Working part-time in the UAE is everyone's dream, as it allows residents to make some additional income and save some money to help them deal with upcoming hard times. 

According to UAE law, it is permissible for an employee to have a part-time job along with a full-time one since 2010. After getting the work permit from MoHRE, the employee can work part-time. However, the question is how you can accomplish this. Our aim in writing this article is to help you understand how to work part-time in the UAE. 

Rules for part-time work in the UAE

Under new rules announced by MOHRE, UAE companies now have the option of hiring employees (workers) on part-time contracts from within or outside the country.

The new system implemented by MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization), formerly known as the Ministry of Labour (MOL), permits Emiratis and foreign workers to work for more than one company without getting approval from their first employer (primary employer).

It is in response to a resolution issued by the Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation Nasser bin Thani Al Hamli. "The new system will promote flexibility on the labour market and satisfy employer demands based on the availability of workers," Al Hamli said, adding it would also lead to a reduction in the dependency on foreign workers. Providing part-time employment would reduce labour costs, especially for existing workers he added.

How to start working part-time in the UAE

Part time employment in UAE is possible if you obtain a permit from the ministry through TASHEEL center or by visiting the MOHRE offices.

Is it mandatory to obtain the First Employer Approval (NOC)

Prior to the new system, the employer was required to obtain a NOC (no objection certificate), but now Emiratis and foreign workers can work for more than one employer without obtaining permission (NOC) from their primary employer.

Documents required to get a part-time work permit in the UAE

1. A copy of the applicant’s passport.
2. A copy of the applicant’s visa (should be valid for at least 6 months. 
3. A coloured (white background) Passport-size photo of the applicant.
4. Copy of Emirates ID or labour card/labour contract.
5. Both companies' establishment cards (if applicable).
6. An NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the full-time employer (in case the worker is employed)
7. The NOC makes all parties aware of the part-time contract of the applicant.

Fees of part-time employment contract

Depending on the profession, the primary employer may pay between AED 150 to 2000 AED as an approval fee, whereas the secondary employer will only pay AED 100 as an application fee, which is the government fee for issuing part-time permits. 

Part-time permits usually cost AED 600 in total, which includes the application fee of AED 100 and the approval fee of AED 500. 

Who can apply for Part-Time Jobs in the UAE?

Categories/professions eligible for part-time work permits include:

1. Employees with an Emirates ID and valid visa.

2. Students over the age of 18.

3. Employees in government and free zones.

4. Individuals who are eligible to receive a work permit based on their families' residences.

The following requirements apply to technical professions

In general, the contracts are intended for highly specialized professions that require sophisticated scientific, technical and administrative skills.

According to Al Hamli, technical careers that require "intellectually demanding, scientific, technical, supervisory and practical skills" must complete two- or three-year postsecondary training programs.

Points to consider about part-time employment in the UAE:

1. Workers on a part-time contract who work less than eight hours per day must receive at least one day off per week. Non-competitor clauses do not apply to such employees even if the employer claims a conflict of interest concerning confidential information unless a court issues an order to this effect.

2. Visit or Tourist visa holders are not eligible for part-time employment in the UAE.

3. It is not possible for residents over 65 to get part-time work permits.

4. Under the new part-time resolution, workers are required to perform their duties according to UAE labour law regulations, except for the number of working hours.

5. The primary employer is responsible for annual leaves, gratuities, and other financial obligations proportionate to the number of actual working hours and wages specified in the contract.

6. Part-time contracts cannot be changed to full-time contracts unless terminated first.

7. The validity of part-time work permits is six months to one year.

Can I work part-time without a permit in the UAE?

A company hiring part-time employees without an official permit is penalized by Federal Decree Law No.2. The employer will be fined AED 50k immediately, with additional penalties if the offense is repeated. 

Part-time job opportunities in UAE

If a person has the necessary skills, expertise, and/or qualifications, they can take up part-time jobs in the UAE. In UAE, most jobseekers seeking part-time employment can find work as:

Accountant

Call centre agent

Corporate Assistant

Designer

Driver

HR Recruiter

Sales Officer

Store assistant

Teacher/Instructor/Trainer

Waiter/Waitress

Writer

A part-time job's pay may vary depending on its nature and the amount of hours you work. In the UAE, there is no predefined pay scale for part-time work. 

Furthermore, part-time work permits in Dubai are different than freelance permits. 

Note: Please contact the MoHRE customer service at 80060 if you have any further questions about part-time work in Dubai or other emirates.