Sulfikar P. U.
Dubai,UAE
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in government relations and regulatory liaison, specialising in end-to-end visa and immigration management. Demonstrates proficiency in onboarding and employee lifecycle compliance, with a strong focus on free zone expertise. Skilled in process management and excellence, adept at volume and SLA management, and excels in stakeholder management. Committed to leveraging these skills to drive organisational success and ensure seamless operations.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Deputy Manager – Govt Relations
Aster Pharmacies Group Br of DM Healthcare
Dubai, UAE
2011.07 - Current
- Serve as the primary liaison for the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE), coordinating inspections during the opening of new units or updates to the company's trade license.
- Oversee and manage the complete process of labor visa processing, including stamping, renewals, new visa applications and part-time/temporary, golden visa, and relative work permits.
- Manage the coordination of medical screening for employee visa renewals and new applications, ensuring all health-related documentation aligns with immigration and labor authority requirements.
- Oversee and coordinate Emirates ID biometrics appointments, ensuring efficient scheduling, timely attendance, and adherence to official processes.
- Manage the entire process of labor and immigration cards for new units, including issuance, renewal, and cancellation.
- Oversaw and managed complete labor visa process, including stamping, renewals, new applications, and work permit for part-time/temporary, golden, and relative visas, ensuring timely renewal of 200+ visas monthly and processing of 75+ new applications, maintaining accuracy and compliance with regulations.
- Coordinated and secured approvals for overseas recruitment from consulates and embassies, facilitating workforce expansion and compliance with international hiring standards.
- Coordinated and processed visa applications for the recruitment team and senior executives for international assignments and professional purposes.
- Managed new visa applications and renewals across all Dubai Freezones, including JAFZA, DHCC, DSO, DMCC, and DSP, ensuring timely processing, full compliance with Freezone regulations, and zero delays in onboarding.
- Managed the submission and issuance of both permanent and temporary access cards for JAFZA and DMCC.
- Handled visa and labor card cancellations by ensuring timely submission of required documents and full compliance with immigration and labor regulations for employee exits.
- Lead and manage a team, ensuring operational excellence and efficiency across all administrative functions.
- Administer company petty cash, corporate credit cards allocated to the Government Relations Department, and Nuqoodi payments, ensuring proper allocation, timely reconciliation, and compliance with financial policies.
- Spearheaded the creation of a staff digital filing system.
- Managed document uploads, tracking, and HR approval workflows by department and project using infinigent.app, used for end-to-end visa processing and tracking.
Office Administrator/P.R.O.
Al Jabal Heavy Trucks Transport
Dubai, UAE
2010.05 - 2011.05
- Handle all visa processing (new, renewal, cancellation) for employees, drivers, and staff.
- Manage labor and immigration-related documentation through systems like Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
- Liaise with government authorities for permits, licenses, and approvals.
- Ensure timely renewal of trade licenses, vehicle registrations, and company documents.
- Maintain compliance with UAE labor laws and transport regulations
- Manage daily office operations, documentation, and filing systems.
- Maintain employee records, contracts, and HR documentation.
- Coordinate with internal departments (operations, fleet, HR, finance).
- Ensure all heavy vehicle permits and road compliance documents are up to date.
- Support registration, renewal, and insurance of trucks and trailers.
- Liaise with transport authorities and municipalities when required.
P.R.O./HR Coordinator
Hans Technical Services & Gen. Contr.
Al-Samha, Abu Dhabi
2007.11 - 2010.04
- Act as the main point of contact with government authorities including Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
- Process employment visas (new, renewal, cancellation), labour cards, and work permits.
- Coordinate Emirates ID applications, biometrics, and medical fitness tests.
- Ensure timely renewal of trade licenses, establishment cards, and company documentation.
- Liaise with free zones or municipalities for permits, approvals, and inspections (if applicable).
- Manage employee fines, immigration alerts, and compliance issues.
- Maintain employee records (contracts, personal files, visa status).
- Support onboarding (offer letters, documentation, joining formalities).
- Assist in offboarding (visa cancellation, final settlement coordination).
- Track attendance, leave records, and provide inputs for payroll processing.
- Coordinate employee medical insurance and renewals.
- Support recruitment coordination (documentation, interview scheduling).
- Ensure all site employees (especially labour workforce) have valid visas, permits, and IDs.
- Coordinate labour camp documentation and compliance (if applicable).
- Track workforce mobilization and demobilization for projects.
- Liaise with site managers for documentation and manpower compliance.
PRO/Secretary
Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction
Abu Dhabi
2006.09 - 2007.10
- Liaised with government authorities including Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs for visa and labour-related processes.
- Processed employment visas (new, renewals, cancellations) for employees and site staff.
- Coordinated medical tests, Emirates ID applications, and documentation for residency permits.
- Ensured timely submission and collection of official documents from government departments.
- Maintained records of employee visa status and compliance documentation.
- Provided administrative support to senior management and project teams.
- Managed correspondence, documentation, and filing systems (both physical and electronic).
- Scheduled meetings, maintained calendars, and coordinated appointments.
- Prepared official letters, reports, and internal communications.
- Handled incoming calls, emails, and visitor coordination.
- Coordinated with HR and site teams for employee documentation and onboarding processes.
- Assisted in maintaining employee records and updating databases.
- Supported day-to-day office operations to ensure efficiency and compliance.
Office Administrator
Basma Printing & Publishing
Sohar
2000.01 - 2006.01
- Managed daily office operations, ensuring smooth workflow and administrative efficiency.
- Maintained filing systems (physical and electronic) for business documents, client records, and internal correspondence.
- Handled incoming and outgoing communication (calls, emails, couriers).
- Managed office supplies, vendor coordination, and procurement of materials.
- Provided administrative support to management and production teams.
- Scheduled meetings, maintained calendars, and coordinated appointments.
- Prepared business correspondence, reports, and documentation.
- Coordinated with internal departments to ensure timely completion of tasks.
- Acted as the first point of contact for clients and vendors.
- Coordinated job orders with clients and liaised with production teams for timely delivery.
- Managed basic customer queries and ensured service quality.
Circulation Manager
Poomkavanam Publications
Calicut, Kerala
1996.01 - 2000.01
Education
Bachelors of Arts - History & Political Science
Calicut University
India 1994.04 - 1996.04
Bachelor of Business Administration - Distance Education
RNT university
India 2023.06 - 2025.12
Skills
- Government Relations & Regulatory Liaison
- End-to-End Visa & Immigration Management
- Onboarding & Employee Lifecycle Compliance
- Free Zone Expertise
- Process Management & Excellence
- Volume & SLA Management
- Stakeholder Management
Languages
English, Arabic, Malayalam, and Hindi
Accomplishments
- Super Star Performer of the Year, 2024-01-01, Aster, Outstanding performance in high-volume hiring and efficient management of immigration processes.
- Super Star Performer of the Year, 2021-01-01, Aster, Exceptional contribution in managing visa renewals, new applications, and cancellations during the COVID-19 period.
Personal Information
- Title: Deputy Manager - Government Relations
- Nationality: Indian
- Work Permit: Employment Visa
- Visa status: Employment Visa
References
- Mr. Bala, CEO, Aster Pharmacy
- Mr. Jobilal M. Vavachan, CEO, Life Pharmacy
- Mr. Jose Sreedharan, CEO, Muscat Pharmacy
Timeline
Bachelor of Business Administration - Distance Education
RNT university
2023.06 - 2025.12
Deputy Manager – Govt Relations
Aster Pharmacies Group Br of DM Healthcare
2011.07 - Current
Office Administrator/P.R.O.
Al Jabal Heavy Trucks Transport
2010.05 - 2011.05
P.R.O./HR Coordinator
Hans Technical Services & Gen. Contr.
2007.11 - 2010.04
PRO/Secretary
Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction
2006.09 - 2007.10
Office Administrator
Basma Printing & Publishing
2000.01 - 2006.01
Circulation Manager
Poomkavanam Publications
1996.01 - 2000.01
Bachelors of Arts - History & Political Science
Calicut University
1994.04 - 1996.04