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, and 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 in the way the Minister sets.

A worker who is unwell and has told the employer, or who has an excuse the employer accepts, is in a different position. Sick leave is covered in 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, no other work permit is granted for one year from the date of the absence, and no other employer who knows of it may employ them or keep them in service during that time (Article 50, clause 1).

Exceptions

Executive Regulations Article 28, clause 2 lists workers who are not caught by the ban:

• 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

Separately, Article 44, clause 8 allows an employer to dismiss a worker without notice if they are absent without a legitimate reason or an excuse the employer accepts for more than 20 non-consecutive days, or more than 7 consecutive days. The employer must first hold a written investigation, and the dismissal decision must be in writing and give reasons.

Leaving lawfully instead

A worker who wants to leave can resign with the notice their contract requires, which is 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. A worker may also leave without notice and keep their rights if the employer seriously breaches the contract, 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. Days of absence without pay are not counted in the service period used 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. This is general information, not legal advice. Absence cases can carry serious consequences, so speak to MOHRE or a lawyer if you are in this situation.