I joined a company in Dubai in 2013 but after getting my employment visa stamped, I took emergency leave to my home country. Because of family issues, I didn't go back to Dubai. However, I am now planning to return to Dubai and look for a job. Will I be allowed to enter or do I face an employment ban? AK, India
Anyone who goes on annual leave and fails to return to the UAE is considered an absconder. The employer will take action against them, not least for the inconvenience caused.
This is covered in Article 128 of the UAE Labour Law, which states: “Should the non-national worker leave work without a valid cause before the end of the contract with definite term, he may not get another employment even with the permission of the employer for a year from the date of abandonment of the work. No employer may knowingly recruit the worker or retain his service during such period.”
If an employee leaves without giving notice, or simply fails to return to work, the employer can apply for an absconding ban and that will usually be for one year. In some cases, however, an individual can be blacklisted.
AK will need to check that he is not banned from entering the UAE, although it is doubtful that is the case considering the amount of time that has elapsed. If he still has his Emirates identity card number, he can check the Dubai Police website or app. Note that this is for Dubai visa holders only.
If he does not have an ID number, he will need to contact the General Directorate of...
The Department of Health and Human Services capped off a week of intensive anti-fraud activity with the launching of a six-month healthcare False Claims Act self-disclosure pilot program in partne...