When selecting a Study abroad destination like UAE, students generally focus on the post-study job prospects in the country. Pursuing higher studies abroad comes with a heavy price, thus getting a job opportunity in the study destination provides students with financial relief. Since international students in UAE are always on the lookout for job opportunities post-studies, we discuss in detail the best way to work after study in UAE.

Why UAE?

Before deciding on a particular study abroad destination like UAE, gaining clarity on your choice is necessary. With over 50,000 international students, UAE has steadily gained a momentum of becoming an education hub. One of the key factors behind this is the presence of top international university campuses in the region like London Business School, Manchester Business School and Canadian University, among others. Here are some of the reasons to study in UAE.

Work opportunities in UAE:

The best part of pursuing higher studies in the UAE is the work opportunities available in the country. International students have the option of both working during study as well as after study in UAE. The UAE Labor Law allows students to earn few extra bucks during their study period and post programme.

On-Campus:

On-campus work opportunity is one of the major attractions for foreign students who always seek ways to earn extra pocket money. One such fine example has been set by American University of Sharjah (AUS), where on-campus work is seen as an opportunity to hone skills and as an extension of a student’s academic life on campus. Gaining hands-on experience is one of the best ways to put your academic skills to practical use. There are certain areas where you can take up on-campus work: canteens, library, administrative offices and departments.

Work after study in UAE: Off-campus employment:

Whereas off campus is concerned, the picture changes completely since you move out independently from the student zone. To work off-campus in companies of your choice, you must first have an Employment Visa or else you will be exempted if found working on a student visa. Once the programme is complete and you have secured a full-time job in the UAE, you are one step closer to obtain an employment visa. To be able to work after study in UAE you must change from sponsored student visa to employer sponsored visa.

How to get an employment visa in UAE

Work after study in UAE is an ultimate goal of majority of international students enabling them to cover up the cost of studying in the luxurious country.

Step 1: To begin with the employment visa process, you must first get job offer letter from a company in UAE. When the company sends you a confirmation letter, employers on your behalf commence the employment visa application process.

Step 2: The next step is to wait for employers to complete and submit the necessary applications for you to be eligible for an employment visa in the Gulf region. Note that the employment visa fee is paid by employers and not you.

Step 3: After this you have to submit medical examination reports, photocopies of passport, two passport size photographs, written job offer and visa application to Department of Health and Medical Services. You are then eligible to receive your UAE health card.

Step 4: Once you receive your UAE health card, the next step is to submit all the documents to UAE Ministry of Labor office, enabling you to obtain a labor card which is must if you wish to work full-time in UAE.

Step 5: The last step before you are eligible to work after study in UAE is to apply for a residence visa. Residence visa is necessary if you plan to work in the country for a longer duration. Post these steps you shall have access to employment visa, health card, labor card and residency visa. Also make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months prior to entering the country.