How to Remove an Absconding Case in UAE: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

If your employer has filed an absconding report against you in the UAE, do not panic. You can remove absconding case UAE using official government channels — and it is completely free. Many workers do not know their rights. They run away or hide, which makes the situation worse. This guide tells you exactly what to do, step by step, under UAE law.

What Is an Absconding Case in UAE?

An absconding case (called an “absence from work complaint”) is when your employer reports you to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for not showing up to work. The UAE Labour Law — Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 Regulating Labour Relations — governs the employment relationship, and absconding regulations fall under Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, Article 28(1) and Ministerial Resolution 47 of 2022. An employer can file this report if you are absent without approved leave and without contacting them for more than 7 consecutive days.

If the absconding case is accepted, you may face:

• A 1-year employment ban in the UAE
• Visa cancellation and deportation
• A travel ban in some GCC countries
• Overstay fines if you stay in the UAE after visa cancellation

However, the law also protects workers. If you have a valid reason for leaving — unpaid salary, dangerous conditions, or employer violations — you have strong grounds to cancel the case.

When an Absconding Case Cannot Be Filed Against You

Under UAE law, your employer cannot file a valid absconding case against you if any of the following is true:

• You already filed a labour complaint with MOHRE before they filed the report
• Your employer knew your location at the time of the report
• You submitted an official resignation and the employer accepted it
• You were on approved annual or sick leave
• You have a medical certificate covering the period of absence

If any of these applies to your situation, you have a very strong case to remove the absconding report.

How to Remove Absconding Case UAE — 5 Steps

Step 1: Check If You Have an Absconding Case

First, confirm whether an absconding case has actually been filed against you. You can check in three ways:

• Call the MOHRE hotline at 800-60 (free, available 8 AM–8 PM, more than 20 languages)
• Use the MOHRE App — log in with your UAE Pass (Emirates ID)
• Check the ICP Portal at icp.gov.ae for your visa and immigration status

Do not wait. If there is a case, you must act quickly before your visa is cancelled.

Step 2: File a Labour Complaint at MOHRE (Most Effective Step)

This is the most powerful move you can make. Under UAE law, an open MOHRE labour complaint automatically suspends an absconding report. The absconding case cannot proceed while MOHRE is investigating your complaint.

File your complaint at mohre.gov.ae or through the MOHRE App:

1. Log in using UAE Pass
2. Go to “Labour Complaints”
3. Select the type of complaint (unpaid salary, unsafe conditions, contract violation)
4. Upload supporting documents (contract, salary slips, messages from employer)
5. Submit and save your complaint reference number

This step alone stops the absconding case from moving forward. If you are also owed salary, read our guide on UAE unpaid salary claims for the full process.

Step 3: Ask Your Employer to Withdraw the Case

If your situation is a misunderstanding, try to settle directly with your employer. Contact them by phone, WhatsApp, or in person. Ask them to submit a “Withdrawal of Absence from Work Complaint” through the MOHRE portal.

Most employers agree to withdraw within 1–3 days if the worker agrees to return or settle amicably. Once the employer submits the withdrawal, MOHRE verifies it within 3–7 working days.

Step 4: Attend the MOHRE Mediation Session

After filing your labour complaint, MOHRE will schedule a mediation session. Both you and your employer will be called to appear. Bring all your documents:

• Employment contract (original or copy)
• Last salary slip or bank statement showing salary deposits
• Any messages or emails between you and your employer
• Resignation letter (if you submitted one)
• Medical certificate (if absence was due to illness)

If your employer does not attend the mediation, MOHRE refers the case to the Inspection Department, which investigates further — usually in your favour.

Step 5: Confirm the Absconding Case Is Cleared

After resolution, check your work permit status through the MOHRE App or by calling 800-60. Get written confirmation from MOHRE and keep it safely. Also check icp.gov.ae to confirm there is no immigration ban against your name.

What If Your Employer’s Company Is Closed?

If the company that filed the absconding case is now closed or liquidated, the process is different. Contact MOHRE directly at 800-60 and explain the situation. MOHRE can investigate and close the case without employer cooperation in these circumstances. Bring proof that the company no longer exists (trade licence cancellation notice, if available).

Cost and Time to Remove Absconding Case UAE

You do not need to hire a lawyer or pay an agent to remove absconding case UAE. All MOHRE services are free. Be careful of agents who charge money for this process.

Your Rights After the Case Is Removed

Once your absconding case is removed, check if your employer owes you unpaid wages. If you left due to salary issues, you may be entitled to end-of-service benefits. Learn about the UAE visa cancellation salary claim process and your right to end of service gratuity — even workers who resign are entitled to it under UAE law.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to remove an absconding case in UAE?

Most cases are resolved in 2–4 weeks when you file a labour complaint or get employer withdrawal. Complex cases involving a closed company may take up to 3 months.

Can I be stopped at the airport because of an absconding case?

An absconding report can lead to visa cancellation and a travel ban. If there is also an overstay fine or police complaint, you may face additional issues at the airport. Check your status at icp.gov.ae before travelling.

Can I remove the absconding case without my employer’s help?

Yes. Filing a labour complaint at MOHRE suspends the absconding case automatically. You do not need your employer’s cooperation. MOHRE will investigate and rule based on the evidence you provide.

Will I get a UAE employment ban after an absconding case?

If the absconding case is resolved in your favour (for example, your employer was violating your rights), no ban is imposed. If the case proceeds and you do not respond, a 1-year employment ban may be applied. Golden Visa holders are exempt from this ban.

My employer filed absconding after 3 months of unpaid salary. What can I do?

This is one of the strongest grounds to cancel the absconding case. File a labour complaint immediately at MOHRE listing the unpaid months as the reason for leaving. Under UAE law, unpaid salary is a valid reason to stop work. The absconding report will be suspended while your complaint is reviewed.

Can I check if I have an absconding case before entering UAE?

Yes. Call 800-60 (MOHRE) or check icp.gov.ae for your immigration and visa status. If there is a case and a resulting ban, it will show in the ICP system.

Does an absconding case affect my family visa?

Yes. An absconding case can affect your visa status, and dependants on your visa may also be impacted if your visa is cancelled. Resolve the case before it reaches the cancellation stage to protect your family.

Official Resources

• MOHRE Hotline: 800-60 (free, 8 AM–8 PM, 20+ languages)
• MOHRE Portal: mohre.gov.ae
• ICP Portal (immigration status): icp.gov.ae

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Rules can change. Always confirm with MOHRE or a qualified legal professional.