which stage stopped: the MOHRE work permit, the entry permit, the medical test or the residence. Our visa status guide explains where to look.

Work permit stage: what MOHRE checks

The UAE government portal sets out what MOHRE confirms before issuing a work permit for a mainland company:

• The profession fits the company's activity. A job title outside the licensed activities is a common reason for return.
• The worker is at least 18. Younger workers need a juvenile permit, which has its own rules.
• No other valid permit. The worker must not hold a valid work permit with another company.
• Within quota. The hire must sit inside the employee quota MOHRE has approved for the company.
• Company cards in place. The establishment card and the electronic signature card must be valid.
• Fees paid on time. The approved permit is valid for 60 days; if the fees and bank guarantee aren't paid in that window, it's cancelled.

MOHRE also places companies in fee categories, and the UAE government portal notes that companies with a history of violations sit in the highest category. Clearing violations keeps hiring cheaper and simpler.

Document problems that cause refusals

Medical test and residence stage

After entry, the UAE government portal says applicants aged 18 and over must pass a medical fitness test for residence, and the employee applies for an Emirates ID through ICP. The labour card and contract are completed with MOHRE in the same two-month window as the entry permit.

Delays at this stage usually come from missed medical or biometrics appointments, or from the employee travelling before both are done. In Dubai, missing health insurance also stops residence: the Dubai Health Authority requires employers to insure staff.

Company-side problems

• An expired trade license, establishment card or electronic signature card.
• Unpaid fines on the company's MOHRE or immigration file.
• A signatory who can't sign in with UAE PASS, or whose authority isn't registered.
• Too many open applications for the approved quota.

Check these before every hiring round, not just the first one. Our trade license renewal guide and establishment card guide cover the renewals.

What to do after a refusal

First, find out exactly what was refused and at which stage. Read any message the authority sent, and check the application in the MOHRE, GDRFA Dubai or ICP system.

If the cause is a document or a company detail, fix it and reapply; a new application is usually the faster route. If no reason is given, contact the authority: the UAE government portal lists ICP's number as 600522222 and GDRFA Dubai's as 800 5111. Be wary of anyone who promises to reverse a refusal: no consultant can promise an outcome.

How we help

We check the company file, the job title and the employee's documents before submission, which removes most of the causes above. If a visa has already stalled, we find out where and what's needed. See our employment visa service.