UAE law on labour ban explained: all you need to know

By: staff reporter Published Date: January 26, 2023

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UAE law on labour ban explained: all you need to know

A labour ban is a dreaded word among expatriate workers in the UAE. When is a labour ban imposed on a worker in the UAE? What is the effect of the labour ban and how can it be contested?

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has clarified the conditions and situations in which a worker could get a labour ban, which means no new work permit will be issued for one year. Here’s all you need to know.

What are the grounds of the labour ban?

A ban may be imposed when a worker violates any of the provisions of federal decree law on the regulation of employment relation, which applies to workers in the private sector.

A ban may be imposed if:
– worker terminates the employment contract during probation and employer did not breach contractual obligations
– work abandonment report against worker is found true
– work permit is cancelled for fake company

Which workers are excluded from getting a labour ban?

The federal decree law has specified that these categories of workers are excluded from the one-year ban:

– worker under parents’ visa sponsorship
– worker who requests new work permit from same company
– worker with professional skill or knowledge levels required in UAE
– UAE Golden Visa holders
– any occupational categories approved by MoHRE

How is a labour ban imposed?

The employer may raise a labour complaint against the worker who commits violations, incurring a ban for one year, in accordance with the federal decree law. MoHRE will investigate the complaint and judge its validity.

How can a worker check if he has a labour ban?

A worker can check if he has a labour ban by calling MoHRE’s hotline at 6005-90000 which is available from 8am to 8pm. The service is available in several languages. A worker may also contact MoHRE through its other official communication channels.

How can a worker contest a labour ban?

A worker can contest the labour ban by submitting a grievance to MoHRE through one of its several communication channels. The complainant must attach with the grievance, all supporting documents, which prove that he does not deserve a ban.

Is the work ban lifted automatically after its expiry?

A labour ban is lifted automatically after the lapse of the ban period imposed by MoHRE. The ban period starts immediately after the worker departs from the UAE.

ICA/Expat Media | Source: Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation

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