The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has specified three employer-side failures that can trigger the refusal, non-renewal, or cancellation of a work permit. These conditions apply when an establishment submits incorrect documents, operates fictitiously, or fails to comply with the Wages Protection System or other labour market regulations.
Three Grounds for Work Permit Cancellation
According to MoHRE, a work permit may be refused, not renewed, or cancelled if any of the following occurs:
- The establishment submits incorrect documents.
- The establishment is fictitious or has stopped carrying out the business activity under which it is registered.
- The establishment fails to comply with the Wages Protection System or any other labour market regulatory framework in the UAE.
These conditions are part of the ministry's broader effort to ensure that only genuine, compliant businesses can employ foreign workers.
Employer Compliance Requirements
Before a work permit can be granted, MoHRE has set out several conditions that employers must satisfy. The company's trade licence must be valid and free of any violations at the time of application. The occupation listed for the worker must correspond with the business activity the company is actually registered to carry out. Additionally, only an individual who is legally authorised to act on behalf of the company may submit the application.
Worker Eligibility Conditions
Workers themselves must also meet a set of personal and professional requirements. The minimum age for a work permit is 18 years old, with exceptions for juvenile work permits and student training or employment permits. For roles that fall under a specialised profession or any position requiring a licence to practise, the worker must already satisfy the conditions set by the relevant legislation governing that field.
The ministry's guidelines make clear that both employer compliance and worker eligibility are assessed together when a work permit application is reviewed. Falling short on either side is enough to prevent a permit from being issued.
