Government Relations Officer

Location

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Employment type

Full-time

Industry

Industrial services / engineering

Overview

An excellent opportunity is available for an experienced government relations manager to oversee all government-related processes and ensure full compliance with UAE regulations. The successful candidate will play a key role in managing employee immigration matters, licensing requirements, permit applications, and regulatory compliance activities while maintaining strong relationships with government authorities and external stakeholders.

This role is ideal for a highly organised professional with extensive experience navigating UAE government procedures and supporting business operations in a fast-paced environment.

Key responsibilities

• Manage work permit applications, renewals, amendments, and cancellations.
• Coordinate employment visas, mission visas, visit visas, and related immigration processes.
• Ensure timely renewal of employee visas and associated legal documentation.
• Manage security access permits and passes for personnel and equipment.
• Coordinate medical examinations and mandatory government-related training requirements.
• Maintain accurate employee records including visas, passports, identification cards, and legal documentation.
• Manage the renewal of trade licences, memberships, operating licences, and regulatory registrations.
• Coordinate updates with relevant government departments and regulatory authorities.
• Oversee accommodation registration requirements and related compliance activities.
• Manage vehicle registration, inspections, transfers, renewals, and export documentation.
• Obtain permits required for transportation and movement of specialised equipment.
• Liaise with government authorities to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory updates and advise management on compliance requirements.
• Support audits, inspections, and government reviews as required.
• Maintain effective working relationships with government entities and external stakeholders.
• Assist with additional administrative and compliance activities as required.

Requirements

• Minimum 7 years of experience in a government relations, public relations officer (PRO), or similar role within the UAE.
• Strong understanding of UAE labour laws, immigration procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience managing visas, work permits, licences, and government approvals.
• Fluent in Arabic and English, both written and spoken.
• Strong knowledge of UAE government departments, systems, and procedures.
• Excellent organisational and document management skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and relevant UAE government portals.

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, human resources, public administration, or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting engineering, construction, logistics, industrial, or energy-sector organisations.
• Established relationships with key UAE government authorities and departments.

Key competencies

• Government relations
• Immigration and visa processing
• Regulatory compliance
• Stakeholder management
• Documentation control
• Communication and negotiation
• Problem solving
• Planning and organisation
• Attention to detail

What's on offer

• Opportunity to play a key role within a well-established organisation.
• Exposure to a broad range of government and regulatory activities.
• Collaborative and professional working environment.
• Long-term career development opportunities.