Even though the US is the land of opportunity that attracts millions of immigrants, sometimes the best opportunity for you can be found far from home. Namely, there are loads of jobs in Dubai that are attracting ex-pats from all over the world.
It is one of the hottest job markets in the world. That isn’t to say it’s without its challenges like figuring out how much does local moving cost in Dubai and what are cultural norms to adjust to. However, once you are there then those things work themselves out.
For now, the focus is on finding a job. In this article, we will go over several things to know to be able to find a job in Dubai.
1 – Get your visa
Anybody coming to Dubai will need a visa to be able to work there. This involves finding a job that will sponsor you to work there. Luckily, there is a standard operating procedure that makes it easy for companies to hire foreigners since this is what Dubai is known for. There are very few hurdles to jump through that some Western countries require for hiring foreigners.
However, there are limits to how long you can stay while looking for a job. There are a number of countries that are allowed to enter without applying for a tourist visa ahead of time. They are allowed to stay 90 days while looking for a job. Americans can enter without a visa but are limited to an initial 30 day period. It is possible to extend this easily to 90 days, however.
You can always job hunt from the comfort of your home in your own country but some companies will prefer seeing a candidate right away for a quick hire if they need to fill a position right away.
2 – Get set up with health and labor cards
Before you’re allowed to work, you’ll have to submit to some health screenings to make sure you are healthy enough to live in Dubai. This includes things like undergoing blood tests to rule out diseases like HIV, Hepatitis C, and tuberculosis. In addition, you will be required to submit medical records from your home country so make sure to get these from your doctor before arriving.
A labor card is also necessary and is tied to your medical records so you can show that you have undergone the screening and are cleared to work. To get it you will also have to send copies of your passport and your work contract.
3 – Talk to a recruiter
Going through a recruiter is likely your best option to find the right job in Dubai. They understand the lay of the land and can help you tidy up your CV so you have a better chance at landing the right job. Finding a job in a foreign country can be intimidating so a recruiter is going to smooth out the process for you.
