DUBAI (Kashmir English): Foreign workers in the UAE could face a 12-month ban on obtaining a new work permit in certain situations involving violations of employment rules, under the provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
The restriction applies to specific cases involving private-sector employees and is intended to ensure compliance with UAE labour regulations.
When Can a UAE Worker Face a One-Year Ban?
A foreign worker may be prevented from obtaining a new UAE work permit for one year in the following situations:
Leaving a job during probation: Workers who leave their employment during the probation period without a valid reason may face a ban if the employer has fulfilled its contractual obligations.
Unapproved absence: An employee who stops attending work without permission or an acceptable reason could face restrictions if the employer reports the employee for abandoning the job and the report is verified.
Working for a fake company: A one-year restriction may also apply if a worker’s employment permit is linked to a company that is found to be fictitious and the permit is cancelled on that basis.
What Does the UAE Work Permit Ban Mean?
During the restriction period, the affected foreign worker cannot obtain a new regular private-sector work permit in the UAE.
Foreign job seekers are therefore advised to check their employment contracts, understand the legal requirements before leaving a job and verify that their prospective employer is a legitimate company.
The rules also highlight the importance of confirming the validity of a company’s licence and work-permit arrangements before accepting employment in the UAE.
