UAE Employee Resignation Guide for Employers 2025

UAE Employee Resignation: When an employee submits their resignation in the UAE, employers must handle the exit process legally, fairly, and efficiently. A poorly managed resignation can result in:

• Labour disputes

• Delayed visa cancellations

• Fines from MOHRE or free zones

• Employee dissatisfaction and legal claims

In this guide, we’ll explain how to manage UAE employee resignation as per the UAE Labour Law 2025.

UAE Employee Resignation Guide for Employers 2025

Step-by-Step: Handling Employee Resignation in UAE

Step 1: Acknowledge Resignation in Writing

As soon as an employee submits their resignation (email or letter), the HR department must:

• Acknowledge receipt within 24–48 hours

• Confirm last working day based on notice period

• Request employee to complete handover

📎 Tip: Save a soft copy of the resignation email/letter in the employee file.

Step 2: Verify the Contract Type and Notice Period

According to UAE Labour Law 2025, the standard notice period is:

Waiving notice period? Get mutual written consent.

Step 3: Handover Process & Exit Checklist

The HR officer must ensure the employee:

• Trains replacement (if required)

• Returns company property (laptop, ID, tools)

• Clears outstanding advances or loans

• Completes handover documents signed by supervisor

All items must be recorded on an exit clearance form.

Step 4: Calculate Final Settlement & Benefits

Final settlement must be paid within 14 days of the last working day. It includes:

Use the MOHRE Gratuity Calculator to compute gratuity based on working days.

Step 5: Cancel Visa and Labour Card

Employers must:

• Cancel the residence visa via ICP or GDRFA (Dubai)

• Cancel the labour card via MOHRE

• Update records on WPS and insurance portals

Visa cancellation must be completed within 30 days of last working day.

Step 6: Provide Experience Certificate

It is mandatory to issue an experience certificate if requested by the employee. The certificate should include:

• Name

• Job Title

• Duration of Employment

• Employer’s Stamp & Signature

Step 7: Exit Interview (Optional)

Conducting a short exit interview helps improve employee retention. Ask:

• Why they’re leaving

• What the company can do better

• If they’d recommend others to join

Maintain professionalism regardless of the reason.

What If the Employee Resigns Without Notice?

Under Article 45 of UAE Labour Law, an employee can resign without notice if:

• The employer breached contract terms

• Workplace harassment or unpaid salary for over 60 days

• The employee is under threat or discrimination

In such cases, no notice period applies, and legal complaints are possible if the employer objects.

Common Employer Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Ignoring the resignation and delaying action
❌ Holding passports or salaries illegally
❌ Not issuing final payment within 14 days
❌ Refusing to cancel visa unless the employee withdraws resignation
❌ Retaliatory behaviour

Such actions can lead to MOHRE complaints, fines, and even court orders.

Mahad HRC – HR Experts in UAE Employee Resignation Handling

UAE Employee Resignation: We help UAE companies:

• Process employee resignation smoothly

• Ensure legal notice period compliance

• Calculate final settlements and gratuity

• Handle visa cancellation and WPS updates

• Draft experience letters and exit forms

• Minimize employee disputes and complaints

👉 Visit MahadHRC.ae to get professional HR compliance support today.

Summary: Managing UAE Employee Resignation