Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai
Dubai, May 15: The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has clarified the rules governing job changes in the country, stating that employees can legally move to a new company once their employment contract ends, while warning that certain labour violations could still result in a one-year work permit ban.
The clarification comes amid increasing job mobility across the UAE, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, retail, construction, logistics, and technology.
According to MOHRE, workers are permitted to transfer to another employer after their employment relationship officially ends, either through completion of the contract term or by mutual agreement between the employee and employer.
The ministry noted that employees can change jobs provided the required notice period is completed and the existing work permit and residency visa are properly cancelled.
Officials also sought to clear confusion regarding the requirement of a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Under the UAE’s updated labour laws introduced through Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, most employees no longer require an NOC from their previous employer to join a new company.
MOHRE further confirmed that workers can remain in the UAE during the official grace period after the end of employment. During this period, individuals may search for a new job, transfer their visa, adjust residency status, or leave the country legally before the grace period expires.
Depending on the visa category, the grace period can range from 30 days to up to six months.
However, the ministry warned that certain labour violations could still trigger restrictions, including a one-year work permit ban. These may apply in cases involving unauthorised absence from work, contractual violations, breaches during probation periods, or other proven labour law violations.
Special emphasis was placed on probation-period resignations. Employees intending to move to another company during probation are required to provide written notice to their employer. In some situations, the new employer may also have to compensate the previous employer for recruitment-related expenses unless both sides agree otherwise.
The ministry also highlighted that employees can now complete visa transfer procedures within the UAE without needing to exit the country, a major reform introduced in recent years.
The process typically involves cancellation of the previous work permit and visa, followed by a new permit application from the incoming employer, along with medical tests, Emirates ID procedures, and residency status adjustments.
Labour experts said the updated framework has significantly improved flexibility in the UAE job market while maintaining safeguards for employers through regulated notice periods and compliance requirements.
Authorities have advised both employers and employees to rely only on official MOHRE guidance and verified legal information rather than outdated or unofficial advice circulating online.