What’s the minimum time an employee must work for the employer who brought them to the UAE?

Dear Client,

Thank you for your inquiry regarding the minimum duration an employee must work for an employer before terminating their contract in the UAE.

Below, I have outlined the relevant legal provisions under UAE labor law to address your question.

1. No Minimum Duration Requirement:

Under UAE labor law, there is no specific minimum duration that an employee must work for their employer before they can terminate their contract.

However, the termination process must comply with the following conditions based on the employment contract.

Employees may terminate a limited-term contract before its expiry only under specific circumstances, such as:

- Mutual agreement between the employer and employee.

- Valid reasons (e.g., breach of contract by the employer).

- If terminated without valid reasons or mutual agreement, employees may face penalties, including compensation to the employer (up to 50% of three months’ salary or wages for the remaining contract period).

2. Probation Period:

During the probation period (usually up to six months), employees can resign with shorter notice periods:

- A 14-day notice is required if resigning without taking another job in the UAE.

- A 30-day notice is required if resigning to take another job within the UAE.

Employers are prohibited from imposing penalties for resignation during probation, but employees must ensure proper notice is served.

3. Penalties for Early Termination:

If an employee terminates a contract without serving the required notice period or without valid reasons:

- They may be liable for compensation equal to half of three months’ salary or wages.

- For limited-term contracts, additional penalties may apply depending on the remaining duration of the contract.

4. Recommendations for Safe Termination

To ensure compliance with UAE labor law and avoid penalties:

a. Review Your Employment Contract: Carefully review your contract for specific clauses related to termination and notice periods.

b. Serve Proper Notice: Provide written notice as per your contractual and legal obligations.

c. Consult MOHRE: If you are unsure about your rights or obligations, you can contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for clarification.

d. Seek Legal Advice: For complex situations or disputes, consult a lawyer specializing in UAE labor law.

How We Can Assist You:

Our firm provides expert legal guidance on employment matters in the UAE. We can assist you with:

a. Reviewing your employment contract and advising on termination procedures.

b. Drafting resignation letters that comply with UAE labor laws.

c. Representing you in case of disputes with your employer.

Should you require further assistance, please feel free to contact us for a consultation.

Best regards,

At least 6 months.

According to UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021), there is no mandatory minimum duration an employee must work for the employer who brought them into the country.

However, if the employee terminates the contract within the first 6 months, they may be liable to compensate the employer, especially if the employer has incurred recruitment and training costs.

Additionally, early resignation without a valid reason may result in a temporary labor ban in certain cases.

Our legal team specializes in UAE labor and employment law and can assist you with accurate legal guidance.

For direct support, feel free to contact us on WhatsApp.

Hello,

There is no minimum duration specified in the law that prevents an employee from resigning, even if the employer sponsored their visa.

The UAE Labour Law does not specify a minimum duration an employee must work for an employer who brought them into the country before they can terminate their contract.

If an employee wishes to resign during the probation period, they must provide the employer with a written notice of at least 14 days if they intend to leave the UAE.

An employee can resign by providing the employer with a written notice. The notice period is typically 30 days, but the employment contract can specify a longer period (up to 90 days) after probation.

If you need a detailed explanation, kindly share your WhatsApp number.

Hello,

As per your query, please note that the employer must send a notice of termination. If the employment is below 6 months, the notice period is 14 days.

If it is above 6 months, the notice period ranges from a minimum of 30 days to 90 days, as per the contract.

Please contact us by email [---------] or call [----------].