Manika 
(C): Unsplash
In case you have absconded and gotten an absconding complaint from MOHRE, you do not need to get a lawyer for yourself. This is because the services of MOHRE are free of cost and anyone working in the UAE can take advantage of the free service to remove the complaint of absconding without getting a lawyer. Here’s how you can remove absconding status without getting a lawyer by 2026.
Labor Laws Regarding Absconding in UAE
According to the UAE Labor Law on Absconding in 2026 (Cabinet Resolution No. As mentioned in Section 28(1) (1 of 2022), the employer can make a report of such a situation of being absent from the job for more than seven days. Complaints filed earlier are not valid.
When there is no absconding:
- The worker has an open complaint with the MOHRE or has filed a lawsuit
- The employer knows the worker’s location
- The employee has resigned, and the employer has accepted the resignation
- You are on approved leave or have a medical certificate
Knowing the UAE labour law absconding laws will protect you from a false accusation.
Step 1: Find out whether you are a UAE Absconder
You need to find out first whether you have an existing case. These options can be used to find out about your absconding status in the UAE:
- MOHRE Call Centre: Dial 600590000 (from 8 AM to 8 PM) in more than 20 languages
- MOHRE App: Sign into UAE Pass → tap on “Abscond Approval” button → insert your work permit number
- ICP Portal (icp.gov.ae): Find out if your visa is revoked using the ICP website
In case there is any active case, go ahead to Step 2.
Step 2: Make a Labour Complaint under Protection
This step is critical in gaining UAE absconding status without a lawyer. According to UAE Ministerial Resolution 47 of 2022, the absence report by your UAE employer cannot be taken into consideration if you already have a labour complaint filed with MOHRE and/or a court case. The complaint can be filed at the MOHRE website, app, or any Tasheel centre.
Step 3: Collect Your Evidence
To complete the procedures for UAE visa absconding clearance, you need to provide ample evidence:
- Employment agreement/contract and salary slip
- A resignation letter from your employer with his/her signature
- Communication proof via WhatsApp/email with your employer
- Leave or sick leave approval or doctor’s note
- Letters from coworkers, if needed
It is only by having everything in order that an MOHRE absconding issue will be cleared (without hiring a lawyer).
Step 4: Visit the MOHRE Mediation Session
MOHRE will schedule a session where you and your employer will appear before a legal researcher who will hear both sides, review evidence, and make a decision. If your employer doesn’t attend, your case is referred to the Inspection Department. If the decision goes in your favour, your absconding file will be removed, and your work permit will be returned.
Duration: 2-4 weeks. Delays can occur in complex cases and can take up to three months.
Step 5: Check Your Clearance
Once MOHRE has ruled in your favour:
- Make sure your work permit is valid or transferred
- Check if any corrections to the UAE residency visa absconding status have been dealt with by immigration
- Retain the MOHRE decision
- If you disagree with the decision, within 15 days, the matter can be appealed to the Labour Court of Appeal.
Consequences If You Don’t Act
Failing to respond to a UAE labour dispute absconding case results in:
- A one-year employment ban (the UAE employment ban removal process becomes more complex after this)
- Instant cancellation of the visa and deportation
- UAE immigration fine for absconding (overstay)
- GCC travel ban possible
UAE Golden Visa and family-sponsored residents will not face a one-year ban from working if they test positive.
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Step-by-Step to Remove Absconding in the UAE
- Check status via the MOHRE app or the call centre
- Submit a protective labour complaint
- Gather contract, resignation letters and correspondence
- Bring all documents to the MOHRE mediation
- Cancel and obtain written confirmation
You don’t need a lawyer to deal with the UAE absconding case removal in 2026. Time is of the essence; keep records, and rely on MOHRE’s free service.
