Absconding reports in the UAE: what employees should know

What a UAE "absence from work" (absconding) report is, how to check if one was filed, how MoHRE can cancel it and what a proven report can mean for you.

An "absconding" report is an employer's report to MoHRE that a worker has been absent for more than seven consecutive days and cannot be located or contacted. MoHRE's services now call it an "absence from work" report, and the rules call it "work abandonment". You can check whether one exists through MoHRE's channels. MoHRE can cancel the report in set situations, for example if you were on approved leave or still at work. If a report is proven valid, the main official consequence is a one-year ban on a new work permit, with some exceptions.

Who this guide is for

This guide is for private-sector employees who have been told, or suspect, that their employer filed an absconding report. It is also useful if you are about to stop going to work because of a dispute and want to avoid being reported. It follows Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations, Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 and Ministerial Resolution No. 47 of 2022 on labour disputes and complaints.

Domestic workers are covered by a separate law with different time limits. See our guide on domestic worker disputes.

How the report works

Terms. MoHRE's service is called "Filing a Labour Complaint – Absence from Work". Ministerial Resolution No. 47 of 2022 uses "unexpected work abandonment". The UAE Government portal says "work abandonment" report. People usually call it an "absconding report".
When an employer can file. Article 28 of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 and MoHRE's service page require absence of more than seven consecutive days, with the employer not knowing where the worker is and unable to contact them.
Worker in the UAE. MoHRE's service conditions say the employee must be inside the country. The employer attaches an ICP entry-and-exit report issued within the previous 30 days.
Effect on the permit. MoHRE's service page says the work permit is cancelled automatically once MoHRE approves the report, with limited exceptions.
The one-year ban. Under Article 50 of the Labour Law and Article 8 of Ministerial Resolution No. 47 of 2022, a worker whose work abandonment report is proven valid is not given a new work permit for one year. The official texts differ on when the year starts. Article 50 of the Labour Law and Article 28 of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 count it from the date of the absence from work. Article 8 of Ministerial Resolution No. 47 of 2022 and the UAE Government portal count it from the date the worker leaves the UAE. Confirm your own dates with MoHRE.
Exemptions. Article 28 of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 exempts some workers from the ban, including those on family-sponsored residence, those rejoining the same employer, Golden visa holders, and workers with skills in demand.
During a court case. Ministerial Resolution No. 47 of 2022 says a worker reported absent cannot get the temporary work permit that others may get while their labour case is in court.

We have not found any official statement of further penalties for an ordinary absence report. Do not rely on social-media claims about fines or arrests. Ask MoHRE directly.

Step by step

Check whether a report exists. The UAE Government portal says you can check for a work ban by calling MoHRE on 600590000 (8 am to 8 pm, several languages). The portal adds that you can use MoHRE's other official channels, such as its website, the MoHRE app or an approved service centre.
Note the dates. Write down your last working day, any leave dates and every attempt to contact your employer.
Collect proof you were not absent. Attendance records, messages with managers, approved leave, medical certificates and proof you were reachable.
Match your facts to the cancellation grounds. Article 7 of Ministerial Resolution No. 47 of 2022 allows cancellation if, for example, seven consecutive days had not passed, you were at work or on legal leave, the employer agrees to restore the relationship, you and the employer agreed to end the work, the employer allowed you to stop work or look for another job, or there was another lawful reason.
Apply to cancel the report. MoHRE's "Cancellation of an Absence from Work Complaint (Absconding Report)" service is open to employees as well as employers through the website and app, with no fee listed, and a stated completion time of 14 working days (as of September 2026).
File your own labour complaint if rights are unpaid. Use MoHRE's labour complaint service if wages or dues are owed. Free advice is available on 80084.
Contest a ban if one is imposed. The UAE Government portal says a worker can submit a grievance through MoHRE's channels with documents proving the ban is unjustified. Article 35 of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 allows a grievance against a MoHRE decision within 30 days of becoming aware of it.
Check your residence status. If the work permit was cancelled, confirm your residence position with ICP or, in Dubai, GDRFA, so you do not overstay.
Keep every reference number. Save SMS messages, application numbers and screenshots of each step.

We did not find an official deadline for applying to cancel the report itself. Apply as soon as you learn of it.

Documents checklist

Passport, Emirates ID and work permit details
Employment contract and latest payslips
Attendance records or login data showing you were at work
Approved leave forms or medical certificates for the dates in question
Messages, emails or call logs with your employer
Any written agreement to end the job or permission to look for other work
Any resignation letter and proof of delivery
MoHRE complaint or application reference numbers

Common mistakes

Simply stopping work during a dispute. If an employer is breaching the contract, Article 45 of the Labour Law lets a worker leave without notice after informing MoHRE 14 working days before, if the employer does not fix the breach. Following that route leaves a record.
Changing your phone number or going silent. A report depends on the employer being unable to reach you. Stay reachable and reply in writing.
Relying on a verbal agreement to leave. If the employer agreed you could stop work, get it in writing. It is one of the grounds for cancellation.
Waiting for the problem to disappear. The work permit can be cancelled once the report is approved, which affects your residence status.
Believing rumours about penalties. Rely on what MoHRE and the UAE Government portal say.

When to speak to a licensed lawyer

Many reports are resolved through MoHRE, especially when leave or attendance records clearly contradict them. Legal advice may help if the employer also alleges theft or another offence, if a police matter or travel restriction is mentioned, if a court case is running, or if your cancellation request is refused. If you choose, CaseDaleel can introduce you to an independent licensed professional. You can also start with a free case check, and use the evidence checklist builder to organise your records.

Frequently asked questions

Is "absconding" still the official term?

MoHRE's services still use "absconding report" in brackets, but the formal terms are "absence from work" and "work abandonment".

How many days of absence before an employer can report?

More than seven consecutive days, and only if the employer does not know where you are and cannot contact you.

How do I find out if a report was filed?

Call MoHRE on 600590000, or ask through MoHRE's other official channels such as its website, app or an approved service centre.

Can the report be cancelled?

Yes, MoHRE can cancel it at the request of either party in the cases listed in Ministerial Resolution No. 47 of 2022, such as proof you were at work or on legal leave.

What happens if the report is proven true?

You may not be given a new work permit for one year, unless an exemption applies. The Labour Law counts the year from the absence, while MoHRE's resolution and the UAE Government portal count it from leaving the UAE, so confirm your dates with MoHRE.

Can I still file a complaint about unpaid salary?

Yes, you can file a labour complaint with MoHRE about unpaid dues, and it is sensible to do so promptly.

Does a report mean I am banned from travelling?

An absence report is a labour matter; we have not found an official source linking it to a travel ban, so check any travel concern through official channels.

Official sources

General information, not legal advice. CaseDaleel is not a law firm.