Dubai: When applying for jobs in the UAE, or for certain visas, you may come across eligibility criteria that mention skill levels from 1 to 9.Just what are these workforce skill levels and why do they matter? Find out below.What are workforce skill levels?In the UAE, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) categorises the workforce by skill levels in order to reflect differences in education, training and complexity of the job role.This classification system ensures that employees in the UAE are assigned roles that align with their educational background, skills, and experience. It also helps both employers and jobseekers by offering clarity on job requirements, facilitating better workforce planning, and development.The authority has defined nine skill levels, and these are based on the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.What are the nine workforce skill levels in the UAE?If your profession falls under any of the first five skill levels, you are classified as a skilled worker in the UAE (subject to other conditions, mentioned below).The first two levels relate to highly skilled roles, and require a bachelor’s degree or specialised scientific and technical certifications.Levels three to five are semi-skilled or technician roles that require post-secondary diplomas or high school certificates.Levels six to nine are service, operational or elementary occupations with no formal degree requirement.Here is the complete list of workforce skill levels, as outlined by MOHRE:Level 1: Managers1-1 Chief executives, senior officials, and legislators1-2 Administrative and commercial managers1-3 Production and specialised services managers1-4 Hospitality, retail, and other services managersLevel 2: Professionals2-1 Science and engineering professionals2-2 Health professionals2-3 Teaching professionals2-4 Business and administration professionals2-5 Information and communications technology professionals2-6 Legal, social, and cultural professionalsLevel 3: Technicians and associate professionals3-1 Science and engineering associate professionals3-2 Health associate professionals3-3 Business and administration associate professionals3-4 Legal, social, cultural, and related associate professionals3-5 Information and communications techniciansLevel 4: Clerical support workers4-1 General and keyboard clerks4-2 Customer services clerks4-3 Numerical and material recording clerks4-4 Other clerical support workersLevel 5: Service and sales workers5-1 Personal service workers5-2 Sales workers5-3 Personal care workers5-4 Protective services workersLevel 6: Skilled agricultural, forestry and fishery workers6-1 Market-oriented skilled agricultural workers6-2 Market-oriented skilled forestry, fishery, and hunting workers6-3 Subsistence farmers, fishers, hunters, and gatherersLevel 7: Craft and related trades workers7-1 Building and related trades workers, excluding electricians7-2 Metal, machinery, and related trades workers7-3 Handicraft and printing workers7-4 Electrical and electronic trades workers7-5 Food processing, woodworking, garment and other craft and related trades workersLevel 8: Plant and machine operators and assemblers8-1 Stationary plant and machine operators8-2 Assemblers8-3 Drivers and mobile plant operatorsLevel 9: Elementary occupations9-1 Cleaners and helpers9-2 Agricultural, forestry and fishery labourers9-3 Labourers in mining, construction, manufacturing, and transport9-4 Food preparation assistants9-5 Street and related sales and service workers9-6 Refuse workers and other elementary workersWhy does this classification matter?Understanding your profession skill level is important, because it can influence various aspects of your life in the UAE, including:Work permit processing requirementsEducational qualification requirementsEmployer compliance with MOHRE regulationsEligibility for certain employment-related benefits and government initiativesWhat qualifies as skilled labour?According to MOHRE, there are four main conditions that must be met, to classify as skilled labour in the UAE:The worker must be at a professional skill level, which means the individual’s occupation must be part of skill levels 1 to 5 under MOHRE’s classification.The worker should have a certificate higher than a secondary certificate or its equivalent.The certificate must be attested by the competent authorities, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC).The monthly salary of the worker must not be less than Dh4,000.
