Resigning in the UAE: A Guide to Notice Periods and Employee Rights
If you’re considering leaving your job in the UAE, it’s essential to understand the rules and regulations surrounding resignation, notice periods, and employee rights. The UAE’s Labour Law, Federal Decree Law No. (33) of 2021, and its governing regulations provide the primary guidelines for the resignation process.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) clarifies that employees are expected to honour the duration specified in their contract, but they cannot be forced to continue in a job against their will. The termination clause in the employment contract outlines the steps to be followed when either party chooses to end the employment relationship.
The notice period is the time between when an employee resigns and their final working day, during which they wrap up tasks and assist employers in managing transitions. According to Article 43 of UAE Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021, either party may terminate the employment contract for a legitimate reason, provided that the other party is notified in writing and the employee continues to work during the notice period.
Imran Khan, a legal consultant at IK Lawyers in Dubai, explains that the notice period is the period an employee is required to continue working after resignation or termination of the employment contract, as agreed between the parties and stated in the employment contract.
Employees resigning from their jobs must provide written notice, which can range from 30 to 90 days, or pay compensation equal to their notice salary. The rules also outline strict probation exit requirements, exceptions allowing immediate resignation, and end-of-service rights.
For employees on probation, the rules are stricter, and they may face penalties for leaving their job without notice. However, there are exceptions that allow for immediate resignation, such as in cases of workplace harassment or unsafe working conditions.
In terms of end-of-service benefits, employees are entitled to a certain amount of money based on their length of service and salary. The MOHRE provides guidelines on how to calculate these benefits and what employees can expect from their employers.
To resign from a job in the UAE, employees should follow these steps:
- Review their employment contract to understand the notice period and any other obligations.
- Provide written notice to their employer, stating their intention to resign and the date of their last working day.
- Continue working during the notice period, unless otherwise agreed upon with their employer.
- Ensure they receive their end-of-service benefits and any other entitlements.
