Employers Deny Resignation in UAE: The short answer is no. Under UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021) and the 2025 MOHRE updates, an employer cannot deny or reject an employee’s legal resignation notice if it complies with contract terms.
However, how and when the resignation is submitted matters legally. Let’s break it down.
Legal Right to Resign in UAE (2025)
Employers Deny Resignation in UAE: As per Article 42 of the UAE Labour Law, an employee can resign at any time by giving the required notice period (usually 30 days for unlimited contracts unless otherwise stated).
This means:
You do not need approval to resign.
Your resignation is not subject to employer acceptance.
The employer must process it legally after receiving it in writing.
Requirements for a Valid Resignation in UAE
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Submitted in writing | ✅ |
| Includes notice period | ✅ |
| Sent through official channel (email or HR system) | ✅ |
| Dated and signed | ✅ |
💡 Verbal resignations are not valid. Always submit a signed letter or email.
When Employers Attempt to Deny Resignation
Employers Deny Resignation in UAE: Here are common scenarios where an employer may attempt to deny your resignation—and what the law says:
1. “We’re understaffed, you can’t resign now.”
📌 Not valid. Employer operational issues cannot override your legal right to resign.
2. “You must wait for your contract to complete.”
📌 Not valid. Employees can resign before contract ends by giving the required notice.
3. “Your resignation is not accepted.”
📌 Legally irrelevant. Acceptance is not required. The resignation is valid once submitted properly.
Can Employer Delay Resignation?
Employers can only delay the process if:
You did not submit notice as required
You are involved in a pending investigation (e.g., theft, harassment)
You owe company property or loans
Even in such cases, MOHRE will ensure employee exit is handled fairly.
Can Employer Force You to Stay Beyond Notice Period?
No. The maximum obligation is to serve the notice period. After that, your employment ends, and holding you back becomes illegal.
📌 If your employer threatens legal action, report to MOHRE immediately.
What If You Resign Without Notice?
Employers Deny Resignation in UAE: If you leave without serving your notice, your employer can:
Deduct compensation for early termination (up to 45 days’ wage)
File absconding (if you disappear and don’t return company assets)
Withhold end-of-service benefits until resolution
⚖️ Always resign properly to avoid labour bans or legal trouble.
Employer Deny Resignation UAE: What to Do
Employers Deny Resignation in UAE: If your employer refuses to process your resignation:
Step 1: Re-send your resignation
Include:
Date of original submission
Copy of resignation
Screenshot or email trail
Step 2: File a Labour Complaint
You can report to:
MOHRE (Mainland companies) via hotline: 800 60 or MOHRE app
Free Zone Authority (if under DAFZA, JAFZA, DMCC, etc.)
MOHRE will:
Call both parties for a resolution
Issue a work permit cancellation if required
Ensure end-of-service benefits are paid
Step 3: Request Labour Ban Removal (if applied unfairly)
If the employer retaliates with a ban or absconding, you can request removal if:
You have proof of resignation
You followed UAE Labour Law properly
UAE Labour Law: Notice Period & Resignation Summary
Employers Deny Resignation in UAE:
| Contract Type | Required Notice | Can Employer Deny? |
|---|---|---|
| Limited | 30 days | ❌ No |
| Unlimited | 30–90 days | ❌ No |
| Probation | 14 days (employee-initiated) | ❌ No |
| Resignation Without Notice | May pay penalty | ✅ Yes (if not compliant) |
Real Case Example – MOHRE Resolution
Case:
An Indian employee in Dubai submitted resignation with 30-day notice. The employer refused to cancel his visa unless he paid AED 5,000.
Action Taken:
He reported to MOHRE
MOHRE summoned both parties
Employer was ordered to process cancellation and release all dues
✅ MOHRE protects employees if resignation is lawful.
Mahad HRC: Helping Employees and Employers Stay Compliant
Employers Deny Resignation in UAE: At Mahad HRC, we support:
Drafting proper resignation letters
Employer HR compliance
Labour complaints and case management
Document collection, visa cancellation, and final settlement guidance
Final Tips for Resigning in UAE the Right Way
Employers Deny Resignation in UAE:
- Always give notice in writing
- Keep copies of all correspondence
- Return company assets properly
- Stay professional and avoid confrontations
- Know your rights under UAE Labour Law
Key Takeaway
Can an employer deny your resignation in UAE?
➡️ No. As long as you follow the law, your resignation must be accepted, processed, and respected.