How To Check Work Permit Status in UAE
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Anxious about your UAE work visa arrival? Even if you have a single document missing, you may delay the progress for weeks. Getting your UAE work visa delayed may cost you opportunities, time, and money. But in this blog, we will provide you with the insight regarding how to check work permit status in UAE. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) is the go-to resource to follow in this regard.
MOHRE is the governing authority of the UAE, connecting employers with possible candidates in the Emirates. The organization is responsible for creating employment contracts, managing labor laws, and designing programs for the workforce in the UAE.
MOHRE allows you to check your work permit status. Hence, you do not have to rely on age or HR to move to the UAE.
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What is A MOHRE UAE Visa?
In the private sector, consider MOHRE as your passport to employment. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) issues this visa. The purpose of this is to allow expats to legally work and live in the UAE.
As compared to a visit or tourist visa, it is tied directly to your private company’s labor contract. Thus, if you are working in the UAE rather than visiting, you have to approach MOHRE to get your visa issued.
How To Check Your Work Permit Status in UAE
If you want to check your work permit status in the UAE online, then go to the MOHRE website (www.mohre.gov.ae). If you are not registered with MOHRE, sign up first before moving to the next phase.
- After successful registration
- Please sign in and navigate to the “Services” tab
- Here, provide your details such as date of birth, labor card or passport number, and your nationality
- When you have opened the window, you will find information regarding your visa
- The key details include expiry date, validity, name of the company, and job title
Check: Land A Job Seeker Visa Dubai Like A Pro
Alternate Methods to Check Work Permit Status in UAE
If you want to know how to check work permit status using alternate methods, here are a few other sources for that:
-
Via ICP (Mostly for Emirates Outside Dubai)
For checking work status and visa records throughout the UAE, except Dubai, go to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Here is the process to follow to check work permit status via the ICP’s portal:
- Go to https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae
- Under “Public Services”, click on “File Validity”
- Select the type of your file: Entry Permit or Residence
- Enter the number of your file (beginning with 201), date of birth (DOB), and captcha
- “Search” to view details of your visa (including sponsor information, dates of expiry/issue, and more.
-
Via GDRFAD (For Dubai individuals)
If you are based in Dubai and want to know about visa records and work status, go to the GDRFAD portal. Follow this process to know the validity of your work permit via the GDRFAD portal:
- Type the URL https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae in your browser and visit the website
- Under the section of E-Services, check “Residence Validity”
- Fill in the key details for your visa, including date of birth, file number, name, and nationality
- Hit Search, once you have completed the captcha
You will see key information, including expiry date, your visa type, and the sponsor on display.
Essential Documents for Checking UAE Work Permit Status
Want to get your work permit status checked for the UAE? Before starting the process, first verify that all the required documents are available to you. These include:
|
Document |
Why You Need It |
|
Passport Number |
For confirming the identity |
|
Reference or Application Number |
To track the process of the application |
|
Emirates ID |
If already issued |
|
Labor Card Number |
Particularly for MOHRE inquiries |
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Make Use of the MOHRE Mobile App
If you want to know about your UAE work permit status, you can do it on the go with the official MOHRE mobile app (iOS and Android). Within a few seconds, you can track documents, approvals, and renewals. You do not have to remain glued to your desktop to review your status.
According to DXB apps, as of 2025, the downloads for the official MOHRE mobile app have reached more than 3.5 million times.
The MOHRE mobile app provides real-time updates to help users manage their labor market needs. This app allows people to avoid challenges by delivering important information on job opportunities, visa statuses, and employment rights. The MOHRE app is a useful tool for staying informed about the labor market.
- Go to your device App Store (Google Play or Apple App Store) and download the MOHRE UAE app
- Sign in with your UAE Pass or Emirates ID
- Go to “My Dashboard”
- Tap on “Work Permit Status” or “Visa Status”
Understanding the Types of UAE Visas (And Who Issues Them)
Not every UAE visa is created equally. The issuing authorities and the rules are different for all kinds of visas. The following is the cheat sheet that lets you know which type of visa complies with your goals. Pro tip: You may end up wasting weeks if you choose the wrong one.
| Visa Type | What It’s For |
Issued By |
|
Employment Visa |
For foreign professionals |
MOHRE |
|
Family Visa |
For sponsoring spouse/children |
ICP, GDRFA |
|
Investor Visa |
For business owners and partners |
ICP, GDRFA |
|
Golden Visa |
Long-term residency for top talent |
ICP |
|
Student Visa |
For students in UAE institutions |
ICP |
Note: The issuing authority for your visa depends on where your visa is from rest of the UAE = MOHRE/ICP, Dubai = GDRFA.
Read: What Job Seekers Should Know About Working with Dubai Recruitment Agencies?
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Decoding The MOHRE Visa Status
Stuck in limbo while deciphering your visa status from the MOHRE visa status. With this cheat sheet, you can translate every status that confuses you, including “Rejected” or ‘Under Process’ in simple English. This will let you know what are the critical steps you need to take next.
Let’s say you’ve checked your visa, now what does it actually say?
|
Status |
What It Means |
|
Active |
Your Visa is valid. You are good to go. |
|
Pending |
You have submitted your application, but the review is pending. |
|
Under Process |
Your documents are being checked by MOHRE. |
|
Approved |
You can take the next step with the approval of your work permit/visa. |
|
Rejected |
Follow up with MOHRE because your application was not approved. |
|
Cancelled |
Check the grace period upon revocation of the visa. |
|
Expired |
Renew your visa date. |
Pro Tip: To avoid legal issues or fines, always focus on grace periods and expiry dates
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Final Thoughts
Getting your UAE work visa is a major milestone, but keeping an eye on your MOHRE visa status is just as important. Whether you’re already working or waiting for approval, knowing where your application stands can save you from unnecessary stress, fines, or even job delays.