Government Relations Supervisor

About the Company

Inchcape Shipping Services works toward a connected trading environment by combining worldwide reach with local know-how. The company operates through more than 250 proprietary offices and has over 3,000 employees supporting customers across oil, cruise, container, bulk commodity, naval, government, and intergovernmental sectors.

Role Overview

The Government Relations Supervisor will act as the main point of contact for government-related matters. This position is responsible for handling immigration, labour, licensing, and regulatory documentation for employees, offshore staff, customers, and internal operations, while ensuring compliance with UAE laws and maintaining strong ties with government bodies and external stakeholders.

Employment Details

This is a permanent, on-site position based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the full lifecycle of employment, visit, transit, and mission visas, along with work permits, renewals, and cancellations, in line with UAE requirements.
• Coordinate directly with authorities such as ICP, GDRFA, MOHRE, and other regulators to keep employee and company paperwork moving on time.
• Handle renewals and upkeep of trade licences, agency agreements, radio licences, and vehicle registrations to keep the business legally compliant.
• Assist Marine Operations with vessel clearances, crew movements, navigation licences, security passes, visa processing, and related port documentation.
• Track updates to labour, immigration, and Emiratisation rules and keep leadership informed of changes that may affect the business.
• Develop and sustain productive relationships with government offices, regulators, and other key stakeholders.
• Prepare and file statutory submissions such as MOHRE employee reports, Emiratisation reports, WPS reports, and other official documents.
• Guide employees through government-related procedures and represent the company when dealing with authorities as needed.
• Keep employee files accurate and current, including labour contracts, work permits, and passport records.
• Partner with HR, Administration, Marine Operations, and management to support smooth operations and compliance across all locations.

Candidate Profile

• Prior experience of 3 to 5 years in a comparable position.
• Working knowledge of shipping agency operations.
• Solid understanding of UAE government processes and local regulations.
• Strong command of MS Office tools such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, as well as related internal systems.
• Effective communication and relationship-building abilities.

Benefits

• Opportunity to develop your career with support for ambitious growth goals.
• Competitive compensation package.
• Collaborative environment with skilled and supportive colleagues.
• Recognition through Value Award celebration events.

Additional Information

The company does not offer visa sponsorship, so candidates who need sponsorship now or in the future cannot be considered.

Applications and CVs must be submitted in English.

Selection will depend on satisfactory references and valid Right to Work documentation, based on the candidate’s location.

Unsolicited or speculative CVs from recruitment agencies will not be accepted, and no related fees will be paid.

Company Values

The successful candidate is expected to reflect the company’s values: a global outlook, belief in the strength of people and relationships, and a commitment to progress and positive change.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Inchcape Shipping Services is an equal opportunities employer and places strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and fairness in the workplace.