UAE: 9 MOHRE Job Levels May Affect Skilled Classification and Visa Options

UAE: Workers in the UAE private sector are grouped into nine professional levels under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization.

These levels are based on the International Standard Classification of Occupations and help classify jobs according to the type of work being performed.

For OFWs and other expats, understanding this classification can be useful because professional level may affect how a job is treated for employment, qualification requirements and some visa options.

What Are the 9 MOHRE Professional Levels?

The UAE government lists the levels as follows:

• Level 1: Legislators, managers and business executives
• Level 2: Professionals in scientific, technical and human fields
• Level 3: Technicians and associate professionals
• Level 4: Clerical and writing occupations
• Level 5: Service and sales occupations
• Level 6: Skilled agriculture, fisheries and animal-related workers
• Level 7: Construction, mining and other craft workers
• Level 8: Machinery and equipment operators and assemblers
• Level 9: Elementary or simple occupations

The classification is used across the UAE private-sector employment system.

Levels 1 to 5 May Be Classified as Skilled Work

Being in Levels 1 to 5 does not automatically mean a worker is officially classified as skilled.

According to the UAE government, all of the following must also apply:

The worker must be in professional Levels 1 to 5, hold a qualification above secondary school level or its equivalent, have the qualification properly attested, and earn at least AED 4,000 per month excluding commission.

This distinction can matter when employers process certain jobs and employment documents.

Some Jobs Require Academic Qualifications

MOHRE also considers whether a foreign worker has the professional competence or academic qualifications required for the position.

Some occupations may require additional approvals from government bodies.

Examples can include regulated professions such as doctors, pharmacists and teachers.

Workers should therefore make sure their job title matches their actual profession and that required qualifications are properly documented.

Skill Level Can Also Matter for Some UAE Visas

Professional classification can affect eligibility for certain residence and entry visas.

For example, the UAE jobseeker visit visa is available to applicants in MOHRE professional Levels 1, 2 or 3, unless they qualify through the separate top-university graduate route.

Applicants must also hold at least a bachelor’s degree and meet the required financial guarantee.

The UAE’s Green Residence for skilled employees also requires the worker to fall within professional Levels 1 to 3.

ICP says skilled employees must additionally hold at least a bachelor’s degree and earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000.

Why You Should Know Your Classification

Knowing your professional level can help you understand whether your job may qualify as skilled employment and whether your classification could be relevant to future visa applications.

It can also help when reviewing job offers.

The occupation written in the employment contract should reflect the actual role being offered, especially for jobs that require qualifications or government approval.

Foreign workers should check official MOHRE, ICP and UAE government information before relying on recruiters or social media posts about visa eligibility.