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Report employers who keep passports, charge for visa or work permit, MOHRE says

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) reiterated a call to private sector employees to report companies that keep their passports or charge for visa costs or work permits. According to MOHRE in a recent post, employees should file a report with the ministry if their employer confiscates their passport or other identification documents, asks them to pay for the cost of travel and work permit, or if they are asked to sign a contract with terms that are different from the job offer.

How to file a labour complaint with MOHRE

According to MOHRE, complaints from private sector employees can be filed through the Labor Claims and Advisory Center on 0097146659999, through the MOHRE app (choose Menu, Services, and Complaint), or through the MOHRE website (click here) Under the UAE law, it is illegal to withhold someone’s passport without their consent. The offence is punishable with a jail sentence and a fine of up to Dh20,000. Complaints can also be filed at the police station. In the UAE, employers can hold their employees’ passports only for official purposes, such as applying, renewing or cancelling a visa. However, after this is completed, the employer must return the passport to the employee. The UAE law also mandates that employers must bear the cost of employment, including the cost of visa sponsorship for their employee. No employer is allowed to withhold any amount from an employee's salary or deduct visa fees or any other charges related to employment. Contracts must also be verified by MOHRE, otherwise the employer will be fined Dh20,000 for any irregularities. ICA/Expat Media
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