Visa and Legal Conditions for Foreign Drivers in the UAE.

Author

Denis Popov

People decide to work abroad for many reasons. One of the main motivations is the opportunity to earn more money abroad, especially in countries with higher wages. This can help improve one's financial situation and provide a better quality of life for oneself and one's family.

A dream job abroad provides access to new professional opportunities and career development. Employees can learn in highly professional environments and gain experience that may be lacking in their own country. Official documents are the most important thing you need to take care of when you go to work abroad. After all, your future well-being depends on the correctness of their execution. This article contains all the important information on collecting, processing, and legal employment in one of the most prestigious places - Dubai.

Conditions for foreign drivers in the UAE

Overview of Visa Requirements for International Drivers in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates is a very popular tourist destination. From year to year, it is visited by hundreds of tourists who want not only to relax on the luxurious beaches but also to admire the modern works of architecture, which are not rare in the UAE. But, not all countries have the possibility of visa-free entry to the UAE. This is the reason why you need to familiarize yourself with the requirements for entry into the UAE for your country. A standard work visa is issued to a person employed by a UAE company, which assumes all the responsibilities of the sponsor and applicant. The employer can be either a local UAE company or a free zone company. The duration of a standard resident visa issued in connection with employment is 2 years, renewable depending on the duration of the employment contract. 

Under the newest regulation, skilled workers can obtain a 5-year resident visa. The employee must have a valid employment contract with an Emirate company, a minimum education level of a Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent), and a minimum salary of 15,000 UAE Dirhams. Freelancers and self-employed international drivers without the need for a sponsor/employer can also apply for the same 5-year visa. The prerequisites are a proven level of education and income, as well as a freelance activity permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization. 

Understanding UAE Driving Regulations for Foreign Nationals

Before migrating to Dubai, you should apprise yourself of the peculiarities of the local labor laws of the UAE - this will help evade unpleasant significances with laws for immigrants. Hiring of foreign labor implies a special period for the issuance of a work visa and a corresponding permit for employment. During this time, the foreign worker must sign a contract with the employer, as well as obtain a resident visa and labor card.

Persons holding a tourist visa to the UAE or a visa for a transit stay in the country are not entitled to carry out labor activities in the country. It is important to keep in mind when going to work in the UAE, you should remember that here the law has a high priority, and the state authorities strictly monitor compliance with the applicable legislation

UAE Traffic Laws and Compliance

When taking part in the crazy traffic of the UAE, you must be mindful of the traffic rules. The minimum age for driving is 18, and you must have a valid driver's license, as in many countries. It is also important to know that traffic flows on the right side of the road, and turning right at a red light is prohibited. Put your cell phone away because it is illegal to use it while driving - except for using the hands-free system. You must always wear your seat belt; it is mandatory for all people in the car. 

Children weighing 18-36 kg and less than 140-145 cm tall must be placed in kid seats. While driving, everyone must have the following items in the car:

●  insurance documents;

● a warning triangle;

● spare tire;

● a fire extinguisher.

Must also carry a driver's license, vehicle registration, and identification card.

Other important prohibitions for drivers on the job include talking on a cell phone (but hands-free operation is allowed) and driving while intoxicated. In the latter case, the penalties range from a hefty fine, with a minimum amount of AED 20,000 (USD 5,500), to license revocation and even imprisonment for up to three years. 

Obtaining a UAE Driver’s License

Converting or Obtaining a UAE Driver’s License

Citizens of certain countries (about 30 of them) can exchange their home country driver's license for a UAE license. The list of such countries is frequently updated. You can find it on the website of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Representatives of countries not included in this list will have to go through the whole procedure of obtaining a driver's license from scratch, including training and passing exams. As for age requirements, driving cars in the UAE is allowed at the age of 18, tractors and trucks from the age of 20, and buses from the age of 21. The right to drive motorcycles, as well as transportation for people with special needs, is granted from the age of 17. The first step in obtaining a license is to create a driving record with one of the authorized organizations listed above. After the applicant has mastered the theory and passed the practical examinations, the license is issued. The license is valid for two years for both UAE citizens and expats. The document can then be renewed for five years for foreign residents and 10 years for citizens of the Arabian Gulf States, including the UAE.

Legal Responsibilities and Rights of International Drivers in the UAE

Traffic rules in the UAE are almost identical to the standards adopted in most countries of the world. According to local laws, a driver must always carry a driver's license, vehicle registration documents, and Emirates ID.

It is allowed to drive at speeds of 40 to 50 km/h in residential areas, 60 to 80 km/h in the city, and 100 to 120 km/h on highways. A driver who violates the speed limit pays a fine of AED 400 to AED 3,000 (USD 109 to USD 817). The amount may depend on the degree of violation and the legislation of the particular emirate where the driver violated the established norms.

Employment Laws Affecting Foreign Drivers

When hiring a driver, an organization or sole proprietorship must take into account many features. The candidate must be checked against all the established parameters. Health, age, knowledge and skills, length of service, and many other official factors are taken into account.

On the territory of the state, there are quite strict rules for organizing and ensuring proper working conditions for drivers. At the same time, the nationality of the employee does not affect these provisions in any way. When drawing up and signing an employment contract, the candidate signs all these conditions. As a rule, it is in the contract that the number of working hours, time of day of work, and other important conditions are specified. 

To find and get a driving job in Dubai, you can use specialized online platforms to search for jobs. The user orient himself with all the rules and requirements of the employer and prepares all official documents. Almost all vacancies for a job as a driver in the UAE assume that the driver will be behind the wheel of a modern car, which has all the necessary conditions for comfortable work and possible rest.

Legal Protection and Advocacy for Drivers

Before hiring, you should carefully familiarize yourself with your rights. After all, there are many dishonest businessmen and employers in life who neglect the work of employees. The maximum working day for adult workers in the UAE is eight hours.

However, in certain market elements, like hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers, the working day may be extended by one hour. Employees are entitled to one day off per week, most often Friday. Overtime work is optionally paid, on average such payment is paid at the regular hourly rate, plus 125 percent overtime. If a person works between the hours of 9 p.m. and 4 a.m., he or she can expect an increase in the hourly rate (150 percent) or an additional day off.

The UAE Road Safety and Vehicle Standards

The UAE has a comprehensive system of road safety and vehicle standards, but many foreign drivers find navigating these roads challenging due to local driving behaviors. Despite strict penalties enforced through speed cameras and traffic patrols, some drivers still disregard traffic rules, often neglecting indicators, headlights, and speed limits.

Cultural differences can exacerbate misunderstandings, so it's essential to remain calm and avoid offensive language or gestures that could lead to legal troubles. Following the rules and staying alert ensures a smoother driving experience. The government regularly conducts awareness campaigns and provides training for foreign drivers, emphasizing the importance of defensive driving and understanding local road etiquette. Navigating the UAE roads with patience and vigilance will help make your driving experience safer and more enjoyable.

08.05.24 194
Thank you for this useful information.
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With the help of this article, my immigration was very easy.
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I’ll definitely recommend it to my friends.
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Wow! There are so many important facts for immigrants in one article.
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It has helped me a lot!
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