Government Relations Assistant

Astro Offshore is seeking an experienced Government Relations Coordinator to join our team in a full-time, office-based role. Fluency in Arabic and English is mandatory. The role will support government-related processes, including employment visas, work permits, labour cards, licenses, renewals, cancellations, business visas, and correspondence with UAE authorities, embassies, and consulates. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2 years GRO/PRO experience, with marine or Oil & Gas experience preferred. Experience with CICPA processes and permits for offshore vessels and crew is highly desirable, along with strong organisational and coordination skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Government Relations Department with all administrative and coordination matters.
• Prepare, review, and organize documentation required for visas, labor cards, licenses, permits, and other government-related processes.
• Maintain and update records for employee visas, residence permits, labor cards, and dependents, including tracking expiry dates and renewals.
• Coordinate and follow up on the cancellation of employee visas, as required.
• Coordinate with Government Relations Officers and relevant internal departments to ensure timely submission and follow-up of government applications.
• Liaise with VFS, BLS, the KSA Consulate, and other embassies/consulates for the processing of business entry visas for company staff and crew.
• Monitor changes in government rules and regulations and report updates to the Government Relations Department.
• Draft, prepare, and submit correspondence in English and Arabic to UAE authorities, including letters, NOCs, clearances, port requests, and related documents, as instructed.
• Support the processing of employment visas, work permits, renewals, and cancellations by preparing files and required documentation.
• Prepare and submit correspondence in English and Arabic to the UAE authorities for various matters, including but not limited to licenses, clearances, NOC's, Ports Requests, etc.
• Handle employee inquiries related to foreign business and tourist visas, as well as related documentation, when necessary, and maintain tracking records.
• Prepare purchase orders, maintain records of monthly bank statements, and track all invoices related to the Government Relations Department.
• Ensure accurate maintenance of records for all government-related services and transactions.
• Assist with miscellaneous tasks related to Immigration, the Ministry of Labour, consulates, and company business licenses for the company and its group.
• Support miscellaneous business documentation and administrative tasks.
• Always maintain strict confidentiality and security of company and employee documents.

Desired Candidate Profile

• Minimum 2 years of experience as a GRO/PRO
• Experience in the marine or oil & gas industry is preferred
• Experience with CICPA processes and permits for offshore vessels and crew
• Coordination, organizational skills, problem-solving, time management.
• Fluency in Arabic and English is mandatory.
• High school diploma required (bachelor s degree preferred)