Working Two Jobs Simultaneously in the UAE

People working in the UAE have work visas, so working for another employee could affect their work life because this is a breach of law, unless employer provides any NOC (though work permits can also be needed from MOHRE). However, sometimes employees join different work opportunities at the same time without getting NOC from the employer/sponsor. Doing more than one job at once is a common labour law violation in the country, and the consequences can include termination without benefits, fines, and even a ban on future employment. MOHRE introduced a limited part-time employment system through Ministerial Decision No. 31 of 2018, effective from March 2018.

Under Federal Law No. 8 of 1980, a non-UAE national could not be legally employed without the approval of the competent labour authority and a valid work permit. However, lawful work for another establishment was possible where the appropriate part-time or temporary work permit was obtained. Part-time and temporary work permits were not the same. Under the earlier internal work-permit system, an employee already registered with the Ministry generally required the approval of the existing employer. Effective from 1 March 2018, Ministerial Resolution No. 31 of 2018 introduced a new part-time contract system for workers classified under skill levels 1 and 2.

The part-time contract system introduced by Ministerial Decision No. 31 of 2018 was limited to workers classified by MOHRE under skill levels 1 and 2:

• Skill level 1 generally included workers holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Skill level 2 generally included technical diploma or certificate holders.
• The worker’s official occupation and skill classification registered with MOHRE were relevant. Holding a qualification alone did not automatically establish eligibility.
• Employer-sponsored residents could use the system after obtaining the required MOHRE permit. Family-sponsored residents could also obtain work permits under the applicable rules, although permits for family-sponsored men were formally expanded in July 2019. Where a family member, consent or an NOC from that residence sponsor sponsored the residence visa could still be required.
• Workers classified under skill levels 3 to 5 could not use the no-employer-NOC system created by Decision No. 31.

• According to UAE labor laws, the primary employer will be paying the worker’s annual leave, end-of-service gratuity, and other statutory obligations, calculated on the primary contract.
• The secondary employer pays only for hours actually worked and is not responsible for visa or sponsorship costs.
• According to UAE labor law, the second employer is not liable to pay you end-of-service benefits as well.
• The worker cannot work more than the legal limits of working hours under the labor law and remains responsible for managing fatigue and performance across both roles.
• The permit is issued by MOHRE and must be renewed on time.
• Working on an invalid work permit violation can cause legal consequences.

The secondary employer can apply online via the MOHRE portal or a Tasheel service center. The application is employer-initiated, not employee-initiated.

1. Submit supporting documents like a passport copy, residence visa, attested degree or diploma to prove your skill level, photograph, and the proposed part-time contract.
2. After submitting the document, pay the government application fee.
3. After reviewing the documents, MOHRE issues the part-time permit, and the employee can legally start the second job.

Processing time is a few working days if documents are complete.

Free zones such as JAFZA, DMCC, Dubai Internet City, and DIFC operate under their own employment rules. Each free zone has its own authority and permit procedures

● A mainland-sponsored employee taking a part-time role with a free zone company needs the free zone authority’s temporary/part-time permit and, in most zones, an NOC from the primary sponsor.

● Several free zones offer freelance permits that allow residents to legally do side work in media, education, and technology fields.

Working a second job without a valid permit is a violation of UAE labour and immigration law. Working part-time without a permit can cause you the following legal consequences:

● If the employee works without a permit, they can be terminated immediately under the labor law. If the employer comes to know that you’re involved in unauthorized outside work that harms their interests, the company can terminate you without notice, and it may affect your end-of-service benefits.

● Gratuity loss depends on the applicable dismissal ground and the conditions in Article 139

● In some cases, fines for the individual and substantial fines for any employer who engages a worker without a valid permit.

● In some cases, employees can face a labor ban, and that can complicate future employment in the UAE.

● If your employment contract contains an exclusivity or non-compete clause, even permitted second jobs can breach contractual terms, so always check your contract first.

● While accepting the second job letter, always read your employment contract for exclusivity or conflict-of-interest clauses.

● While accepting the second job offer, confirm your skill level.

● If you fall in skill levels one to two, request the second employer to apply for the MOHRE part-time permit.

● If skill level three to five or free zone, you should obtain an NOC from your sponsor first.

● Never accept cash in hand work without a permit because it can cause more trouble for you.

● Keep total working hours within legal limits and disclose where contractually required.