Applying for Chinese Pilot positions from UAE
 

I am currently 'exploring options' and enquired of CAE about a position with CSA, based in Guangzhou recently.

The reply I have from CAE states, amongst other things, that;

'CSA cannot accept pilots who have been flying in UAE for the last 2 years due to license verification issues, unfortunately."

I think it reasonable to assume that this restriction will apply to all Chinese carriers.

UAE and EK in particular do not play ball. Yes they are Arsholes to the Nth degree. And still pilots want to join here?
There are ways around this restriction but it is very difficult and time consuming.

A bit late in responding here but the Chinese will no longer accept applications using a GCAA licence based on information from a colleague and it seems to be a limitation that applies to all airlines.

You can apply using the exact same licence you used to enable your GCAA licence to be issued, providing it's valid and has the relevant type rating endorsed. You also need a letter from the GCAA to verify that your UAE licence was issued based on this other licence. A bit tricky for those from Europe with the different variations of licence (National/JAR/EASA) over the years, unless you used an EASA licence to obtain your UAE ATPL.