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.