Job Discussion Forums

Guy Meredith · Joined: 29 Jan 2013 Posts: 3

Can I just check what the rules are for my wife working in Abu Dhabi or Dubai? I have been offered a job and am moving over with my wife and child - my wife is very keen to work part time and we wondered what the rules are....any ideas?
Thanks

johnslat · Posted: Sun May 12, 2013 8:54 pm Post subject:

Dear Guy Meredith,

I think you'd increase your chances of getting some helpful responses if you could supply your wife's qualifications and experience.

Also, I hope you won't think this rude of me, but nationality can also be a factor in the Middle East.

Regards,
John

wuzza · Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Posts: 13 Location: Daejeon

Can I piggyback on the OP's question, as I came here to ask the same thing. My wife is Korean and is a certified Primary School Teacher.

I'm interested to know not only if it's legal for her to work, but also what her prospects might be.

For people whose spouses don't work, do they (the spouses) go stir-crazy?

PC Parrot · Posted: Wed May 15, 2013 3:34 am Post subject:

The key is her level of English. If it's the equivalent of an IELTS 6 to 6.5 or higher, she should find a job fairly easily in some of the better schools in the big cities. As you start dropping towards an IELTS 5, then the chances of finding work start drying up - even at the not so good schools.

Bear in mind that she would need to get her degree etc... stamped by the authorities here - or possibly at a UAE Embassy / Consulate before you get here. They ask for all sorts of things - some of which go as far back as high-school. It's worth getting the paperwork ready before she gets here as depending on where you live, you will be making all sorts of trips across the country in search of this stamp and that.

If she enters the country by virtue of your job, she can either (1) get legal work under your sponsorship with her school getting a labour card for her or (2) she can get legal work by having the school sponsor her - in which case, they would apply for a new residence visa to replace the one issued through your sponsorship.