Shaaban Ragab

Results-driven Government Relations & Legal Affairs professional with over 18 years of experience managing government liaison, visa and immigration services, labour compliance, and Emiratization programs across the UAE. Proven track record of building strong relationships with government authorities including MOHRE, GDRFA, ICP, Tasheel, Amer, Emirates ID, and TAMM to ensure smooth approvals and full regulatory compliance. Skilled in end-to-end visa processing, trade licensing, employee onboarding, and administrative oversight, combined with a legal background that strengthens contract review and risk management.

Known for calm, solutions-focused leadership under pressure and a strong command of both Arabic and English.

Government Relations Manager & Legal Affairs at Badami Holding Group (2024-03 – Present)

• Serve as the primary point of contact between the company and UAE government authorities.
• Manage and administer company entities across all legal forms — Mainland and Free Zone — ensuring proper structuring and regulatory compliance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with ministries and departments to ensure smooth approvals and compliance.
• Liaise with MOHRE, Immigration, Tasheel, Amer, ICP, Free Zone portals, Emirates ID, and TAMM.
• Handle quota requests and inspections, and coordinate with government inspectors.
• Prepare and submit official documents, applications, and correspondence; represent the company at official government meetings.
• Manage and track renewal of commercial property contracts.
• Manage employment visas, work permits, and residency permits for expatriates, including renewals, cancellations, and employee transfers for Mainland and Free Zone Company
• Process Emirates ID applications, medical tests, and residency stamping; maintain passport tracking for timely renewals.
• Assist employees with dependent visas and onboarding requirements and advise HR on immigration law updates.
• Manage vehicle registration, testing, and renewals for 100+ vehicles across all 7 Emirates.
• Ensure full compliance with RTA, GPS tracking (Asateel/Rased), SALIK, and DARBI regulations.
• Secure advertising permits and non-food material distribution licenses, reducing fleet-related violations by 50%.
• Manage immigration, visa, and labor processing for a large workforce across Mainland and Free Zone authorities.
• Handle trade license renewals, amendments, and GPSSA registrations for UAE nationals.
• Handle applications and renewals of trade licenses, tenancy contracts, and establishment cards.
• Maintain PRO activity trackers and prepare weekly/monthly management reports; monitor ILOE processes.
• Coordinate company vehicle registration and permits across Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi.
• Prepare employment contracts, maintain employee records, and support onboarding/offboarding in line with UAE labour law.
• Manage GPSSA (Emirati pension scheme) registration and contribution processes for UAE national employees.
• Oversee NAFIS onboarding procedures, ensuring full alignment with Emiratization quotas and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with authorities to maintain accurate national employee records and ensure ongoing compliance.

Government Relations Manager at Al Shafar National Group of Companies (2008-06 – 2024-03)

• Managed end-to-end immigration processes — employment visas, residency and work permits — across UAE emirates.
• Processed visa applications and labour transactions through MOHRE, GDRFA, ICP, TAMM, MOI, Emirates ID, and Free Zone portals.
• Supported HR operations including onboarding, offboarding, Golden Visa, dependent visas, and domestic worker visas.
• Acted as primary liaison between the company and UAE government entities (MOHRE, DED, Immigration, Free Zone, RAT, TAMM).
• Managed trade license services: issuance, renewal, amendments, upgrades, and cancellations.
• Handled GPSSA pension processes and labour cards for UAE national employees.
• Coordinated with legal advisors and authorities to resolve immigration-related issues; trained staff on compliance procedures.
• Managed company vehicle registration/renewal and permits across Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi.

Legal Adviser at Shawky Attorney Office (2007-07 – 2008-06)

• Advised clients on legal options and protected client interests, drafting legal documents and contracts.
• Performed risk assessments to identify exposure to legal, ethics, and compliance issues.
• Reviewed legal documentation and bank agreements, translating and simplifying legal terms for clients.
• Maintained accurate, confidential client records and coordinated smooth property transfers under tight deadlines.

Bachelor of Law in Law – Faculty of Law, Cairo University (2004-01 – 2007-12)