What Happens if a UAE Employer Withdraws Your Job Offer?

Key Takeaways

• UAE labour law is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021
• Employees and employers both have specific rights and obligations under the law
• MOHRE handles labour disputes and can be contacted for complaints
• Understanding your rights is essential for a fair working relationship

If a UAE employer withdraws your job offer, you have limited legal protection since offer letters are considered agreements rather than enforceable contracts. However, you may file a civil lawsuit for monetary damages and losses if you resigned from your current position based on the withdrawn offer.Job offer withdrawals create significant financial and professional challenges for employees who have

already resigned from current positions or made career decisions based on promised employment. Understanding your legal rights protects you from unfair treatment and potential financial losses.What is the Legal Difference Between Offer Letters and Employment Contracts?UAE employment law draws a crucial distinction between offer letters and formal employment contracts that determines your legal protection

when offers are withdrawn.Offer Letter Status:Considered an agreement but not a legally enforceable contractMay be informal with limited legal recourse optionsDoes not automatically grant MoHRE complaint jurisdictionEmployment Contract Status:Legally binding agreement enforceable by UAE courtsRequires MoHRE registration and work permit issuanceProvides full labour law protections and dispute resolutionThis

distinction means that whilst all contracts are agreements, not all agreements qualify as legally enforceable contracts under UAE law.What MoHRE Requirements Apply to Job Offers?The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation mandates specific formats and procedures for legitimate job offers in the UAE.Legal Requirements Under Article 1 of Administrative Resolution No. 38 of 2022:Job offers must

use MoHRE-prescribed electronic forms (e-forms)Employers must submit signed offer letters when applying for work permitsTerms in offer letters must match subsequent employment contractsArticle 2(1) of Ministerial Decree No. 46 of 2022 states:"Utilise the approved standard employment contract that conforms with the job offer when requesting the issuance of the work permit. It is permissible to add

more benefits to the employee in the contract than those mentioned in the job offer."Verification Steps You Should Take:Confirm your offer letter uses the official MoHRE formatVerify the employer's authenticity through MoHRE verification channelsCheck that promised terms can legally transfer to employment contractsCan You File a Complaint with MoHRE for Withdrawn Offers?MoHRE's jurisdiction over employment

disputes requires an established employer-employee relationship through valid work permits and registered contracts.MoHRE Complaint Limitations:No complaint acceptance for offer letter withdrawals without employment contractsNo jurisdiction over pre-employment disputes before work permit issuanceLimited recourse through ministry channels for withdrawn offersHowever, you should still contact MoHRE

to:Verify the authenticity of your original offer letterConfirm whether the employer followed proper proceduresUnderstand your options under current employment regulati...

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).