Government Relations Officer

Government Relations Officer

The Government Relations Officer is responsible for coordinating and processing all government-related requirements for Sofitel Dubai Downtown, ensuring full compliance with UAE regulations and the timely completion of employee residency visas (full cycle), licensing, permits and other government transactions. Working closely with the People & Culture team, and reporting to the Director of People & Culture the role requires excellent knowledge of UAE government processes, strong attention to detail, confidentiality and proactive management of all regulatory deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end employee employment visa, residence visa, work permit, Emirates ID, medical, and cancellation processes, including new applications and renewals.
• Maintain accurate tracking of visa, Emirates ID, passport, work permit and other government-document expiry dates, ensuring renewals and cancellations are completed within required timelines.
• Process and coordinate hotel-related government licences, permits and approvals, including relevant DTCM, Dubai Municipality and other authority requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of UAE labour, immigration and government regulations, proactively advising the Director of People & Culture of regulatory or procedural changes affecting the hotel or its employees.
• Liaise directly with government authorities and relevant service providers, ensuring transactions, submissions and follow-ups are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Manage employee onboarding and offboarding government formalities, including visa issuance, status changes, cancellations and other immigration requirements.
• Maintain complete confidentiality and ensure the accuracy and integrity of all employee and government documentation, records, reports and supporting files.
• Work closely with the People & Culture and Finance teams to ensure government-related expenses, receipts, fines, reports and documentation are accurately tracked, submitted and reconciled.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years’ experience in a Government Relations / PRO role within the UAE, with hands-on experience managing employment visas, immigration, work permits and government transactions.
• Fluent Arabic and English speaker, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong working knowledge of UAE government systems, processes and regulations, including MOHRE, GDRFA/ICP, Emirates ID and relevant Dubai government portals. Previous experience within the hospitality/hotel industry, with exposure to DTCM, Dubai Municipality and hotel-specific government licensing and permit requirements.