What is Skill Level 1, 2, 3 in MOHRE UAE Labour Law?

Skill Level 1, 2, 3 (explanation)

MOHRE has released the new Labour Law Resolutions starting 2016. One of the things that is covered there is exemption of Labour Ban for Skill Levels 1, 2 and 3? In this post I will clear the air around the Skill Level 1, 2, 3.

Skill Level 1 (First Skill Level):

These are the individuals who have a Bachelor’s degree (University Degree) or higher qualification; in short these are professionals. As per the new labour law resolution 765, employees belonging to this profession, will not face labour ban when changing the job provided they have served the notice period as set out in their labour contract.

Few of the examples for the designations/professions are:

• Manager,
• Engineer,
• Doctor,
• Teacher,
• Accountant,
• Accounts Clerk,
• Marketing Specialist,
• Quantity Surveyor,
• Draughtsman,
• Executive Secretary,
• Pharmacist,
• Administration Officer,
• Reservation Officer,
• Safety Officer,
• Public Relations Officer,
• Computer Operator,
• Advertising Designer,
• Graphic Arts Draughtsman and so on.

The salary level of these professions are above 12000 dirhams and they must have an attested degree certificate.

Skill Level 2 (Second Skill Level):

Individuals under this category are those who have completed their Diploma in any field. This category typically involves people who are typically mechanical and technical jobs such as Technicians (ITI Diploma holders from India for example), Mechanical workers etc. The minimum salary of this category of employees should be 7000 dirhams with Post secondary education attested certificate.

Skill Level 3 (Third Skill Level)

If you have high school or higher secondary qualification, then such individuals will are categorised as Skill Level 3. This category of employees of following profession:

• Sales Executive,
• Sales Representative,
• Sales Supervisor,
• Site Supervisor,
• Administration Clerk,
• Correspondence Clerk,
• Customs Clearing Clerk,
• Ticketing Clerk,
• Cash Desk Clerk,
• Receptionist,
• Cashier,
• Store Keeper,
• Tourist Guide etc.

Employees under this category must have secondary education certificate with AED 5000 salary.

What are other Skill Levels ?

Other than Skill Levels 1, 2, 3 there are also skill level 4 & 5 who are primarily unskilled workers without any qualification. Examples of these professions include General labourers, house keepers, Construction Labourers, Helpers, Cleaners, Loading and Unloading workers, Office Boys etc.

Is salary still a criteria to Avoid Labour Ban?

After MOHRE released the latest UAE Labour Law resolutions, labour ban is not applicable to individuals belonging to Skill Level 1, 2 and 3. MOHRE is silent on requirement of minimum salary required to avoid labour ban. Previously, you needed AED 12000, AED 7000 and AED 5000 minimum salary respectively for Skill level 1, Skill level 2 and Skill Level 3 to avoid ban depending on your qualification. This requirement has been scrapped under the new UAE Labor Law Resolution.

Related: How to avoid 6 month Labour Ban?

What is your skill level??

Do you know what your Skill Level is? Now, if you belong to any of the above Skill Level, you will not face any labour ban if you change jobs as per notice period mentioned in your contract. If you have any doubts, let me know through comments. Also talk to MOHRE officials for their update on Skill Levels.

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FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions on Skill levels in UAE