Business14 May, 20263 min read
UAE MOHRE Warns Workers Of One-Year Work Permit Ban For Probation Violations
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Workers may transfer to another employer after contract expiry or mutual agreement. Probation or absence violations may trigger a one-year work permit ban.
Permit bans and probation
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) clarified rules for workers seeking to move to a new employer after their employment contract ends, while warning that some violations could lead to a one-year work permit ban. MOHRE said a worker would not be granted a new work permit for one year if they leave employment during the probation period without complying with the required notice period or if a complaint of work abandonment is proven valid.
Gulf News said MOHRE also confirmed that workers are permitted to remain in the UAE after the end of their employment contract during the legally specified grace period, allowing them to adjust their status by securing new employment or completing departure procedures. In a guidance manual, MOHRE said employment contracts could be converted between different work models, including full-time, part-time, temporary, flexible, remote and job-sharing arrangements, subject to agreement and settlement of all financial dues linked to the original contract.
Grace periods and notice
Emirates 24|7 said MOHRE explained when workers can legally move to another employer, and it tied the ability to stay in the UAE after a job ends to a designated grace period linked to residency visa cancellation. The outlet reported that the grace period begins after a visa is cancelled and that grace periods in the UAE can range from 30 to 180 days after residency cancellation, depending on visa category.
Emirates 24|7 also said MOHRE set out two specific cases that could affect a job move, including that a worker will not be granted a new work permit for one year if they end the employment relationship during the probation period without complying with the notice period. It added that MOHRE said a worker may not be granted a new permit for one year if an absence-from-work complaint is approved as valid, describing such complaints as typically filed when an employee stops reporting to work without informing the employer or without a valid reason.
Unemployment insurance and costs
Euronews reported that in May the United Arab Emirates announced the establishment of a mandatory unemployment insurance scheme that will provide financial support to workers in both the public and private sectors, coming into effect early in 2023. The outlet said the benefits will be available to the entire UAE workforce, and it quoted Minister Abdulrahman Al Awar saying, "We are implementing reforms and policies that will enable those who participate in this labor market to benefit from social security policies that provide them with safety nets".
Euronews also stated that unemployment insurance contributions are expected to range between 10 and 25 euros per year for basic coverage, and that the scheme provides for the payment of 60% of the base salary with a maximum of 5,000 euros per month in the event of job loss for a defined period. It further reported that investors, domestic workers, people on temporary contracts, employees under 18, and retirees are exempt from the scheme, and it quoted Abdulrahman Al Awar saying, "We will have a system that will not be a burden on participants".