Last Updated on September 10, 2025
Skill Level 5 roles in the United Arab Emirates are entry-level, routine jobs that do not require prior formal training or specialized experience, as defined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Candidates who are physically and mentally fit can typically perform these tasks with brief on-the-job instruction.
Who takes these roles?
These positions are open to all nationalities. In practice, many workers in Skill Level 5 come from abroad and fill high-demand, manual, or routine service roles across multiple industries.
Hiring & selection
- Simple screening: Employers usually conduct a short interview with a few basic questions.
- Education & language: Formal schooling or English proficiency is not typically required. Employers often assess physical ability and reliability more than prior skills.
Visa & fees (general notes)
- Processing: Work permits for Skill Level 5 are often processed relatively quickly compared with higher skill bands.
- Cost: Work-permit fees are generally lower than for higher skill categories.
Pay & benefits
- Wages: Salaries in Skill Level 5 are lower than in higher skill levels.
- Accommodation: Many companies provide housing and basic facilities to help offset costs for employees in this band.
Common Skill Level 5 Job Titles
Domestic & Cleaning
- Domestic Cleaner / Domestic Helper
- Hospital, Hotel, Office, General, Vehicle, Window, Sewerage Cleaner
- Launderer, Hand Presser
- Tile Polisher
Farming, Fishing, Forestry & Mining
- Livestock Farm Labourer, Farm Labourer, Garden Labourer
- Forestry Labourer, Fishery Labourer, Mining Labourer
Construction & Maintenance (Assistants/Helpers)
- Civil Works Labourer, Road Maintenance Labourer, Building Labourer
- Demolition Labourer, Bricklayer Assistant
- Electrician Assistant, Plumber Assistant, Painter Assistant, Tile Layer Assistant
- Crane Operator Assistant
- Air-Conditioning Assistant, Vehicle Mechanic Assistant
- Elevator Operator
Warehousing, Ports & Factory
- Packer, Factory Hand
- Freight Handler, Stevedore
- Stock Filler
Food & Beverage / Hospitality
- Arabic Coffee Maker, Fast-Food Maker, Beverage Maker
- Kitchen Helper, Restaurant Assistant
- Shoe Polisher
Street & Municipal Services
- Street Vendor, Street Sweeper
- Refuse Collector, Scrap Merchant
Support & Miscellaneous
- Porter, Messenger, Meter Reader
