With its ultramodern climate and booming economy—Dubai manages to attract students from all over the globe. With the kind of educational institutions available, questions start arising in the minds of people—if they can work while studying in Dubai legally. Here is all that you should know to maximize and remain compliant with your time in Dubai.
Understanding the Student Visa in Dubai
Before going into the specifics of working with a student visa in Dubai, I believe it is important to know the basics of the visa. Any international student who has enrolled for a full-time course in any of the Dubai-affiliated universities can apply for the visa. The visa is usually valid for the duration of the course, and now and then it has to be updated.
This, however, is a visa for mostly studying, not working. That said, the UAE government has implemented several schemes where students can work part-time while they take their courses. For any student who may wish to contribute financially while studying, it is important to understand such policies.
Can one work on a student visa?
Yes, but there are some conditions and restrictions on student travel to Dubai with a student visa. In 2017, the UAE has already passed new regulations regarding the permission for students above 18 years of age to work partially under some conditions.
Requirement of Work Permit: The student has to obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Dubai, to work within the city legally. The work permit is issued only if it fulfils certain eligibility conditions and is generally coupled with part-time employment.
Role and Responsibilities of Employer: Employers intending to hire part-time students must be registered and licensed to engage in the said activity. This will enable the employer to apply for a work permit for the student.
Type of Work Permitted: Students are normally allowed to undertake an internship, part-time, or training-type job, which must relate directly to studies. This ensures that their work experience enriches their academic studies.
Limited Working Hours: For students, the number of hours worked is also restricted. Students can normally work up to 15 hours a week for a regular academic session and up to 40 hours a week during the academic break. These restrictions are put in place with the binding limitation that a student must be dedicated to studies.
Penalties for Working Without a Work Permit
This would signify that a student, during his or her study period under a student visa, is working without a valid working permit; harsh penalties await such a student. The students caught working illegally might be fined, deported, or banned from entering the UAE again. Furthermore, heavy fines and penalties will also apply to the employer.
Given the high stakes involved, it becomes crucial for students to adhere to the legal process of getting a work permit and to ensure that the work they have is within the legality of the guidelines offered by the MOHRE.
Role of Educational Consultants
The law concerning the employment of a student visa holder in Dubai is very complex, and international students who are ignorant of the local laws may fail to understand them. Educational consultants, therefore, are important because.
At Guidance Plus Educational Services, our mission is to support students right from when they choose a course and university through to understanding visa requirements and the legalities surrounding part-time work. Being among the best Dubai education consultants in Kochi, we have the right experience to guide students to transit into Dubai.
We help students with the following:
- Visa Processing: to have all paperwork intact and to guide you with your application process.
- Work Permit Guidance: Providing legal work options and guiding help for work permit applications.
- University Liaison: Coordination with academic institutions to ensure your employment opportunities meet the requirements of your course of study.
Tips to Manage Your Work and Study
Well, working and studying are quite challenging, particularly in a high-paced environment like Dubai. So here are a couple of suggestions on how to manage both more effectively:
School first: Just keep on telling yourself that the real reason you are in Dubai is because you came to attend school. Try to ensure that your grades will not suffer out of your part-time job.
Consider Relevance: You select a part-time job that would add up to your career experience. This way, you would know you are storming the job marketplace and seek greater knowledge of the discipline you have chosen.
Manage Time: Prepare a schedule that would allow proper space for work and study. Follow it religiously to prevent burnout.
Stay Informed: Laws are subject to change, so staying current with the latest legislation and rules is a critical part of creating conduct that considers a student visa to study in Dubai. This can best be accomplished by staying updated with Dubai education consultants in Kerala.
Though it’s going to accumulate experience both monetarily and through exposure to the industrial field, doing studies and working concurrently in Dubai can be a real boon. But ensure you do it right—understand and follow the requirements of the law pertaining to work. Get the work permits required, and take up jobs that match what you’re studying.
At Guidance Plus Educational Services, we are committed to be with you on every step of your way to education. We do visa processing, work permit assistance, and even help in selecting the best course that suits your taste. We are proud to be among the best education consultants in Dubai, supporting students to achieve their academic and professional goals.
For further information and personalised advice on studying and working in Dubai, feel free to contact the office of Guidance Plus Educational Services. We are here to make your educational dreams come true.