Free-zone companies hire on the free-zone authority's permits, outside MoHRE's Emiratisation quota — and on exactly the same Philippine route as everyone else. Here is what changes and what does not.
The free-zone authority, not MoHRE, issues the work permit and residence visa, sets the contract template and the term, and — for Emiratisation purposes — free-zone establishments sit outside the federal quota. Documentation and attestation rules track MoHRE's skill logic closely, and most zones require the same attested degrees for professional roles.
The Philippine side. MWO Dubai or Abu Dhabi accredits the free-zone company exactly as a mainland company — the free-zone licence stands in for the trade licence — the DMW registers the job order, and each worker's contract is verified before departure. Everything here is subject to applicable UAE MoHRE or free-zone, licensing, attestation and visa requirements and the rules of the specific free zone.
Warehouse and logistics staff for JAFZA and Dubai South, office and finance staff for DMCC, DIFC and ADGM companies, sales and marketing for Media City and DAFZA, hospitality staff for zone hotels, technicians for zone facilities.
Often comparable; some zones issue permits in days. The Philippine side runs in parallel either way.
Yes — MWO Dubai's requirements accept the trade licence or chamber certificate; free-zone licences are routinely accredited.
That is a secondment question governed by MoHRE and the zone; we recruit for direct employment only.
General information for employers, not legal or migration advice. Rules change; we re-verify before each hire.