The United Arab Emirates has established a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 that employers must pay to workers across all nine officially recognised professional levels, as announced by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). This figure applies to every worker covered under the classification system, regardless of their job category.
The MoHRE groups workers using the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO), a framework developed by the International Labour Organization. The ministry confirmed the classification system in a public statement, noting: "Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) classifies workers into 9 professional levels according to the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organization."
UAE's Nine Professional Job Levels Explained
The nine professional levels, as published by MoHRE, cover a broad spectrum of occupations. The list includes: 1. Legislators, managers, and business executives; 2. Professionals in scientific, technical and human fields; 3. Technicians in scientific, technical, and humanitarian fields; 4. Writing professionals; 5. Service and sales occupations; 6. Skilled workers in agriculture, fisheries and animal husbandry; 7. Craftsmen in construction, mining, and other crafts; 8. Operators and assemblers of machinery and equipment; and 9. Simple professions.
These classifications span from high-level executives and scientists at the top end to agricultural workers, craftsmen, machine operators, and entry-level roles at the lower rungs. The system is based on international occupational standards, ensuring consistency with global labour practices.
Minimum Monthly Salary for UAE Workers
Regardless of which of the nine levels a worker falls under, the UAE has set a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000, which is equivalent to N1,467,485 for Nigerian workers or those sending remittances home. This figure represents the floor that employers in the UAE are required to meet, providing a baseline of financial protection for workers across all occupational categories covered by the classification system.
In a related development, Legit.ng recently reported that the UAE government has announced the minimum monthly income foreigners must earn to qualify for a residency permit. The required income is AED 3,000 for applicants whose employers provide accommodation, while those without employer-provided housing must earn at least AED 4,000 per month. This requirement aligns with the minimum salary threshold for workers, ensuring that foreign employees meet financial criteria for legal residency in the country.
