Looking for a job in the UAE? Check out the full list of MOHRE skill levels 1 to 9
Find out how the UAE classifies jobs by education, skills and experience, and which professions are considered skilled labour.
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: Managers
1-1 Chief executives, senior officials, and legislators
1-2 Administrative and commercial managers
1-3 Production and specialised services managers
1-4 Hospitality, retail, and other services managers
Level 2: Professionals
2-1 Science and engineering professionals
2-2 Health professionals
2-3 Teaching professionals
2-4 Business and administration professionals
2-5 Information and communications technology professionals
2-6 Legal, social, and cultural professionals
Level 3: Technicians and associate professionals
3-1 Science and engineering associate professionals
3-2 Health associate professionals
3-3 Business and administration associate professionals
3-4 Legal, social, cultural, and related associate professionals
3-5 Information and communications technicians
Level 4: Clerical support workers
4-1 General and keyboard clerks
4-2 Customer services clerks
4-3 Numerical and material recording clerks
4-4 Other clerical support workers
Level 5: Service and sales workers
5-1 Personal service workers
5-2 Sales workers
5-3 Personal care workers
5-4 Protective services workers
Level 6: Skilled agricultural, forestry and fishery workers
6-1 Market-oriented skilled agricultural workers
6-2 Market-oriented skilled forestry, fishery, and hunting workers
6-3 Subsistence farmers, fishers, hunters, and gatherers
Level 7: Craft and related trades workers
7-1 Building and related trades workers, excluding electricians
7-2 Metal, machinery, and related trades workers
7-3 Handicraft and printing workers
7-4 Electrical and electronic trades workers
7-5 Food processing, woodworking, garment and other craft and related trades workers
Level 8: Plant and machine operators and assemblers
8-1 Stationary plant and machine operators
8-2 Assemblers
8-3 Drivers and mobile plant operators
Level 9: Elementary occupations
9-1 Cleaners and helpers
9-2 Agricultural, forestry and fishery labourers
9-3 Labourers in mining, construction, manufacturing, and transport
9-4 Food preparation assistants
9-5 Street and related sales and service workers
9-6 Refuse workers and other elementary workers
Why 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 requirements
- Educational qualification requirements
- Employer compliance with MOHRE regulations
- Eligibility for certain employment-related benefits and government initiatives
What 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.