AED 0: Your Visa Fee Repayment Rights
The UAE Labour Law, specifically Article 6(4) of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, prohibits private sector employers from passing on the cost of recruitment, including visa fees, to employees. This means that if you resign within a year of joining your company, your employer cannot require you to repay your visa costs. Mohamed Elmasry, Senior Associate at Al Suwaidi and Company Advocates and Legal Consultants, confirms that any contract clause requiring workers to repay visa expenses is legally null and void under Article 65(3) of the law.
This protection applies to all private sector employees in the UAE, regardless of their nationality or visa type. The law is clear: employers cannot charge workers recruitment or employment costs, whether directly or indirectly. If an employee leaves an organisation during their probation period, the new employer may be required to compensate the former employer, but the employee is not liable for visa fees.
If your contract states that you have to pay for the visa fees, it is considered void, as it violates the Articles of the UAE Labour Law. You do not have to worry about paying back your visa fees if you resign within a year. Any attempt by your employer to deduct visa fees from your salary would be an illegal salary deduction, which can be reported to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE).
To ensure you are aware of your rights, it is essential to understand the UAE Labour Law and its provisions. If you have any concerns or questions, you can reach out to MOHRE or consult with a legal expert.
Here is a summary of the key points:
| Category | Provision |
|---|---|
| Visa Fee Repayment | Prohibited by UAE Labour Law |
| Contract Clauses | Void if requiring visa fee repayment |
| Probation Period | Cannot extend beyond 6 months |
