Can a free zone visa holder work remotely across the UAE while visiting the company weekly?

Hello,

An employee with a free zone visa (such as the one from Fujairah) is generally not permitted to work directly for a mainland company or engage in activities on the mainland unless their work is explicitly related to the free zone activities.

In your case, if the employee is working primarily in sales and marketing, engaging with clients and conducting business activities on the mainland, this could potentially violate the terms of their Fujairah Free Zone visa.

Typically, a mainland work permit or Dubai-specific work permit would be required for this type of work.

Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for your inquiry regarding the legality of remote work arrangements for an employee holding a Fujairah-free zone visa. I appreciate the opportunity to address this complex matter.

Based on current UAE labor laws and regulations, the arrangement you've described presents several compliance challenges:

1. Visa Restrictions:

Free zone visas typically limit an employee's work to the jurisdiction of the issuing free zone. Working primarily outside this area, including in Dubai, may not align with visa regulations.

2. Mainland Activities:

Conducting business on the UAE mainland (outside the free zone) often requires additional permits or a mainland business license, which your company may not currently possess.

3. Remote Work Regulations:

While the UAE has introduced remote work policies, these must be implemented in compliance with existing labor laws and visa restrictions.

To ensure legal compliance, I recommend the following steps:

a. Consult the Fujairah Free Zone Authority:

Seek clarification on permissible work arrangements under your current license and visa setup.

b. Review Employment Contract:

Ensure the contract accurately reflects the employee's work location and responsibilities.

c. Explore Additional Permits:

Investigate options for obtaining a mainland work permit or No Objection Certificate (NOC) if mainland activities are essential.

d. Consider Alternative Visa Options:

Explore the UAE's remote work visa or other flexible visa options that may better suit your operational needs.

e. Seek Legal Counsel:

Consult with a UAE labor law expert to review your specific situation and ensure full compliance.

It's crucial to address these compliance issues proactively to avoid potential legal risks, including fines or visa cancellations.

If you require further clarification or assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Yours sincerely,

ABDUL WAHIED

Dear Inquirer,

Thank you for reaching out!

Your question involves key aspects of UAE labor and immigration laws, particularly regarding free zone visa restrictions and mainland business activities.

While free zone employees are generally required to work within the jurisdiction of their sponsoring company, certain exceptions or compliance measures may apply depending on your specific circumstances.

To ensure your work arrangement is fully compliant with UAE regulations and avoid potential legal issues, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our legal team.

Please visit our website or contact us directly for professional legal guidance tailored to your situation.

Best regards,

Under UAE labor laws, an employee holding a free zone visa is permitted to work in a location other than the location listed on the visa, provided the work falls within the scope of permitted activities in that free zone.

If the employee works remotely from different locations, such as Dubai, the arrangement may be legal, provided these activities do not conflict with the terms of the visa.

However, the employee must adhere to the terms of the free zone for which the visa was issued.

If the employee conducts business activities on the mainland (Dubai or other locations outside the free zone), they may need to amend or renew their mainland work visa or obtain an additional license from the Department of Economic Development in the emirate in which they work.

Also, since the employee visits the company's headquarters in Fujairah once a week, they must ensure that working remotely does not affect the scope of work specified in their visa and does not violate UAE labor laws, particularly regarding taxes or commercial licenses.

Thank you for your inquiry regarding the work arrangements of an employee holding a Fujairah free zone visa!

Based on the details you have shared, it is important to consider a few key points to ensure compliance with UAE labor laws.

While it is possible for an employee in sales and marketing to work remotely from various locations, including Dubai, there are specific regulations that need to be followed.

Firstly, the employee’s employment contract and the Fujairah free zone regulations should be reviewed to confirm that remote work is permitted under the visa's terms.

In terms of conducting business activities on the UAE mainland, the employee would likely need a permit or an additional legal structure that allows them to operate outside the free zone, especially when engaging with clients or conducting business on the mainland.

The nature of the employee's work on the mainland should also be compliant with the commercial activities specified under their visa and free zone regulations.

I would be happy to assist you further by reviewing the employment contract, the free zone regulations, and any other relevant details to ensure full compliance with UAE labor and immigration laws.

Please feel free to contact me directly through WhatsApp or phone, and I can provide more specific guidance on how to structure this arrangement and ensure all legal requirements are met.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

Suhail Rana

Free zones have their own regulations, and compliance is essential. While some flexibility may exist, primarily working outside the free zone can raise compliance issues.

In your case, if the employee is working primarily in sales and marketing, engaging with clients, and conducting business activities on the mainland, this could potentially violate the terms of their Fujairah Free Zone visa.

A mainland work permit or Dubai-specific work permit would be required for this type of work.

If you need further clarification, you may ask us.

If the contract allows remote work, then he can; otherwise, he cannot.