The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has issued guidelines explaining when authorities can reject a work permit application or cancel an existing permit.
The ministry said several employer-related violations can lead to the refusal or cancellation of a work permit.
When Can a Work Permit Be Rejected?
According to MoHRE, authorities can reject or cancel a permit if an employer submits incorrect or forged documents.
A permit can also be affected if the company operates as a fictitious business or stops the activity for which it was registered.
Employers must also comply with the Wages Protection System and other labour regulations. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to permit rejection or cancellation.
Before approving a work permit, MoHRE checks the employer’s trade licence. The licence must remain valid and free from violations.
The ministry also requires the worker’s job title to match the company’s registered business activity.
Only a person who has legal authority to represent the establishment can submit a work permit application.
Age Requirements for Workers
MoHRE also outlined eligibility requirements for workers.
The minimum age for a standard work permit is 18 years. However, exceptions apply to certain categories, including juvenile work permits and student training or employment programmes.
The ministry said authorities assess both employer compliance and worker eligibility when reviewing applications.
A failure to meet the requirements on either side can result in the application being rejected.
Requirements Continue After Approval
Meeting the requirements is not limited to the initial application.
MoHRE said trade-licence status, wage-payment compliance and accurate job-title matching remain important throughout the validity of a work permit.
Employers must therefore continue meeting labour regulations after receiving approval.
The guidelines are aimed at ensuring that companies follow UAE labour requirements while protecting the integrity of the country’s work permit system.
