Savvy Termination Without Notice in UAE 2025 HR Guide

Termination Without Notice in UAE: Yes—but only under specific conditions defined by UAE Labour Law. In 2025, the UAE continues to uphold strict rules protecting both employers and employees when it comes to dismissal procedures. A company can legally terminate an employee without notice, but the reason must fall under Article 44 of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021, which governs employment relations in the private sector.

As an HR manager or employer, it’s vital to understand the legal grounds for termination without notice in UAE and avoid actions that could lead to labour disputes or legal penalties.

Savvy Termination Without Notice in UAE 2025 HR Guide

What Is Termination Without Notice?

Termination without notice in UAE refers to immediate dismissal of an employee without serving the standard 30-day notice period and without end-of-service benefits, in certain misconduct-related cases.

Employers often use this in situations where:

• An employee has seriously breached trust

• A crime or dangerous behavior is involved

• Absenteeism or gross negligence occurs

However, improper use of this clause can result in the employer being sued for arbitrary dismissal.

Legal Grounds for Termination Without Notice (Article 44)

Termination Without Notice in UAE: As per Article 44 of UAE Labour Law, employers can dismiss an employee without prior notice in the following scenarios:

1. False Identity or Forged Documents
   – Using fake academic certificates or passport info.

2. Probationary Failure
   – Failing to meet performance during probation.

3. Serious Mistake Resulting in Loss
   – Negligence causing material loss to the company.

4. Violation of Safety Instructions
   – Especially in industrial, construction, or chemical sectors.

5. Failure to Perform Job Duties
   – Despite formal warnings.

6. Disclosure of Confidential Information
   – Leaking trade secrets or client data.

7. Being Drunk or Drugged at Work
   – Includes substance abuse during duty hours.

8. Physical Assault at Workplace
   – Aggressive or violent behavior against co-workers or clients.

9. Unauthorized Absence for 20+ Days (non-consecutive)
   – Or 7 consecutive days without explanation.

What Employers Should Do Before Terminating Without Notice

Termination Without Notice in UAE: Before proceeding with termination without notice in UAE, employers must:

1. Document the Violation Clearly
   – Keep written evidence, CCTV footage, witness statements, etc.

2. Issue a Written Warning (If Applicable)
   – Except for cases of violence or crime.

3. Check Employment Contract & Internal Policies
   – To ensure consistency with Article 44.

4. Inform MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation)
   – Submit termination notice and reason officially.

5. Provide Final Settlement (if any is due)
   – Unused leave, last month’s salary, and deductions must be handled legally.

What Happens If Termination Is Unjustified?

Termination Without Notice in UAE: If the termination does not qualify under Article 44, it may be considered unfair dismissal. The employee can:

• File a complaint with MOHRE

• Take the case to Labour Court

• Claim compensation of up to 3 months’ gross salary

Even probationary terminations without documented reason can lead to legal issues.

Termination Letter Template (No Notice)

Here’s a basic outline of what to include:

Common Mistakes Employers Must Avoid

• Terminating for minor misconduct without notice
• Not providing documentation
• Holding back passport or salary illegally
• Delaying visa cancellation
• Retaliatory dismissal after complaints

Termination Statistics in UAE (2024–2025 Insight)

• MOHRE received over 6,500 complaints related to unjust termination in 2024

• 40% were linked to immediate dismissals without evidence

• Employers lost court cases where Article 44 was not applied correctly

How Mahad HRC Can Help

Termination Without Notice in UAE: At Mahad HRC, we specialize in:

• Legal review of termination cases

• Preparing employer-side documentation

• Final settlement calculation

• Labour law compliance audits

• Handling MOHRE & Free Zone reporting

Whether you’re letting go of an employee during probation or due to misconduct, we’ll help you avoid legal risks and PR damage.

👉 Visit MahadHRC.ae to consult our HR legal team today.

Final Checklist for Termination Without Notice in UAE