Questions & Answers
The consequences of changing the nationality of an ex-pat
I have a working visa in the UAE. I have decided to apply for an EU passport.
Once I receive it, I need to surrender my original passport to the consulate since my country does not allow dual nationality.
I will be informing my company HR about this. I would like to know:
1. Can the company terminate me since I have joined under a different nationality?
2. What will happen to my end-of-service benefits?
3. Do I have to undergo a medical test, get a new Emirates ID, update my bank accounts, phone registration, and other documentation?
4. Anything else to be done?
Dear questioner,
You should try to inform your HR as soon as possible. Regarding your questions, please find my answers below:
1. No. The reasons for terminating an employee are limited by law, under Article 120 as per the UAE Labor Law.
One of the reasons is "adopting a false identity or nationality or if he submits forged documents or certificates", but such provision is not applicable in your case.
2. Your end of services benefits are kept since the employment continues. You are just changing an identification attribute.
3. The HR should check with the authorities if the residency visa is to be canceled or about the exact procedure. Also, you should check with all other entities, such as banks, etc.
Should you require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me via email.
