Quick answer: Your employer cannot legally hold your passport in the UAE. It's unlawful even with written consent. Report to MOHRE or police if withheld.
No. It is unlawful for an employer (or any third party) to retain the passport of a UAE employee against their will. The passport remains the property of the issuing government and the personal property of the holder.
The legal position
What to do if your passport is being withheld
Common scenarios
For a specific dispute or to coordinate complaint filing, consult a UAE-licensed labour lawyer immediately.
Sub-questions our research cluster pulls together — each links to its full Tier-B/C answer.
# Limited Contract UAE: What It Means After 2022 Reforms If you're still hearing colleagues talk about "limited" versus "unlimited" contracts in the UAE, you're working off outdated information. Since February 2022, all private-sector contracts under the Ministry of Human Resourc
Standard notice is 30–90 days written notice (must be set in contract). The other party can pay in lieu. Probation termination requires 14 days.
Yes. Employer must give 14 days written notice. No gratuity if under 1 year. Discriminatory or retaliatory dismissal can still be challenged at MOHRE.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice tailored to your specific situation, consult a UAE-licensed lawyer.
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