VoxxArrive · Onboarding checklist
Day 1 onboarding checklist for UAE employers
The Day 1 phase of UAE onboarding, task by task. First working day. Contract signature and acknowledgements, handover of originals for visa processing, insurance card issue, handbook and conduct briefing (including gross-misconduct grounds under FDL 33/2021), IT and workspace setup, and collection of bank/IBAN details for WPS payroll.
Day 1 - what happens
First working day. Contract signature and acknowledgements, handover of originals for visa processing, insurance card issue, handbook and conduct briefing (including gross-misconduct grounds under FDL 33/2021), IT and workspace setup, and collection of bank/IBAN details for WPS payroll.
Your task slice
10 of the 57 onboarding tasks apply here.
Employee signs the employment contract on Day 1
Signed employment contract
Collect original passport and entry permit for residence visa processing
Employee acknowledges probation terms and success criteria in writing
Issue health insurance card and policy details to the employee
Health insurance card
Issue employee handbook and code of conduct; capture acknowledgement (incl. gross-misconduct grounds)
Handbook acknowledgement
Brief employee on working hours, breaks, overtime, and leave policy
IT handover: account access, MFA, security and acceptable-use policy
Collect employee bank/IBAN details for WPS payroll set-up
Hiring Manager welcome, team introductions, and workspace setup
Employee completes personal-data and emergency-contact form
Employee data form
Sources
- UAE Government Official Platform (u.ae) - Expatriates' employment in the private sector: job offers, work permits and contracts
- UAE Government Official Platform (u.ae) - Employment contracts: duration and models in the private sector
- The Official Platform of the UAE Government (u.ae) - Employment laws and regulations in the private sector
- The Official Platform of the UAE Government (u.ae) - Working hours and overtime
- Clyde & Co - Significant amendments to the UAE Labour Law: Articles 54 and 60 (Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2024)
- Lexology - Conversion of Fixed Term Contract deadline extended for UAE Employers
- Mondaq - UAE Labour Law Amendments: Enhanced Penalties and Strengthened Employee Protections in 2024
- Chambers and Partners - The Notice Period under UAE Federal Decree by Law No. 33 of 2021
Frequently asked
How many tasks are in the Day 1 phase?
10 of the 57 UAE onboarding tasks fall in the Day 1 phase, each with a named owner and due point.
What happens during Day 1?
First working day. Contract signature and acknowledgements, handover of originals for visa processing, insurance card issue, handbook and conduct briefing (including gross-misconduct grounds under FDL 33/2021), IT and workspace setup, and collection of bank/IBAN details for WPS payroll.
Where does this phase sit in the overall journey?
It is phase 2 of five: pre-boarding, Day 1, Week 1, Month 1 and Month 3+. See the full 57-task checklist for the phases either side.