Can the school refuse to issue NOC to me after they terminated my employment contract?

Dear N.,

Thank you for reaching out.

Based on the information you’ve provided, if your contract was terminated by the employer without valid cause, and there is no non-compete clause or contractual breach from your side, the denial of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) may be unjustified under ADEK and MoHRE guidelines.

To assess your case accurately and take appropriate legal action if necessary, we recommend booking a consultation or authorizing our firm to represent you.

You may book a consultation with Future Vision for Advocacy and Legal Consultancy through our website. We’re ready to assist you in protecting your employment rights.

Best regards,

You are facing an unjust refusal of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from [----] School, despite the fact that your contract is being terminated by the employer without cause, and there is no non-compete clause in your contract.

According to UAE labor laws and MoHRE guidelines, an NOC cannot be withheld in such circumstances if the employee has not breached any contractual obligations.

You can address this issue by formally communicating with the school, referencing the relevant laws, and if necessary, file a complaint with MoHRE to ensure your right to seek new employment is not obstructed.

For legal support, contact us.

Thank You

Dear N.,

Thank you for reaching out.

Based on the information you’ve shared, your employer’s refusal to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) may be considered arbitrary, especially given that:

The termination was initiated by the employer, not by you. There is no resignation or contractual breach from your side.

There is no non-compete clause preventing you from seeking employment in the same sector.

In such circumstances, and in accordance with ADEK and UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), an employer cannot lawfully obstruct an employee’s right to secure alternative employment, particularly in cases of non-disciplinary termination.

Recommended Actions:

File a Formal Complaint with ADEK: Since this involves a charter school under the education sector in Abu Dhabi, you may submit a grievance directly through ADEK’s complaint portal or visit their office for assistance.

Approach MoHRE (if applicable): Although charter schools may not always fall under MoHRE, it's advisable to check if your visa or labor contract is registered through them. If so, you can escalate your case through their platform or service center.

Legal Notice: If the school continues to deny the NOC unlawfully, a legal notice can be issued demanding its release or clarifying your right to work elsewhere.

Judicial Route: In persistent refusal, a labour complaint can be filed at the Abu Dhabi Labour Court for unfair obstruction of employment and potential compensation for damages incurred.

Let us know if you would like legal representation or assistance in drafting the complaint or notice.

Best regards,

Mohammed Salah

Legal Consultant

Hello,

Since [----] School operates under ADEK (Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge), and your employment falls within the charter school framework, ADEK is the regulatory authority that oversees contract termination practices, Teacher mobility between schools, NOC, and inter-school transfer processes.

If your employment contract is under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) rather than a government entity (some charter schools fall under MoHRE), you may file a complaint with MoHRE on the grounds of unlawful restriction of employment.