Changing Jobs in the UAE? What Employees Should Know About MoHRE Work Permit Ban Rules

Thinking about changing jobs in the UAE? Before handing in your resignation, it is important to understand the rules governing employment termination and new work permits. Failing to follow the correct procedures can create complications and, in certain circumstances, may result in a one-year restriction on obtaining a new work permit.

Under UAE private-sector labour rules, employees can generally move to another employer when their employment contract ends or is terminated in accordance with the law. This means that simply resigning to take another job does not automatically result in a work permit ban.

For employees outside probation, either party may terminate an employment contract by giving written notice and observing the notice period specified in the contract. Under the UAE Labour Law, the contractual notice period must generally be between 30 and 90 days. A party that fails to serve the required notice may have to pay compensation in lieu of notice.

Special rules apply during probation. The probation period cannot exceed six months. An employee who wants to leave during probation to join another employer in the UAE must give the current employer at least one month's written notice. In this situation, the new employer is generally responsible for compensating the previous employer for recruitment costs unless otherwise agreed.

If an employee resigns during probation with the intention of leaving the UAE, at least 14 days' written notice is required. Different consequences can arise if the employee subsequently returns to the UAE on a new work permit within three months.

According to the UAE Government portal, a one-year work permit ban can apply in specified circumstances, including where a worker terminates the employment relationship during probation in circumstances covered by the law, where a work-abandonment complaint is proven valid, or where a work permit at a fictitious establishment is cancelled.

The rules also contain exemptions in certain work-abandonment cases. These may include workers sponsored by family members, Golden Visa holders, workers applying for a new permit with the same establishment, and workers with professional skills or knowledge required in the UAE, among other categories identified under applicable regulations.

Employees should be particularly careful not to simply stop reporting to work without completing the proper resignation and termination process. A proven work-abandonment report can have serious consequences for a worker's ability to obtain another permit.

Workers who believe a ban has been imposed incorrectly can submit a grievance through MoHRE's approved channels with documents supporting their case. The UAE Government portal also advises workers to contact MoHRE to check whether a labour ban has been recorded against them.

Before changing jobs, employees should review their employment contract, confirm whether they are still on probation, check the required notice period, document their resignation in writing, complete work-permit cancellation procedures where applicable and ensure the new employer follows the proper work-permit process.

Because individual circumstances can differ, employees facing a dispute, work-abandonment complaint or possible permit restriction should verify their status directly with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation rather than relying solely on informal advice.

Before changing jobs: quick checklist

•    Check whether you are still in your probation period.
•    Read the notice-period clause in your employment contract.
•    Submit your resignation in writing and keep a copy.
•    Do not stop attending work without following the legal process.
•    Make sure the existing work permit/contract is properly cancelled when required.
•    Confirm that the new employer applies for the appropriate new work permit.
•    Contact MoHRE if there is a dispute or uncertainty about a possible ban.

Sources

UAE Government Portal (u.ae): Banning the issuance of a new work permit for one year — updated October 6, 2025.

UAE Government Portal (u.ae): Terminating employment contracts and arbitrary dismissal.

UAE Government Portal (u.ae): Employment contracts — duration, models and probation rules.

Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE): Work permit and employment contract services.