Work Permits and Renewals

The revised UAE minimum wage for Emirati employees has a direct and immediate impact on work permit issuance, renewals, and modifications under MoHRE systems.

For employers, salary compliance is no longer limited to payroll accuracy. It now plays a critical role in determining whether work permit transactions for Emirati employees can proceed without disruption.

Link Between Minimum Wage and Work Permits  MoHRE systems validate salary information during:

• Issuance of new Emirati work permits
• Renewal of existing permits
• Modification of employment records

If the salary recorded does not meet the AED 6,000 minimum wage threshold, the transaction may be blocked or rejected.

This makes salary alignment a prerequisite for smooth permit processing.

New Work Permit Issuance

For new Emirati hires, employers must ensure that:

• The salary offered meets the minimum wage requirement
• Salary details entered into MoHRE systems are accurate
• Employment contracts reflect the compliant wage structure

Any mismatch at the time of permit issuance can delay onboarding or require reprocessing.

Work Permit Renewals

Permit renewals are a key enforcement checkpoint.

During renewal:

• MoHRE systems verify the salary against the minimum wage threshold
• Non-compliant salaries may result in renewal rejection
• Employers may be required to update salary details before proceeding

Renewals occurring during the transition period should be handled proactively to avoid last-minute corrections.

Modifications to Existing Permits

Changes such as:

• Role updates
• Contract amendments
• Salary adjustments

trigger revalidation within MoHRE systems. Employers should ensure that any modification submitted reflects a compliant salary to prevent workflow interruptions.

Impact on Emiratisation Calculations

Work permit compliance directly affects:

• Whether an Emirati employee is counted towards Emiratisation targets
• Employer localisation metrics
• Company standing within MoHRE classifications

Employees with non-compliant salaries may be excluded from Emiratisation calculations until issues are resolved.

This relationship is explained in Emiratisation Impact

Common Permit-Related Risks

Employers commonly face issues such as:

• Permit renewals blocked due to outdated salary data
• Delays caused by inconsistent payroll and MoHRE records
• Missed transition timelines leading to compliance flags

Related risks are covered in Penalties and Risks

HR Checklist for Permit Compliance

• Identify all Emirati work permits due for renewal
• Verify salary data recorded in MoHRE systems
• Align payroll records before permit submission
• Track permit modification triggers
• Coordinate salary updates with HR and payroll teams

FAQs

Can a work permit be renewed if the salary is below the minimum wage
No. Salary compliance must be ensured before permit renewal can proceed.

Do permit checks apply during the transition period
Yes. Employers should use the transition period to correct salaries before enforcement begins.

What happens if salary data differs between payroll and MoHRE systems
Inconsistencies can lead to rejected permit transactions or compliance flags.

Are permit modifications also affected by the minimum wage rule
Yes. Any modification submitted through MoHRE systems requires salary revalidation.

Related Articles

• UAE Minimum Wage 2026
• Who Does It Apply To
• Payroll Impact Explained
• Emiratisation Impact
• Penalties and Risks
• HR Systems Readiness

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