Questions & Answers
The employer has no right to hold the passport of an employee
I'm working with an LLC company in Abu Dhabi. for the past 13 days, the visa is already stamped on my passport but he is not giving it back to me.
Is there any law in UAE that says "the employer can hold the employee passport"?
Please clear my doubt.
Dear Questioner,
Please note that it is illegal if your employer retains your passport.
As a matter of fact, the UAE employers detaining employees’ passports could be jailed and fined up to AED 20,000.
The UAE government officials have repeatedly stated that the employer should not retain an employee’s passport.
In case the employer retains the passport and refuses to give it back, you can approach the nearest police station, or else you may approach your embassy in the UAE to raise a complaint and seek help.
Please be aware you have all the rights and privileges to hold your own passport and you have all the rights to question your employer if the employer insists you keep the same under his custody.
Hope the above explanation gives you clarity on this point.
Thank you.
Regards,
Rajasree Ravivarma
+971544461746
