Worried About a Labor Ban in Dubai? How to Navigate Leaving a New Job Without Penalties

I am an Engineer working in Dubai for the past 12 years. Recently, I have joined a company (2 months ago), and due to some reasons, I want to leave my present job. Will I get a ban? What should I do to avoid a ban? Please provide all the related details.

Hi, the following message is based on my knowledge of labor bans. Before addressing your question, please find below the details required to determine if there could be a ban or not:

1. Are you on a company visa?
2. Has a labor card been issued?
3. Have you signed the contract, and if so, is it limited or unlimited?

Also, with all the details provided, if you contact the Ministry of Labor customer service, they will inform you about the ban. If your sponsor is your spouse/father, then you should not encounter any problems.

Regards,
Archana

I want to have your help as well. I am working in an electromechanical maintenance company for more than one year. My duty time is from 08 am to 01 pm and then 04 to 7:30 pm. But I almost work till 08 pm and sometimes till 09 pm. Though I am working every day for more than eight hours, my employer never gave me any overtime. Moreover, I always feel humiliated by them, and they keep warning me that they will impose a lifetime ban on me. I work in my office just because of this fear. I work as a secretary, office girl, telephone operator, follow-up assistant, and they also assign me work for their accounting. I am a graduate.

Anyway, I just want to leave my company as I really don't wish to work even for a while. I am not worried about the ban as I came to know that after depositing 5000 dirhams, I can get my ban lifted. But I am just worried that my employer can impose a lifetime ban on me, and I will not be able to come back to UAE again. Please advise me whether it is possible or just a rumor. I have signed an agreement for three years and have a valid visa with this company. My labor and Emirates cards have also been issued. Please help and advise me on how to leave my company as soon as possible and how to resolve these issues.

Thanks.

Referring to the explanation below, I understand that you are on a limited contract with a company Visa. Unfortunately, as per the UAE Labour Law Norms of 2011 mentioned below, you will have to complete your limited contract. The employee should work for the specified period as outlined in the contract.

Ban Conditions Under UAE Labour Law Norms of 2011

a. In case they work for less than 2 years - 6 months ban + one year ban from the company

b. In case they work for more than 2 years - no ban from MOL + one year ban from the company.

To my understanding, the company ban cannot be lifted; only the MOL ban can be lifted. Currently, MOL has streamlined the process of lifting the ban. A company can impose a lifetime ban only on the grounds of forgery/fraudulent activity, and this must be proven.

The best way to get information on the ban is to contact 800-665. In my personal opinion, if you feel that this company is violating your rights, you can always contact MOL for suggestions and help.

Regards,
Archana