Position Overview: PRO (Government Relations Officer, UAE)
The PRO (Government Relations Officer) is responsible for managing all government-related processes, licensing requirements, and regulatory interactions for the venue in the UAE. In a restaurant, club, or lounge environment, this role is essential to keeping the business legally compliant, operationally protected, and fully up to date with local labour, immigration, municipal, and trade requirements. The PRO acts as the key liaison between the organisation and government authorities, ensuring that approvals, renewals, submissions, and follow-ups are handled accurately and on time.
- Purpose of the role
- Ensure the business remains compliant with all UAE government, municipality, labour, immigration, and licensing regulations.
- Support uninterrupted operations by managing official documentation, permits, and renewals efficiently.
- Protect the business from penalties, delays, and compliance risks through proactive government relations management.
- Where it sits in the organisation / reporting line
- The PRO sits within the HR, Training & Compliance function, working closely with HR, Finance, Operations, and Senior Management.
- This role typically reports to the HR Manager, Compliance Manager, or General Manager, depending on the structure of the venue.
- It also serves as a central coordination point between the business and external authorities, including immigration, labour, municipality, economic, and licensing departments.
- Key areas of responsibility
- Manage employee visa processing, renewals, cancellations, Emirates ID procedures, labour cards, and work permits.
- Handle trade licence renewals, establishment card updates, municipality approvals, and other regulatory submissions.
- Liaise with government departments and service providers to track approvals and resolve issues promptly.
- Maintain accurate records of all legal documents, permits, and compliance deadlines.
- Support HR with onboarding and offboarding processes from a government compliance perspective.
- Monitor changes in UAE regulations and communicate requirements to relevant departments.
- Coordinate payments, receipts, and document submissions related to government services.
- What success looks like / ideal profile
- Highly organised, detail-oriented, and reliable, with strong follow-through and document control skills.
- Confident dealing with authorities, service centres, and internal stakeholders.
- Discreet, professional, and calm under pressure, especially when managing urgent deadlines.
- Strong knowledge of UAE procedures and a practical understanding of hospitality operations.
- A proactive problem-solver who can anticipate compliance issues and keep the business moving smoothly.