Can my employer charge me for visa costs and keep my passport when I resign?

Contact the Ministry of Labor and Workers and file a complaint.

Once you have completed six months, you can resign.

The company is not permitted to take your passport. This is a major problem.

Be advised that under UAE labor law, your employer cannot withhold your passport or demand AED 4,000 for visa costs if you have completed your one-year contract.

Such charges are not legally enforceable unless stated in your contract, and withholding a passport is illegal.

You should formally request your passport in writing and document all communications. If the employer refuses, a complaint can be filed with MOHRE, and we can also draft a legal notice demanding the immediate return of your passport and cancellation of any unlawful charges.

For more details and direct assistance, please share your WhatsApp number so we can communicate efficiently.

Thank you for reaching out!

What your company is doing raises serious legal concerns. Under UAE Labour Law, once you have completed one year of service, the employer cannot demand visa cost reimbursement — such expenses are strictly the employer’s responsibility. Moreover, keeping your passport is illegal, as it constitutes a violation of your personal freedom and labour rights.

We can immediately issue a legal notice to your company to recover your passport and stop any unfair deductions or threats. If required, we can also file a complaint before MOHRE to ensure your exit and settlement are handled properly.

Please contact me on WhatsApp or phone at [----------] so we can review your documents and take urgent legal action to protect your rights and recover your passport.

Hello Questioner,

Thank you for reaching out to us!

Based on the information you’ve shared, this appears to be an employment issue where your company is asking you to pay visa costs and is holding your passport.

Please note that under UAE law, employers are not allowed to charge employees for visa expenses, and they are also not permitted to keep your passport.

Since you’ve completed one year of employment, you have the right to resign without paying such fees, and your passport must be returned to you immediately.

To assist you further, please share any related documents — such as your employment contract, resignation letter, or messages from the company — via WhatsApp or email.

We’re here to support you and ensure your rights are protected.

Best regards,