Questions & Answers
What can I do if my employer falsely marked me as absconding after filing a labor complaint?
Good afternoon,
I am currently working under a certain company in the UAE that goes against the terms of the contract we signed and also refuses to pay overtime after we work.
The problem is that after I filed a complaint with the labour office, I found out they put my visa as absconding, even though I am still working with them despite the challenges.
What can I do about this issue?
On top of that, the company cancelled my friend's visa last month, and also marked him as absconding even after he cleared everything with them.
Under UAE law, being placed in an absconding status unlawfully is a violation of your rights. You should file a complaint with the labor office to cancel the absconding status and correct your legal situation, especially if you are still working with the company.
You can also claim your overtime pay from the company.
As for your friend, cancelling the visa and placing him in absconding status after resolving the issue with the company could have legal consequences.
He should approach the labor office to clarify the situation and restore his rights.
Hello,
By falsely accusing you of absconding, especially after you tried to report violations such as unpaid overtime and breach of contract, the company is misusing the labor system, which is a punishable offense under UAE law.
You should immediately file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
In your complaint, clearly state that you are still working, have not absconded, and are being denied overtime pay, which is a legal right under UAE labor law.
Include any evidence such as work schedules, punch-in logs, or messages that prove your ongoing work and the extra hours you've put in. MOHRE will arrange a mediation session and, if unresolved, escalate the matter to the labor court.
