Can I resign during probation in the UAE?

How probation works

Probation can last up to 6 months from your first day. An employer can put you on probation only once (Art. 9(1) and (2)).

Your probation counts as part of your service (Art. 9(2)).

Moving to another UAE employer

Tell your current employer in writing at least 1 month before you go (Art. 9(3)).

Your new employer then compensates your old one for the costs of recruiting you, unless they agree otherwise.

That cost falls on the new employer, not on you. Tell your new employer early, so the switch is not held up.

Leaving the UAE

Tell your employer in writing at least 14 days before you go (Art. 9(4)).

Come back within 3 months on a new work permit, and your new employer pays your old one that compensation.

If you skip the notice

Whoever ends probation without the notice owes the other side the wage for the notice, or what is left of it (Art. 9(5)).

Leave the UAE without the notice, and you may get no UAE work permit for 1 year from the day you left (Art. 9(6)).

Your employer's side

Your employer can also end your contract during probation. It must tell you in writing at least 14 days ahead (Art. 9(1)).

Gratuity

Gratuity needs 1 full year of continuous service (Art. 51). Probation is at most 6 months, so leaving during it pays no gratuity.

You are still owed your wages up to your last day. Your employer has 14 days from the end of the contract to pay them (Art. 53).

Before you hand in your letter

• Check the start date and probation length in your contract.
• Work out your last day: your letter date plus 1 month, or plus 14 days.
• Agree a start date with your new employer that fits that last day.

Ask your new employer and MoHRE how your work permit will move, and in what order.

ILOE does not pay after a resignation (Cabinet Resolution 97/2022, Art. 9).