Have you ever wondered why you need to certify official documents? What distinguishes you as an expert or unskilled worker? What do skill levels actually mean? Here is a guide to the various skill levels in the United Arab Emirates and how they could impact you.
What are the different skill levels?
There are five skill levels, with Skill Level 1 being the highest skill level and Skill Level 5 being the lowest skill level, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE). Different work positions and occupations require different skill sets.
The official government website of the United Arab Emirates, u.ae, states that jobs requiring skill levels 1, 2, and 3 require attested educational credentials, but jobs requiring skill levels 4 and 5 do not.
Managers, engineers, safety officials, public relations specialists, doctors, quantity surveyors, and reservation agents are just a few of the occupations covered by Skill Level 1. Mechanical and technical jobs are under skill level 2.
Sales executive, sales representative, site supervisor, ticket taker, cashier, receptionist, cash desk clerk, sales supervisor, storekeeper, tour guide, and others are professions in Skill Level 3.
General laborers, housekeepers, office boys, helpers, cleaners, construction laborers, loading and unloading employees, and other positions are included in skill levels 4 and 5.
A corporate services firm noted that while workers who fall under skill levels 3, 4, and 5 are required to take the training course, those who fall under competence levels 1 and 2 are not.
What is Tawjeeh training?
Some employees are forced to attend awareness workshops, or Tawjeeh in Arabic, which provide knowledge about UAE laws and culture, labor regulations and punishments, and advice on how to manage your finances in a foreign country.
The instruction is given in Tawjeeh centers, which have MOHRE certification.
How does one know the skill level?
The first digit of your job code contains information about your skill level. You can call the MOHRE call center at (600) 69 0000 to find out what your job code is.
Does your skill level affect any other aspect of life in the UAE?
Because it is no longer a requirement for filing for a family visa, a worker’s skill level has no bearing on their capacity to sponsor their relatives.
As of March 2019, any employee meeting the financial requirements—a minimum salary of Dh4,000 or Dh3,000 plus housing—can sponsor a family member’s visa.