Can International Students Work in Dubai?
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Can international students work in Dubai? The answer to this question can be a deciding factor for many overseas education aspirants aiming to study in Dubai. Well, this article has got your curiosity covered regarding the rules and laws in Dubai for the option to work while studying.
It is no secret that ‘work while studying’ opportunity is something that most international students seek while studying in any foreign country. The reason can be to support themselves financially or to gain relevant work experience. Well, the crucial question is, can international students work in Dubai while studying? The answer is a ‘yes’! International students need to receive a work permit from the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) for working part time in Dubai. Read this article to learn about the conditions and requirements associated with part-time work for international students in Dubai.
- Rules Regarding Part-Time Work in Dubai
- Can International Students Work Part-Time in Dubai Without a Work Permit?
- Part-Time Work Opportunities for International Students in Dubai
- Dos and Don’ts of Working While Studying in Dubai
- Can International Students Work Part-time in Dubai FAQs
Rules Regarding Part-Time Work in Dubai
Dubai is a high-tech, modern and very safe city which follows the rules of law very strictly. For this reason, some rules around working part-time in the city have been put in place for international students.
- Eligibility Rules for Work Permit: UAE MoHRE has set the following rules for international students to be eligible for the work permit needed for part-time work in Dubai, such as:
-
- The student needs to be 15 years old or above.
- He/she must be enrolled in an educational institution in the UAE.
- His/her academic performance must be satisfactory.
- A ‘No objection certificate’ for work approval is needed from the university where the student is studying.
- Type of Work Permit: The student needs to decide the kind of permit he or she needs. There are mainly three types, which are:
-
- The long-duration work requires a Part-Time Work permit.
- Internship or training opportunities associated with the coursework fall under the Training permit.
- The short-term employment requires a Temporary Work Permit.
- Application Process: The students who are willing to work must obtain a No Objection Certificate from their university and find a suitable job opportunity from an employer who is licensed to employ students for part-time work. The employer will then apply for a work permit through MoHRE.
- Required Documents: The following documents are needed to apply for a work permit for an international student:
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- Valid Passport
- UAE student Visa
- Passport size photograph with white background
- Proof of university enrolment and academic Performance
- Medical Fitness Test Results
- Emirates ID Card
- Application Processing Time: The work permit application with MoHRE usually takes two to five weeks for processing.
- Working Hours: The students are permitted to work for limited hours so that they can balance their studies. International students are allowed to work up to 15 hours a week during the regular academic session and 40 hours a week during academic break.
- Application Cost: The application fee of AED 100, along with an approval fee of AED 500, is needed for a student work permit.
Can International Students Work Part-Time in Dubai Without a Work Permit?
In a country like Dubai, which is known for its strict laws and rules, working without a work permit is illegal and can attract the following harsh penalties:
- The student can be fined for working illegally.
- The defaulter can even be deported or banned from entering the UAE.
- The employers who are engaged in such illegal employment will have to pay heavy fines and penalties.
- It can impact students’ academic journey in Dubai.
Part-Time Work Opportunities for International Students in Dubai
The students, who are planning to work part-time along with their academic course, can work both off-campus and on campus in Dubai.
- On-Campus Work Opportunities: Universities in Dubai offer various on-campus employment opportunities for students. They can work in the library, student services, research labs, administrative office, student centre and many more. Teaching Assistantship and paid research opportunities can also be available for the students.
- Off-Campus Work Opportunities: International students can avail off-campus employment opportunities related to their academic field. They can also work as servers in restaurants, cab drivers or cashiers. For availing an opportunity which is off campus, the student must be 18 years of age, and he or she needs university approval along with a medical fitness certificate.
Also Read:
Dos and Don’ts of Working While Studying in Dubai
Here are some Do's and Don'ts for working while studying in Dubai:
| Dos |
Don’ts |
|---|---|
| The students can earn practical experience, which can be beneficial in their future careers. |
The academic result can be impacted if sufficient time is not given to studies. |
| The money earned from part-time work can support the student financially. |
The focus of the student can be shifted, and they may digress from their academic field. |
| This experience can add to the credentials of the student and enhance their resume. |
The kind of employment may not be related to the student’s field and can lead to poor work performance. |
| Working while studying can help the student acquire a range of skills which are needed to balance both academic and professional assignments |
The cost associated with work permits needs to be taken into consideration. |
Also Read: Checklist for International Students Heading to the UAE
Can International Students Work Part-time in Dubai FAQs
As an international student, you can take following steps to find part-time job opportunities in Dubai:
- You can approach the university's career support center which can guide in finding the right employment opportunities for part time.
- Connecting with locals and peers who help you in knowing about possible job opportunities.
- You can even take help from your seniors who might be employed and have experienced the entire process.
- Learning Arabic language will certainly give you an edge in getting selected for a job.
While studying in Dubai, international students can find part time work in the following industries:
- Educational Institution: The students can find work in their own university in library, labs or administrative office. Based on the job availability and student's skills set, the universities usually select students for part time work.
- Hospitality: Being a popular tourist destination, Dubai offers various part-time employment options in hotels, and restaurants.
- Retail: Known for its shopping malls, Dubai can accommodate many international students as part-time employees in retail shops.
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Although the earnings of a particular student vary on the basis of nature of the job, organization, location, and experience, international students can expect to earn from AED 15 to AED 30 per hour. Before applying for a part-time work, the student needs to maintain good academic score for receiving a No Objection Certificate from the university. Also, for on-campus job opportunities, the student must be enrolled in a full-time course.