Termination or resignation: Your labour rights when leaving a job in the UAE

Legal UAE

Termination or resignation: Your labour rights when leaving a job in the UAE

Experience certificate

According to Article 125 of the UAE Labour Law, an employee upon end of contract should be given an end-of-service certificate detailing start date, end date and nature of work performed during the period of employment. It may also state your latest pay or wage details if requested.

An employee can request this certificate upon the end of his or her contract, and the employer would be liable to furnish this, along with any and all certificates belonging to the employee.

Gratuity Pay

Payment of gratuity pay depends on how long you have been employed for as well as your contract type.

Visa cancellation and passports

Charges of visa cancellation and the process are the employer's responsibility.

Your passport should be handed over to you immediately after the completion of cancellation.

Many employers still force employees to give up their passports for 'safe-keeping' or as 'guarantee' but this is illegal as per UAE Labour Law. Only a competent court or other federal authority is allowed to keep your passport.

Some companies agree to give up passports only close to the time of departure from the country - this is also illegal. At no time is your employer allowed to keep your passport, unless visa renewal or cancellation has not been completed in this case.