UAE Probation Period Rights Checker

Understand your rights during probation. Updated March 2026.

What is your situation?

How long have you been in your current role?

Are you joining another company in the UAE?

Your Resignation Rights

Key Points About Resigning During Probation

Joining another UAE employer during probation requires at least one month of written notice.
Leaving the UAE during probation requires at least 14 days of written notice.
Ordinary gratuity for a foreign full-time worker requires at least one year of continuous service.
Confirm work-permit transfer or cancellation with HR and MOHRE. Check residence deadlines with ICP or GDRFA.

Important: Get your resignation letter and employment contract copy from HR. You may need these to apply for a new visa or prove your status to the authorities.

What to Do Next

1. Inform your manager informally first
2. Submit a formal resignation letter to HR
3. Keep a copy with delivery confirmation
4. Use the notice shown in your result. During probation: at least one month to join another UAE employer, or 14 days to leave the UAE. After probation: the written contract notice period, between 30 and 90 days.
5. Request your labour contract and resignation letter from HR
6. Ensure your visa is cancelled properly by employer
7. Apply for new visa with new employer immediately if applicable

Your Termination Rights

Your Rights When Terminated During Probation

Employer termination during probation requires at least 14 days of written notice.
Notice compensation can apply if the required notice is not served.
Confirm your work permit and residence status with HR, MOHRE and the residence authority.
Check accrued pay and any other amounts owed in your final settlement.

Ban-Free: The new UAE employment law removed bans for probation-period exits. You can immediately sponsor a new visa without waiting periods.

What to Do Next

1. Request the termination letter in writing from HR
2. Confirm notice period and any settlement amount
3. Request your labour contract and employment documents
4. Clarify visa cancellation timeline (must be within 30 days)
5. Check if any final payment is due to you
6. Start job search immediately to sponsor new visa within 30 days
7. Keep all communication with employer in writing

Your Probation Period Rights Summary

Leave Entitlement During Probation

Paid leave: Zero paid annual leave during probation
Sick leave: As per company policy (usually unpaid during probation)
Compassionate leave: Employer discretion, usually unpaid
Public holidays: Paid (these are statutory)

Notice Period & Exit Rights

Joining another UAE employer during probation: at least one month of written notice.
Leaving the UAE during probation: at least 14 days of written notice.
Employer termination during probation: at least 14 days of written notice.
Serve the required notice unless a lawful exception or written agreement applies.

Gratuity & Final Settlement

Ordinary gratuity for a foreign full-time worker requires at least one year of continuous service.
Ask HR for an itemised statement of wages and other amounts owed.
The employer must pay final wages and other amounts due within 14 days of the contract ending.
Check your residence grace period with ICP or GDRFA after cancellation.

Probation Period: Standard probation in UAE is 6 months (can be extended to 12 months). After probation, you get the 30-day notice period and gratuity entitlements.

Employment Ban Removed: As of 2021, UAE removed employment bans for workers who leave their jobs voluntarily or are terminated during probation. You can immediately sponsor a new visa with another employer.

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