"Salary benchmark": UAE draws African professionals eyeing long-term Gulf jobs

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- The UAE announced a minimum monthly salary threshold that skilled foreign workers must earn to qualify for its Green Residence permit

- The Green Residence permit grants foreigners the right to live in the UAE for an extended period under government-defined eligibility categories

- Meeting the salary requirement is just one of several conditions skilled workers must satisfy before their application can be considered

The United Arab Emirates has announced a clear salary benchmark that skilled foreign workers must meet before they can be considered for its Green Residence permit, a move that has drawn significant attention from African professionals eyeing long-term opportunities in the Gulf.

What Is the UAE Green Residence?

It is not open to everyone, as the UAE restricts eligibility for the Green Residence to individuals who fall under specific categories defined by the government. One of these categories covers skilled workers.

For skilled workers to qualify for the Green Residence, the UAE requires them to earn a minimum of AED 15,000 per month, equivalent to approximately KSh 534,000 for Kenyan applicants, depending on the prevailing exchange rate.

UAE: Salary requirement for skilled workers

For Kenyans monitoring the cost in local currency, the AED 15,000 monthly salary threshold translates to roughly KSh 534,000.

However, meeting the salary requirement alone does not guarantee eligibility. The AED 15,000 monthly income is one of several conditions skilled workers must satisfy before they can qualify for the UAE Green Residence.

Salary Threshold Is Only One Piece of the Puzzle

Earning AED 15,000 monthly does not automatically guarantee a Green Residence permit.

The UAE has made clear that the salary requirement is one of several conditions a skilled worker must satisfy, and all stated criteria must be met before an application is considered valid.

The permit has generated growing interest across Africa, particularly among skilled professionals who see Gulf residency as a viable alternative to emigrating to Western countries.

Africans working in sectors such as technology, healthcare, engineering and finance have increasingly explored Gulf residency pathways as demand for their skills in the region rises.

UAE Outlines 6 Steps for Kenyans Applying for Residency

TUKO.co.ke reported that the UAE has outlined a six-step process that foreigners, including Kenyans, must follow when applying for a new residency permit.

The process covers submitting an application, reviewing details, attaching supporting documents, paying fees, tracking the request and receiving notification once the permit is issued.

The requirements, fees and documents vary depending on the applicant’s residency category.

Source: Legit.ng

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.