UAE Labour Ban Check: How to Know If You're Banned
A labour ban can prevent you from working in the UAE. After the 2022 reforms, the rules changed significantly — most automatic bans have been abolished. Here is how to check your status, what types of bans still exist, and how to get them lifted.
Types of Labour Bans in UAE
The 2022 labour law reforms eliminated most automatic bans. Here is what remains:
Contract Breach Ban (Up to 1 Year)
If you leave your employer during a valid contract without serving the required notice period, a ban of up to 1 year may be imposed. This is the most common ban still in effect.
Absconding Ban
If your employer reports you as absconding (leaving work without authorization), a ban is placed until the case is resolved. See our absconding case guide for how to contest this.
Administrative Ban
MoHRE can impose administrative bans in specific cases, such as criminal convictions, document fraud, or repeated violations of immigration rules.
How to Check Your Ban Status
MoHRE App (Fastest)
Log in with UAE Pass. Go to 'My Labour Card' or 'Work Permit Status'. Your ban status will show if any restrictions exist.
Call MoHRE Hotline
Call 600 590 000 with your Emirates ID or labour card number. Available in Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu.
Visit Tasheel Center
Go to any MoHRE Tasheel service center with your Emirates ID. They can check your status and print a report.
Through a New Employer
If a new employer tries to apply for your work permit, the system will show if a ban exists. Many people discover bans this way.
How to Lift a Labour Ban
Depending on the type of ban, here are your options:
Get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your previous employer — this immediately lifts most bans
If terminated illegally, file a MoHRE complaint. A successful complaint removes the ban
Apply for a ban lift through the MoHRE app with a new job offer (employer must meet criteria)
If the ban was imposed in error, submit a correction request with supporting documents
Wait for the ban period to expire (maximum 1 year for contract breach bans)
For absconding bans, contest the report through MoHRE — if successful, the ban is removed
2022 Law Changes: What Was Abolished
Before 2022, the UAE had automatic bans based on salary level and skill classification. Workers earning below a certain threshold or classified as "unskilled" would automatically receive a 6-month or 1-year ban when changing employers. These bans have been eliminated.
Under the new system, any worker who completes their contract or serves the required notice period can move to a new employer without any ban. The focus has shifted from controlling worker movement to protecting contract obligations.
Know Your Contract Terms Before Changing Jobs
Understanding your notice period and contract terms is critical to avoiding a ban. Upload your employment contract and we will identify the exact requirements for a clean exit.
Check Your ContractFrequently Asked Questions
How do I check if I have a labour ban in UAE?
You can check your labour ban status through the MoHRE app (under 'My Labour Card'), by calling 600590000, by visiting a MoHRE service center (Tasheel) with your Emirates ID, or by sending an SMS with your labour card number to specific MoHRE numbers. The app is the fastest method and gives instant results.
What types of labour bans exist in UAE?
After the 2022 labour law reforms, the old 6-month and 1-year automatic bans were largely abolished. A ban can now only be imposed if: (1) a worker leaves during a valid contract without serving notice (up to 1 year ban), (2) a worker is convicted of a criminal offense, or (3) specific MoHRE administrative decisions. The blanket skill-level bans have been eliminated.
Can I work in UAE if I have a labour ban?
If you have a ban, you cannot obtain a new work permit until the ban is lifted or expires. However, you may be able to work in a free zone (which may have different rules), leave and re-enter the country after the ban period, or apply for a ban lift through MoHRE if you have valid grounds.
How do I get a labour ban lifted?
You can apply to lift a ban through MoHRE by: (1) getting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your previous employer, (2) proving you were terminated illegally, (3) showing the ban was imposed in error, or (4) demonstrating you have a new job offer meeting MoHRE requirements. File through the MoHRE app or visit a Tasheel center.
Were labour bans abolished in 2022?
The 2022 reforms (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and Ministerial Resolution No. 47 of 2022) significantly reduced automatic bans. Workers can now change employers more freely, especially after completing their contract or during the notice period. However, bans can still be imposed in specific circumstances like absconding or contract breach without notice.