Before You Resign in UAE: Job Offer Security Checklist 2025

Key Takeaways

• All employment contracts in UAE must be limited-term (fixed-term) under the new labour law
• Contracts must be registered with MOHRE within 14 days of signing
• Notice period must be between 30-90 days as specified in the employment contract

Making the decision to resign from your current job is always significant, but in the UAE, timing your resignation incorrectly can lead to serious financial and legal consequences. In 2024, Abu Dhabi courts awarded AED 120,000 to an employee whose offer was withdrawn after she resigned from her previous position—but only after six months of unemployment and lengthy civil court proceedings.The critical

difference between a protected career transition and a potentially disastrous one comes down to understanding one crucial requirement: MOHRE employment contract registration. This single step determines whether you have the full protection of UAE labour law or must rely on uncertain civil court remedies that take months to resolve.This comprehensive checklist guides you through exactly what to verify,

what documents to request, and what red flags to watch for before submitting your resignation. Following these steps can mean the difference between a smooth career transition and months of unemployment with only an expensive lawsuit for recourse.The Critical MOHRE Registration RequirementUnder Federal Decree-Law No.33 of 2021, UAE labour law protection only activates when your employment contract

is registered with MOHRE. Until that registration completes, offer letters—regardless of how official they appear—remain preliminary agreements rather than binding employment contracts.What MOHRE Registration Means:When an employer registers your employment contract with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, several critical protections activate:Your employment relationship becomes

legally recognized under UAE labour lawMOHRE can accept complaints about employment disputesYou gain access to MOHRE's administrative dispute resolution servicesThe Wages Protection System (WPS) requirements apply to your salary paymentsYour employer must provide end of service benefits according to lawProbation period protections and notice requirements become enforceableBefore MOHRE Registration:Without

registration, you have no labour law protection. If your offer is withdrawn or employment doesn't materialize, your only recourse is filing a civil lawsuit—a process that involves:Hiring a private attorney (MOHRE won't handle your case)Filing in civil courts rather than labour courtsWaiting weeks or months for resolutionBearing legal costs upfrontNo guarantee of compensation despite strong evidenceThe

AED 120,000 court award demonstrates that civil remedies exist, but they come after months of unemployment and legal proceedings. Prevention through proper timing is far better than pursuing compensation after the fact.How to Verify MOHRE Registration Before ResigningNever rely on verbal assurances that registration is "being processed" or will happen "soon." Verify registration status yourself using

official MOHRE channels before submitting resignation to your current employer.Online Verification Through MOHRE PortalStep 1: Access MOHRE ServicesVisit the official MOHRE...

About This Article

This article provides general information about UAE labour law and employment regulations. The information is based on Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and subsequent amendments. For specific legal advice regarding your situation, please consult with a qualified legal professional or contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).