Banning the issuance of a new work permit for one year

Grounds for banning the issuance of a new work permit for one year

This ban is imposed when a worker violates any of the provisions of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 Regarding the Regulation of Employment Relationships, its Amendments, and its Implementing Regulations, which apply to workers in the private sector.

When does the one-year ban apply?

The one-year ban is enforced in the following cases:

The worker terminates the employment contract during his/her probation period, provided that the employer had not breached his/her contractual obligations.
A ‘work abandonment’ report against him/her was proven valid.
His/her work permit at a fictitious establishment was cancelled.

Which categories of workers are subject to the ban?

The one-year ban applies to all workers who violate the provisions of the Decree-Law and its Implementing Regulations in the cases mentioned above. However, the Decree-Law exempts the following categories of workers from the one-year ban in the case of a proven work abandonment complaint:

workers sponsored under family residence visas
workers applying for a new work permit with the same establishment
workers with professional skill or knowledge levels required in the UAE
holders of the UAE Golden visa.
any other occupational categories needed in the labour market identified by ministerial decisions, and based on the labour classification approved by the Cabinet.

How is a labour ban imposed?

A labour ban is imposed following a labour complaint filed by the employer after the worker commits a violation that warrants the one-year ban, in accordance with the Federal Decree-Law and its Implementing Regulations. MoHRE reviews the case to verify the validity of the complaint and goes through several stages before imposing the ban.

How can a worker check if he/she is subject to a labour ban?

A worker can verify whether a work ban has been imposed on him/her by contacting MoHRE’s call centre at 600590000, which is available from 8 am to 8 pm. 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 request through MoHRE’s approved communication channels. The complainant must attach all supporting documents which prove that the ban is unjustified in their case.

Is the labour ban lifted automatically after the expiry of its term?

A labour ban is lifted automatically after the lapse of the ban period imposed by MoHRE. Please note that the ban period starts once the worker departs from the UAE.

Regulations governing a labour ban in the UAE

The following laws and regulations govern labour bans in the UAE:

Provided by Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation

Updated On :

02 Sep 2025

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