If you’ve recently lost your job in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or another Gulf country, your job hunt comes with a ticking clock, and many professionals don’t even know it exists.

This “clock” is often referred to as the 90-day rule. In most GCC countries, your visa and work permit are tied to your employer. When your job ends, so does your legal right to stay, unless you take action within the grace period.

Here’s why understanding this rule can make or break your job search.

What Is the 90-Day Rule?

In the UAE, many residents have a grace period of up to 90 days after their employment ends to:

• Find a new job and transfer sponsorship

• Change to another visa type (like freelance or investor)

• Leave the country without incurring penalties

In Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries, the timelines may differ, but the principle is the same: you have a limited legal window to secure your next opportunity.

Failing to act before the deadline can lead to:

• Overstay fines

• Visa cancellation issues

• Potential bans from re-entering the country

Why It’s a Job Search Deadline

Think of the 90-day period as both a visa countdown and a career urgency trigger. The job market in cities like Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha is competitive—meaning you can’t afford to lose weeks to uncertainty.

This timeframe pushes you to:

• Prioritize high-potential applications

• Expand your job search beyond your immediate field

• Activate your professional network quickly

How to Make the Most of Your Grace Period

Here’s how to maximize your chances before the clock runs out:

1. Update Your CV Immediately

Highlight recent achievements, skills, and certifications. Make sure your Bayt.com profile matches your CV.

2. Set Up Job Alerts

Use platforms like Bayt.com to receive daily alerts in your target sectors and cities. Apply as soon as relevant roles appear.

3. Target High-Demand Sectors

Focus on industries that are actively hiring in the GCC, such as tech, logistics, construction, and healthcare.

4. Network Strategically

Reach out to former colleagues, industry contacts, and recruitment agencies. Let them know your availability and timeline.

5. Consider Remote or Freelance Roles

Some professionals bridge the gap by taking remote contracts while they search for a long-term role.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long before starting applications

• Applying randomly without tailoring your CV or cover letter

• Ignoring your visa status until the last minute

• Relying on one or two applications instead of a wide search

Why It Matters in the GCC Job Market

Employers in the Gulf prefer candidates who are ready to start quickly and have a valid residency status. Knowing and acting within the 90-day rule gives you a competitive edge over those who miss the deadline.

Final Takeaway

Your job hunt isn’t open-ended in the GCC. The 90-day rule isn’t just an immigration regulation—it’s your career countdown.
Stay proactive, use every day wisely, and leverage platforms like Bayt.com to secure your next opportunity before time runs out.