UAE Absconding Rules: The 1-Year Permit Ban and Exceptions

What the law calls it

The law does not use the word “absconding”. Article 50 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 calls it unlawful absence from work. Article 28 of the Executive Regulations (Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022) sets out how it is reported.

When absence becomes reportable

The employer may notify the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) when:

• the worker has been absent for more than 7 consecutive days, and
• the employer does not know where the worker is or how to reach them, and
• the employer completes the absence form set by the Minister.

A worker who is unwell and has told the employer, or who has an excuse the employer accepts, is in a different position. See the sick leave guide.

The one-year work permit ban

If a foreign worker is absent without a legitimate reason before the end of the contract, they cannot get another work permit for one year from the date of the absence. During that year, no other employer who knows of it may employ them or keep them in service (Article 50, clause 1).

Exceptions

The ban does not apply to (Executive Regulations Article 28, clause 2):

• a worker sponsored by their parents
• a worker applying for a new permit with the same establishment
• a worker with skills, professional or knowledge levels the State needs
• holders of the golden residency
• professional categories named by the Minister based on labour market needs

Absence as a reason for dismissal

Article 44, clause 8 lets an employer dismiss a worker without notice for absence without a legitimate reason or an accepted excuse of more than 20 non-consecutive days, or more than 7 consecutive days. The employer must first hold a written investigation. The dismissal decision must be in writing and give reasons.

Leaving lawfully instead

A worker can resign with the notice in their contract: 30 to 90 days, or 14 days to 1 month in probation. See the notice period guide, and the notice calculator for the allowance owed if you leave early. If the employer seriously breaches the contract, a worker may leave without notice and keep their rights, but only after notifying the Ministry and giving the employer time to fix the problem (Article 45).

Your pay when a job ends

Whatever the reason, the employer must pay wages and all entitlements within 14 days of the end of the contract (Article 53). If they do not, see what to do when gratuity is not paid. Unpaid days of absence do not count towards the service period for gratuity (Article 51, clause 4).

Sources: Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, Articles 44, 45, 50, 51 and 53, and Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, Article 28. Checked 1 October 2026.