Can I resign as a domestic helper and cancel my visa at the agency without paying the hiring costs?

Dear questioner

You need to check the possibility of closing the visa through MOHRE and only through the same you can avoid the issues from the agency, otherwise, you may require the help of the agency to cancel the visa unless they can file absconding cases against you.

If you need further clarification, kindly share your Whatsapp number.

Dear Client,

Thanks for your question!

I hope you are doing well. I will assist you in this matter.

As a domestic worker in the UAE, you have rights protected by law. Your 15-hour workday exceeds legal limits. The agency's 9,000 dirham fee is likely illegal. You can leave without paying this fee.

Document any contract violations, contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization for assistance, and use available legal support services. The UAE protects workers against exploitation and forced labor.

Thanks & Regards,

ABDUL WAHIED

Under UAE law, if there are clear terms in your employment contract or agreement with the agency regarding payment when terminating or transferring employment, you may be obligated to pay.

However, if the contract does not specify this or if the practices are deemed illegal, you can challenge it.

We recommend sharing more details for precise advice regarding your situation. Our office specializes in such cases and will assist you in taking the appropriate legal steps.

Hello,

You must abide by the contract that you signed, and if you encounter any problems, you must contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Dear Questioner,

Thank you for reaching out.

Regarding your query about resigning from your current position and the agency's request for a 9,000 AED fee, I would like to clarify the following:

Resignation and Agency Fees: If your employment contract includes a clause requiring you to pay a penalty or reimbursement fee to the agency for recruitment costs, it is important to review the specifics of that clause.

Such fees are often tied to the period of employment that was agreed upon. However, the amount requested must be reasonable and reflect the actual costs incurred by the agency for your recruitment.

Legality of the Fee: UAE labor law generally prohibits agencies from charging excessively high fees or imposing unfair penalties on workers. If the demand of 9,000 AED seems disproportionate or was not clearly stated in your contract, you may have grounds to challenge the fee.

Steps You Can Take:

Review your contract for any clauses that mention the penalty or reimbursement terms.

If the fee appears unreasonable or if you were not made aware of it at the time of signing the contract, you may consider filing a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). They can investigate whether the agency's demand is lawful.

If needed, we can discuss further legal options for addressing this matter.

Please let me know if you would like assistance in reviewing your contract or pursuing a complaint with the relevant authorities.

Best regards,

Mohammed Salah

Legal Consultant

Whether you can leave the agency without paying depends largely on your contractual obligations and local labor laws.

It is advisable to seek legal counsel for personalized guidance based on your specific situation.

Thank you for reaching out. I understand your concern about your working hours and the potential financial obligation to your agency if you resign.

Under UAE labor laws, no employer or agency can force you to pay recruitment costs or any fees related to your employment contract.

If your agency is demanding AED 9,000, this could be unlawful, and we can assess whether their claim has any legal basis.

I recommend that we review your employment contract and any agreements you signed with the agency to determine your rights and options. There may be legal grounds to contest such payments and safeguard your rights.

Please feel free to reach out to me via WhatsApp or phone to discuss this matter further and arrange a consultation.

Best regards,

Suhail Rana