The trend of hiring remote workers from outside the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is gaining traction among companies aiming to reduce costs and increase profitability. This strategy allows businesses to tap into talent pools in regions where salaries are lower while maintaining operational efficiency. Recruitment consultants note that remote workers are predominantly hired from Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa due to the availability of skilled professionals in these regions.
According to the Hays’ GCC Salary Guide for 2024, a significant portion of companies in the UAE (87%) are planning to hire permanent employees. However, a notable percentage (19%) will opt for temporary contract employees, and 16% will engage freelancers. This demonstrates a growing preference for flexible staffing arrangements, reflecting the evolving nature of work dynamics.
Nicki Wilson, managing director of Genie, highlights the attractiveness of setting up remote teams in regions with lower salary structures. This model is particularly prevalent in recruitment agencies, technology firms, and customer service-related fields. Wilson emphasizes the potential cost savings of 50-75% in salaries for companies adopting remote work arrangements.
Mayank Patel, Vice President of Sales for EEMENA and Country Head of Adecco Middle East, underscores the diversity in workplace dynamics, ranging from fully remote roles to hybrid models. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining work-life balance while accommodating employees’ preferences for remote or office-based work.
Remote work visas facilitated by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) enable foreign professionals to work remotely for UAE-based companies. Patel notes that remote employees’ salaries are determined based on factors such as job responsibilities, expertise, and the company’s compensation policy. Niche roles demanding high expertise may command even higher salaries for remote workers.
Certain sectors such as sales lead acquisition, technology, data, and performance marketing are increasingly embracing remote work arrangements. This trend is driven by the recognition of the potential for cost savings and access to a global talent pool.
However, Patel emphasizes that remote work is suitable for short-term projects and roles that require minimal collaboration among team members. Functions like customer service, consultancy, marketing, and IT roles such as software engineering or data analysis are well-suited for remote or hybrid work models.
While many roles are filled locally, companies may seek talent from abroad for highly specialized positions or when local talent is scarce. Popular countries for remote hiring include India, CIS countries, South Africa, and Sri Lanka, which boast highly skilled talent pools capable of delivering work remotely.
