shuttering carpenter

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation sets no statutory minimum wage for welders in the private sector as of 2026. Employers must pay at least AED 4,000 per month for skilled welders under standard work contracts registered with MoHRE. Overtime rates are fixed at 1.25 times the hourly rate for hours beyond 8 per day.

International welders require a work permit sponsored by a MoHRE-approved employer followed by a residence visa issued through ICP. The permit costs AED 300 for issuance and must be renewed every 2 years with a valid passport and medical fitness certificate. Quota-based approvals require the employer to maintain a 2:1 ratio of skilled expatriates to Emiratis in construction roles.

MoHRE classifies welders as skilled workers requiring a minimum of 2 years documented experience plus a valid welding certification such as AWS or equivalent. Applicants must hold at least a secondary school certificate and pass a trade test conducted by approved centres before contract registration.

Applications require a valid passport, attested educational certificates, experience letters, medical fitness report from a MoHRE-approved centre, and a no-objection certificate if changing employers. All documents must be submitted via the MoHRE e-services portal by 31 December 2026 for new contracts.