The purpose of the following guidance is to provide DMCC member companies with a clearer understanding of the rules and laws governing employment contracts. Since this is not a full version, members are advised to refer to the UAE Labour Law No. 8 of 1980 and the DMCC Free Zone Rules and Regulations prior to making any decision based on this summary.
The governing documents for the employment affairs in the Free Zone are:
- U.A.E. LABOUR LAW No. 8 OF 1980
- DMCC Free Zone Rules and Regulations
Listed below are the employee categories and the requisites to work in the Free Zone:
| Sponsored Staff | Employment residence permit (visa) from free zone employment card | |
| Non-sponsored staff | Sister company | Valid visa with online access approval |
- It is illegal for any employer to retain the services of an employee without a valid authorisation to work in the Free Zone, as shown above and below.
- Companies that have obtained their license from the Free Zone are eligible to apply for entry permits through Free Zone.
The flow chart below assists in determining what type of authoris...