Labour law provisions specify hefty fines for misuse of work permits

Question: I work in a company in mainland Dubai. If I resign, can I request my company to retain my visa? Can they extend it once it expires, if we both agree? How long can they continue doing this?

Response: Pursuant to your queries, the provisions of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relations (the 'Employment Law'), the provisions of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 Concerning the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of employment Relations (the ‘Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022’) and Federal Decree Law No. 29 of 2021 Concerning Immigration and Residence (the ‘Immigration Law’) are applicable.

It should be noted that when an employee resigns, s/he should serve a notice period which is stipulated in the employment contract. This is in accordance with Article 43 (1) of the Employment Law, which states: “Either party to an Employment Contract may terminate the contract for good cause, by giving the other a notice in writing. The employee shall perform his duties during the notice period agreed upon in the contract, provided that the notice period is not less than 30 days and not in excess of 90 days.”

Once you complete your notice period, the employer may cancel your work permit and UAE residence visa. Upon cancellation, the relationship between you and your employer shall cease to exist.

You may request your employer not to cancel...

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