Government Relations Officer (UAE National)

About the role

The Government Relations Officer (UAE National) manages and facilitates the company's government relations, immigration, licensing and regulatory transactions across relevant UAE authorities. Acting as a key liaison with government entities, the role handles visa, work permit, residency, employee documentation, attestation and other statutory requirements, including complex cases, and ensures timely completion of government transactions and regulatory compliance.

Key responsibilities

• Represent the company before authorities such as Immigration, MOHRE, ICP, GDRFA, Police, Courts, Embassies, Ministries, Municipalities, Airport Authorities, Free Zone Authorities and Licensing Authorities.
• Follow up and resolve visa, immigration and security approval issues, including rejections, delays, system blocks, fines, overstays and status irregularities, escalating complex matters through official channels.
• Process employment visas, residence permits, visit visas, work permits, renewals, status changes, cancellations and absconding cases in line with company policy and UAE regulations.
• Prepare, verify and submit documentation, monitor government portals for application status and handle physical submissions and document collection at government offices.
• Coordinate employee immigration formalities (visa stamping, Emirates ID, medical fitness, renewals) and airport security passes and airside permits.
• Guide employees on visa, immigration, Emirates ID and family sponsorship procedures, accompany them to offices where needed, and keep accurate records of visas, Emirates IDs, passports and sponsorships.
• Clear exiting employees from immigration and airport authority systems and prepare periodic reports on visa processing, pending cases, expiries and compliance status.
• Support legal and regulatory matters such as court cases, absconding reports and deportation cases, and coordinate renewal of trade licences, establishment cards and statutory registrations.
• Handle attestation, notarization and legalization of documents, and coordinate government fees, fines and deposits.
• Recommend improvements to government and immigration processes and keep sensitive documents secure.

Required profile

• High school or diploma with the needed administrative experience.
• Valid UAE driving licence and car.
• Extensive knowledge of UAE immigration and labor regulations, including visa sponsorship, residence and deportation procedures.
• 4+ years of related public relations experience in a similar role in a mid-sized company in the UAE, preferably in the service industry.
• Arabic is a must; fair spoken and written English is acceptable.
• Able to work on-call at short notice and in emergency cases.

Required skills

• Arabic typing is a must.
• Acceptable computer skills.
• Interpersonal skills and ability to build effective relationships with external parties.
• Problem-solving, persuasion and judgement skills, with the ability to identify pitfalls and suggest alternatives.