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The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has clarified that it rejects all applications for work permits from juveniles below the age of 15, a position rooted in explicit provisions of the UAE Labour Law. Article 5 of the law states it is prohibited to employ juveniles under the age of 15, according to the ministry’s guidance. This blanket prohibition applies without distinction to Emirati nationals and expatriate residents alike, as detailed in an official statement.
Tuko News reported on the development under the headline “Too young to work”: UAE reveals who cannot get a work permit, highlighting the ministry’s stance following public interest in eligibility rules. The outlet quoted the ministry as confirming that no work permits will be granted to this age group under any circumstances. Such measures aim to safeguard the rights and development of young people entering the workforce.
Separate ministry guidelines establish that the standard minimum age for a regular work permit stands at 18 years old. Limited exceptions allow for juvenile work permits or student training permits that carry additional restrictions on hours, tasks and supervision. The under-15 rule serves as a firm cutoff below which no formal employment pathway exists.
The International Labour Organization sets 15 years as the general minimum age for employment in its conventions, a standard that the UAE has incorporated into its domestic legislation. Regional assessments compiled by the organisation indicate declining rates of child labour across Gulf states in recent years. UAE authorities have strengthened enforcement through digital permit systems that automatically screen for age compliance.
Employers must consult the ministry’s portal to verify all criteria before submitting applications on behalf of potential workers. Failure to adhere to age requirements can result in permit denials, fines or other administrative sanctions, the ministry has warned. The framework forms part of broader labour market reforms intended to promote fair and regulated employment practices.
The policy was articulated in response to growing inquiries about work permit qualifications amid the country’s substantial expatriate labour force. Related coverage by Tuko.co.ke previously listed five conditions for obtaining a work permit, with age forming a core requirement. This age restriction ensures that only those meeting full legal criteria enter the formal economy.
