Dubai Updates Job Visa Rules For Indians In UAE
On September 11, 2026, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai updated service information for the Job Exploration Visit Visa. This visa allows eligible foreign jobseekers to enter the UAE to search for employment without needing a local employer, host, or guarantor. The visa is available for durations of 60, 90, or 120 days. While the visa facilitates job interviews and recruitment, holders are legally prohibited from working on this permit; once a job offer is secured, the employer must initiate the proper work permit and residency process.
- Visa allows entry without local employer
- Available for 60, 90, or 120 days
- Working on this permit is illegal
Eligibility Routes And Requirements
Eligibility for the visa is divided into two routes. The first covers skilled professionals under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) skill levels 1, 2, or 3. The second route is for recent graduates who have earned a bachelor’s degree or equivalent within the last two years from one of the top 500 universities globally, as recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education. Applicants must also meet a prescribed financial guarantee. Required documentation for Indian applicants includes a recent personal photograph, a passport valid for at least six months, and an attested university degree.
Visa Fees And Financial Guarantees
GDRFA Dubai lists the visa fees as AED 200 for 60 days, AED 300 for 90 days, and AED 400 for 120 days, excluding 5% VAT. Additionally, there is a financial guarantee structure including an AED 1,000 security amount, a AED 20 warranty service fee, and a AED 40 guarantee collection-and-return fee. Applicants processing these transactions from within the UAE are subject to additional charges, including a AED 10 Knowledge Dirham, a AED 10 Innovation Dirham, and a AED 500 in-country fee. The total cost varies based on individual circumstances.
Application Process And Official Safety Warnings
Applications can be submitted via GDRFA digital channels, including the smart services system using a UAE Pass or username, or in person at Customer Happiness Centres and Amer Service Centres. The expected processing time is 48 hours. A visa extension is possible for an additional AED 600 plus 5% VAT, though the total stay cannot exceed 180 days and is subject to immigration approval. Official UAE guidance warns that job seekers should not accept employment offers via informal channels like WhatsApp or PDF emails. Genuine offers must be in the MoHRE-approved format and verifiable through ministry enquiry channels. Recruitment fees are the responsibility of the employer, and job seekers are advised to verify company legitimacy through official economic-register channels before proceeding.