A UAE private-sector employer must not keep a worker's official documents, such as a passport. Article 13(2) of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 lists this among the employer's duties, and the UAE Government portal states that confiscating workers' passports is prohibited. Domestic workers have similar protection under Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022. If your employer will not return your passport, ask in writing first, then complain to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
Who this guide is for
This guide is for workers whose employer, sponsor or recruitment office is holding their passport or other identity documents and will not give them back. It covers private-sector workers under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (the Labour Law) and domestic workers under Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022.
DIFC and ADGM employees are covered by separate employment laws, so check the rules with that authority.
What the law says
- No holding of documents. Article 13(2) of the Labour Law requires the employer not to retain the worker's official documents, and not to force the worker to leave the UAE when the employment ends.
- No forced work. Article 14(1) bans an employer from using any means to force or threaten a worker into working or providing a service against their will.
- Terms against the law are void. Article 65(3) says any contract term that breaks the Labour Law is void, unless it is more favourable to the worker.
- Penalty. The Labour Law sets a general fine of AED 5,000 to AED 1,000,000 for breaking its provisions where no specific penalty applies (Article 63). Whether a fine is imposed is a matter for the authorities and the courts.
- Government statement. As of September 2026, the UAE Government portal says the confiscation of workers' passports is prohibited, and that workers do not need their employer's permission to leave the country.
Private-sector and domestic workers compared
| Point | Private-sector worker | Domestic worker |
|---|---|---|
| Law | Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 | Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 |
| Rule on documents | Employer must not retain the worker's official documents (Article 13(2)) | Employer must guarantee the worker's right to keep their own identity documents (Article 11(11)) |
| Where to complain | MoHRE labour complaint for private-sector employees | MoHRE labour complaint for domestic workers |
Our guide on domestic worker disputes covers the wider domestic worker process.
What if I "agreed" to let them keep it?
Some workers signed a form or were told the company keeps passports "for safekeeping". The law puts the duty on the employer not to retain official documents, and Article 65(3) makes contract terms that break the law void. If you chose to leave your passport in a company safe, you can still ask for it back.
Keep your request polite and in writing. That gives you a dated record if you need to complain.
Can I leave the job if they refuse?
Article 45(1) lets a worker leave without notice, and keep their end-of-service rights, if the employer breaches its legal or contractual obligations. Two conditions apply. The worker must have informed MoHRE at least 14 working days before leaving, and the employer must have failed to fix the breach after MoHRE notified it.
Leaving without following these steps can create problems, including an absconding report. Our guide on responding to an absconding report explains that process. Take advice before you stop work.
Step by step
- Ask in person first. Ask HR or your manager for your passport and note the date and their answer.
- Send a written request. Email or message a short request. For example: "Please return my passport, number [number], which the company is holding. I need it by [date]. Under Article 13(2) of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, an employer must not keep a worker's official documents."
- Keep the evidence. Save the request, any reply, and any receipt or form showing the company took your passport.
- Get free advice. Call MoHRE's Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre on 80084.
- File a MoHRE complaint. Use the MoHRE app, website or 600590000. MoHRE guidance and Ministerial Resolution No. 782 of 2023 refer to filing within 30 days of the breach, so do not delay. The private-sector complaint service lists no fee.
- Go to the police if you are threatened. If you are threatened, locked in, or forced to work, contact the police in your emirate. Our guide on filing a police complaint explains the general process.
- Watch for retaliation. If the employer reacts with warnings or a dismissal, keep everything and see our guide on where to complain.
Documents checklist
- Copy or photo of your passport's photo page and visa page, if you have one
- Emirates ID
- Employment contract or offer letter
- Any form, receipt or policy about the company keeping passports
- Your written requests and the employer's replies
- Names of colleagues who saw the passport being taken or refused
- MoHRE complaint number and SMS messages
The evidence checklist builder can help you organise these.
Common mistakes
- Only asking verbally. A written request with a date is much stronger evidence.
- Signing new "safekeeping" forms under pressure. Read before you sign, and keep a copy.
- Stopping work without advice. Article 45 has strict steps, and an absconding report can follow.
- Paying to get the passport back. The law does not allow the employer to hold it, and recruitment costs cannot be charged to you (Article 6(4)).
- Posting accusations online. Stick to official channels. Public posts can lead to other legal problems.
When to speak to a licensed lawyer
Speak to a lawyer if you face threats, an absconding report, a criminal complaint, or if the employer says you owe money before it will return the passport. The free case check can help you set out the facts first, and CaseDaleel can introduce an independent licensed professional only if you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal for my employer to keep my passport in the UAE?
Article 13(2) of the Labour Law requires employers not to retain workers' official documents, and the UAE Government portal says passport confiscation is prohibited.
How do I get my passport back?
Ask in writing first, then file a MoHRE complaint through the app, website or 600590000 if the employer refuses.
Does this apply to domestic workers?
Yes, Article 11(11) of Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 requires the employer to guarantee the worker's right to keep their identity documents.
My contract says the company keeps passports. Is that valid?
Article 65(3) makes any term that breaks the Labour Law void unless it is more favourable to the worker.
Can I resign without notice if they keep my passport?
Only under Article 45(1), after informing MoHRE at least 14 working days before leaving and the employer failing to fix the breach.
Do I need my employer's permission to travel?
The UAE Government portal says workers do not need their employer's permission to leave the country.
Is there a fee to complain to MoHRE?
As of September 2026, MoHRE's private-sector labour complaint service lists no fee.
Official sources
- UAE Legislation — Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (Arabic)
- UAE Legislation — Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 on Domestic Workers (Arabic)
- UAE Government portal — Protection of workers' rights
- MoHRE — Register labour complaints (private sector employees)
- MoHRE — Register a labour complaint (domestic workers)
General information, not legal advice. CaseDaleel is not a law firm.