Last updated: May 2026 | Sources: UAE MOHRE, ICP, Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021
Quick Summary
- Your employer must give 14 days notice to terminate during probation under UAE law.
- You can also resign during probation with 14 days notice — or 30 days if you are leaving the UAE.
- Probation cannot exceed 6 months under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, Article 9.
- If terminated unfairly, file a complaint at mohre.gov.ae or call 800-60.
Who this guide is for
New hires in the UAE private sector who have been terminated during probation, are considering resigning, or are unsure whether their probationary period has been handled correctly under the 2021 Labour Law.
Why this guide exists
Article 9 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 caps probation at six months, requires 14-day notice from either side, and changes when employers can claim reimbursement of recruitment costs from a new sponsor. Most workers only learn these rules after a problem has already started. This guide lines up the rules with what to do in the first 24 hours after a probation termination.
If you are facing UAE probation period termination — whether your employer ended your contract or you want to resign — you need to know your rights. Many workers do not know that UAE law gives them specific protections even during UAE probation period termination. Understanding UAE probation period termination rules can protect your salary, your visa, and your next job.
What the UAE Labour Law Says About Probation
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 Regulating Labour Relations, Article 9, your probation period cannot exceed six months from your start date. During this time, either party can end the contract — but with conditions.
If Your Employer Terminates You During Probation
Your employer must give you at least 14 days written notice before ending your contract. If they do not give this notice, they owe you 14 days of pay as compensation. This applies to all workers under the UAE Labour Law — including workers on limited and unlimited contracts.
If You Resign During Probation
You can resign during probation. Under Article 9, the notice period depends on your situation:
- Leaving to work for another employer in the UAE: 14 days notice to your current employer
- Leaving the UAE entirely: 30 days notice to your current employer
If you do not give the required notice, the new employer may be required to reimburse your current employer for recruitment costs. Always check your contract and consult a legal professional before resigning.
Can You Get a Labour Ban After Probation Termination?
Under the old UAE law, leaving during probation could result in a labour ban. The 2021 Labour Law removed automatic labour bans in most cases. However, if you resign during probation without proper notice and your new employer does not reimburse the recruitment cost, there may be consequences. To avoid this, follow the correct notice period and keep written records.
Documents to Have Before You Sign Anything
| Document | Why You Need It | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Signed employment contract | Confirms probation start date, basic salary, and any conditional clauses | Your file, HR portal, or MOHRE contract record |
| Written termination letter (with effective date) | Starts the 14-day notice clock and is the central document at MOHRE | Request from HR — do not accept a verbal notice only |
| Last 3 salary slips | Evidence for any unpaid wages or notice-pay calculation | WPS app / HR / bank app |
| WhatsApp or email about leave usage during probation | Shows accrued leave days that must be paid out | Your phone — back up to cloud |
| Visa cancellation form (do not sign before pay) | Withholding signature is your strongest leverage on final settlement | Employer provides; sign only after pay confirmed |
| NOC letter (if asking to transfer to a new employer) | Speeds up new work-permit issuance once probation ends | Former employer’s HR or director |
| Emirates ID + passport | Required for the MOHRE complaint and for any new permit application | Always with you |
Step-by-Step: What To Do If You Are Terminated During Probation
- Get termination in writing. Ask your employer for a written termination letter stating the effective date.
- Check your notice period. Count from the termination date. You should have at least 14 calendar days before your last day.
- Request your final settlement. This includes all unpaid salary, any accrued annual leave days, and the 14-day notice pay if notice was not given.
- Check your visa grace period. After your work visa is cancelled, you have a grace period to stay in the UAE or find new employment. See our guide on what to do after visa cancellation.
- File a complaint if needed. If your employer does not pay your final settlement, file a complaint at mohre.gov.ae or call the MOHRE hotline at 800-60.
Comparison: Termination vs Resignation During Probation
| Situation | Who Gives Notice | Notice Period | Key Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employer terminates you | Employer | 14 days | Employer owes 14 days pay if no notice given |
| You resign, staying in UAE | Employee | 14 days | Give written notice to employer |
| You resign, leaving UAE | Employee | 30 days | Give written notice, inform employer of departure |
What Happens to Your End of Service Gratuity?
Gratuity is not payable if you complete less than one year of service. Since probation is by definition under six months, you will not receive gratuity if terminated during probation. However, you are still entitled to your unpaid salary for days worked and any unused annual leave days converted to cash. Read our full guide on UAE end of service gratuity to understand what you are owed after one year of service.
What Usually Happens Next
- You receive a written termination letter stating the effective date and the 14-day notice period.
- Within 48 hours you confirm in writing (WhatsApp or email) that you accept the date but reserve all statutory entitlements — unpaid salary, leave encashment, notice pay if not given.
- You request a final settlement breakdown. The employer should provide it within 14 days of the last working day.
- Visa cancellation is submitted only after final pay is verified — either in cash with a witness or as a confirmed bank transfer.
- Your grace period begins from visa cancellation. For standard work visas this is 30 days. Use it to find a new sponsor or to plan your departure.
- If pay is short or notice was not honoured, file a MOHRE complaint on 800-60 within 30 days. Mediation usually resolves probation-period cases within 2-3 weeks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Signing the visa cancellation form before receiving notice pay — Leverage drops sharply once the visa is cancelled. Always pay first, sign second.
- Treating the 14-day notice as optional because it is only probation — Article 9 makes the notice statutory. If the employer skips it, they owe 14 days of basic pay.
- Quitting without written notice and assuming the 2021 law removed all consequences — It removed automatic bans but kept reimbursement-of-recruitment-cost claims against the new employer.
- Forgetting accrued partial-year leave days — Under Article 29, leave accrues from day one — even probation. Unused days are payable in the final settlement.
- Waiting weeks before filing a MOHRE complaint — Memory and documentation degrade fast. File within 30 days for the strongest case.
- Accepting verbal promises of ‘we will settle later’ once the visa is cancelled — Verbal promises are extremely hard to enforce once you no longer hold the leverage of a signed cancellation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer extend my probation beyond 6 months?
No. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, Article 9, the maximum probation period is 6 months. Any extension beyond this is not valid under UAE law. After 6 months, you are automatically on a confirmed contract.
Do I get paid during my notice period in probation?
Yes. You continue to receive your full salary during the notice period. If your employer terminates you immediately without notice, they owe you 14 days of pay as compensation in lieu of notice.
What if my employer terminates me before the end of my notice period?
If your employer asks you to leave before the notice period ends, they must pay you for the remaining notice days. Keep a record of all communication. If they refuse, file a complaint with MOHRE at 800-60.
Can I work for a new employer immediately after probation termination?
Yes, in most cases. The 2021 UAE Labour Law removed automatic work bans for most probation terminations. You can apply for a new job. However, if you resigned without proper notice, the new employer should ensure compliance with Article 9 to avoid any liability.
Where do I file a complaint if my rights are violated?
You can file a complaint through the MOHRE portal at mohre.gov.ae or by calling the MOHRE hotline at 800-60. The complaint is free. MOHRE will contact your employer and attempt to resolve the issue.
Official Sources Used in This Guide
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This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Rules can change. Always confirm with MOHRE or a qualified legal professional.