The United Arab Emirates has launched a dedicated jobseeker visit visa that allows foreign nationals, including Kenyan professionals, to enter the country and search for employment without first securing a sponsor or employer. This move aims to attract skilled workers and recent graduates to explore job opportunities in the UAE. The visa is available in three durations: 60, 90, and 120 days, giving applicants flexibility based on how long they expect their job search to take.
To qualify for the jobseeker visit visa, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements. There are two routes to qualify: skilled workers classified under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation's first, second, or third professional levels, and recent graduates who completed their studies within the past two years at a university ranked among the world's top 500 under the UAE Ministry of Education's approved classification. All applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and meet a financial guarantee requirement.
The visa fees and required documents are crucial for applicants to understand. The base entry permit fee ranges from approximately KSh 7,000 for the 60-day option to KSh 14,000 for the 120-day option, with a 5% value-added tax applicable. Additionally, applicants must pay a refundable security deposit of approximately KSh 35,000, a warranty service fee, and a fee for collecting and returning the guarantee. The total cost comes to approximately KSh 52,300 for 60 days, KSh 57,900 for 90 days, and KSh 63,500 for 120 days.
Required documents for the jobseeker visit visa include a coloured personal photograph, a passport valid for at least six months, and an attested qualification certificate. A valid UAE health insurance policy is also required. The application process is handled entirely online through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) Smart Services platform or the ICP mobile app. Processing takes approximately 48 hours, after which the e-visa is issued digitally.
Kenyan professionals in various sectors, such as healthcare, engineering, finance, and technology, stand to benefit from this pathway. These sectors are actively sought by UAE employers. However, it is essential to note that the visa does not authorise employment. Once a job offer is received, holders must obtain a separate work permit before starting any role.
In related news, UAE residents sponsoring relatives or friends for visit visas in 2026 must meet minimum monthly salary requirements based on their relationship with the visitor. The threshold varies depending on the relationship, ranging from AED 4,000 to AED 15,000. Sponsors must also have an active sponsor file and provide proof of their relationship.
The UAE's move to introduce a jobseeker visit visa is expected to attract top talent from around the world, including Kenya. With its flexible duration and straightforward application process, this visa offers a unique opportunity for Kenyan professionals to explore job opportunities in the UAE. As the job market continues to evolve, such initiatives are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the future of work.
Key points
- The UAE has introduced a jobseeker visit visa for Kenyan professionals and other nationals, allowing them to enter the country without a sponsor and search for employment.
- The visa is available in three durations: 60, 90, and 120 days, with total costs ranging from approximately KSh 52,300 to KSh 63,500.
- To qualify, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and meet specific eligibility requirements, including a professional classification or a top-500 university graduation requirement.
