Demand Letter and Documents Required to Hire Indian Workers in the UAE
MEA licence B-3252/DEL/PER/1000+/5/11251/202515+ years in Gulf recruitmentLast reviewed Prepared by Taj HR Services employer desk
Short answer
A UAE employer hiring Indian workers needs a demand letter on company letterhead, a power of attorney for the Indian agency, proof of eligibility with Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE), an employment contract, and the MOHRE Work Permit & ICP Entry Permit approvals. The agency then obtains Indian emigration clearance, which is required for workers on ECR passports.
Employer document checklist
| Document | Prepared by | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Trade licence or commercial registration | Employer | Proves the establishment can employ workers |
| UAE establishment account or card | Employer | Active MOHRE establishment card to apply for work permits. |
| Authorised signatory ID | Employer | Confirms who signs the demand letter and contract |
| Demand letter | Employer, drafted with the agency | States trades, numbers, salary, benefits and contract length |
| Power of attorney for the agent | Employer | Authorises the licensed Indian agency to recruit on your behalf |
| Employment contract or offer | Employer and worker | Must align with UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 |
| MOHRE Work Permit & ICP Entry Permit approvals | Employer via Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) | MOHRE work-permit approval for each Indian worker. |
| Emigration clearance | Indian agency | Required for ECR passport holders before departure |
| Medical and biometrics | Agency and worker | Residency medical testing and Emirates ID formalities are completed in the UAE after arrival; the current route for your emirate is confirmed before mobilisation. |
What a good demand letter contains
- Company name, address, registration number and contact person.
- Each trade with headcount, minimum experience and any certification required.
- Guaranteed monthly basic salary and any fixed allowances, shown separately from overtime.
- Accommodation, transport, food, medical insurance and joining ticket details.
- Contract duration, working hours and leave terms.
- Project location and expected joining date.
Attestation and eMigrate
Indian emigration rules require foreign employer documents, including the demand letter and power of attorney, to be attested as notified by the Government of India, and the employer to be registered on the eMigrate system. Attestation requirements are updated from time to time, so confirm the current process with your agency.
Document mistakes that delay UAE mobilisation
- Mixing up the mainland (MOHRE) and free-zone permit routes, which are issued by different authorities.
- Establishment card or work-permit quota inactive or expired when the demand letter is raised.
- Offer letter terms that do not match the MOHRE standard employment contract.
Frequently asked questions: United Arab Emirates
What is a demand letter for hiring Indian workers in the UAE?
It is a signed letter on company letterhead that states the trades, headcount, salary, benefits and contract terms the employer is offering. The Indian agency uses it, together with a power of attorney, to recruit and obtain emigration clearance.
Does the demand letter need to be attested?
Indian emigration rules require foreign employer documents to be attested as notified by the Government of India. Confirm the current attestation route with your agency before signing.
What approvals do I need in UAE before recruiting?
Active MOHRE establishment card to apply for work permits. MOHRE work-permit approval for each Indian worker.
Can Taj HR help draft the demand letter?
Yes. Use the free generator or send your requirement and the team will prepare a draft for your review.
Who handles emigration clearance?
The licensed Indian recruitment agency processes emigration clearance for ECR passport holders through the eMigrate system.
Related for United Arab Emirates employers
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