Securing an employment visa is a critical step for expatriates planning to work in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Once your employer has submitted your visa application, you might be eager to know its status. Fortunately, the UAE offers convenient online services that allow you to track the progress of your visa application from the comfort of your home. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of checking the status of your employment visa application step-by-step.
- Understanding the Employment Visa Process
Before we dive into how to check your visa status, it’s essential to understand the basic steps of the UAE employment visa process. The process generally includes:
Work Permit Application
Entry Permit Issuance
Medical Examination and Emirates ID
Residence Visa
- Checking Visa Status through the GDRFA Portal
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) is responsible for visa issuance and immigration services in the UAE. You can check the status of your employment visa application on their official portal.
- Checking Visa Status through the MOHRE Website
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) handles work permit applications, and you can use their online portal to check the status of your application.
- Checking Status on the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) Portal
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) offers services for checking visa application status. This portal is especially useful for tracking the Emirates ID and residence visa applications, which are integral parts of the employment visa process.
- Checking Status via Amer Centers (For Dubai Visa Applicants)
If you have applied for an employment visa in Dubai, you can check the status through the Amer Centers or via the Amer online portal.
- Contacting Your Employer or PRO
If you are unable to access any of the online portals or apps, another option is to contact your employer or the Public Relations Officer (PRO) handling your visa application.
Wrapping Up
Checking the status of your UAE employment visa application is a straightforward process thanks to the variety of online portals and mobile apps available. Whether you use the GDRFA, MOHRE, ICP, or Amer services, you can stay informed and track your application at every stage. Always ensure that you have the correct details (such as your passport number and application reference) to make the process seamless.