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Replacement of a work permit initial approval notice

Replaces a previously issued initial approval notice for a work permit with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Start this request processing: 2 days

How it works

  1. 1

    Documents

    You

  2. 2

    Reviewed by MARIO E.G.S.H AI

    MARIO E.G.S.H AI

  3. 3

    Submitted at Tasheel

    Runner at MOHRE

  4. 4

    Permit issued

    MOHRE

Documents required

  • Clear colour photo of the worker with a white background

    copy

  • Passport copy of the worker

    copyAt least six months' validity

  • New MOHRE job offer signed by the employer and the new worker

    copy

  • Academic certificate in the worker's name, according to the skill level (levels 1-2 bachelor or higher; 3-4 diploma or higher; 5 high school; none for 6-9)

    in some casescopyattestedOnly if: Skill levels 1-5 only. MOHRE's Arabic page asks for the certificate attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs; a foreign certificate is usually attested in the home country and the UAE embassy first (staff confirm)

  • Professional licence from the competent authority (e.g. health authority for doctors and nurses, education authority for teachers, Ministry of Justice for advocates)

    in some casescopyOnly if: Licensed professions only

  • Valid national ID card of the home country, both sides

    in some casescopyOnly if: Workers of Iranian, Pakistani, Afghan or Iraqi nationalityValid and legible

Conditions, time and validity

  • Replacement is allowed within six months of the permit's issue, at most two times.
  • The profession and the gender (male/female) stay the same; the nationality may change.
  • The entry permit of the replaced worker must be cancelled with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
  • The application is submitted by the establishment's authorised signatory.
Processing time
MOHRE: 2 working days once the application is complete.
Validity of the result
The replacement keeps the original permit's terms (staff confirm the validity on the system).
Where it is applied for
MOHRE business service centres (Tasheel / Tawseel), the MOHRE website and the MOHRE app (UAE PASS of the authorised signatory). In Dubai the permit is often processed with the residence visa through the Work Bundle.

Steps at the authority

  1. Cancel the first worker's unused entry permit with immigration.
  2. Submit the replacement with the new worker's documents and signed job offer.
  3. MOHRE issues the new initial approval notice.

Tips that save you a trip

  • Cancel the first entry permit before submitting; it is the most common hold-up.

Common reasons for rejection or delay

  • More than six months since issue, or already replaced twice.
  • Different profession or gender requested.
  • The first worker's entry permit is still active.

Questions and answers

Can I replace a male worker with a female worker?

No. MOHRE keeps the same profession and gender; only the nationality may change.

Checked by the MARIO E.G.S.H team on 2026-10-08. Rules can change at any time; our consultant confirms the details for your case.

Eligibility

  • How old is the worker?

    This permit needs a worker aged 18 or over. Workers aged 15-18 need a juvenile or student permit; our staff will advise.

Legal basis

Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (Article 6); Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 (Executive Regulations, Articles 6-7); Ministerial Resolution No. 46 of 2022 on work permits, job offers and employment contract forms; Cabinet Resolution No. 21 of 2020 on MOHRE service fees and fines, as amended by Cabinet Resolution No. 37 of 2022

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