Goodbye Ban: Employees Free to Switch Jobs Without NOC in the UAE

This is a collection of answers provided by Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, Director-General of the General Department for Residency and Foreigners' Affairs in Dubai, likely from a period before the most recent visa law changes.

I have updated the information with current regulations where applicable, especially regarding salary requirements and the sponsoring of a single parent, as UAE laws have evolved significantly.

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Current UAE Residency Rules: A 2025 Update

The following is broad information on the questions, with updated details based on the latest UAE residency laws (as of late 2024/2025).

1. Job Change (Employment Ban)

Original Answer

Updated Information (2025)

Original: You need to complete two years at the existing job. People can change work from private to government or semi-government without the need to complete two years.

Update: Under the current labour law, the concept of a mandatory six-month employment ban is largely removed for those on unlimited contracts, especially if the employee gives notice as per the contract. NOC is generally NOT required for an employee to switch to a new employer after completing the probationary period or if the contract is unlimited and they follow notice period rules. A worker can switch to a government/semi-government job without restriction. Final confirmation should always be checked with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

2. Sponsoring Parents-in-Law

Original Answer	Updated Information (2025)
Original: You can apply for visa for them and obtain one-year residence visa.	Update: You can generally sponsor your parents-in-law for a one-year residence visa (renewable), provided you meet the required salary and accommodation criteria. This process is often treated as a special request and requires specific documentation. The process may be easier in Dubai (GDRFA) and Abu Dhabi (ICP/TAMM).

3. Maximum Stay Outside the UAE

Original Answer	Updated Information (2025)
Original: They have to enter the country before the end of the six months. According to the Federal Residency Law the residence permit granted to a foreigner shall be deemed as cancelled if the period of his/her stay outside the UAE exceeds six months.	Update: This rule has a significant EXEMPTION for holders of the Golden Visa. For standard residency visa holders, the rule that a visa is cancelled if the stay outside the UAE exceeds six months still generally applies. They must re-enter before the 180-day mark.

4. Sponsoring Mother: Salary Requirement

Original Answer

Updated Information (2025)

Original: To sponsor family members your salary should be Dh 10,000 and you should be of job category who can sponsor family members and you need to pay deposit Dh 5,000 and the visa will be valid for one year only and it can be renewed.

Update (Critical Change): The requirement to sponsor parents is often AED 10,000 to AED 15,000 per month (varies by Emirate/circumstance). You are no longer required to be in a specific job category. The key requirements are: * Salary: $\text{AED 10,000 - AED 15,000}$ (varies). * Sponsor Both Parents: You must generally sponsor both parents together. * Single Parent: If you wish to sponsor only your mother, you must provide official, attested proof that the other parent is deceased or legally divorced/separated (as per the question below). * Deposit: A refundable security deposit of AED 5,000 per parent is usually required. * Duration: The visa is granted for one year, renewable annually. * Health Insurance: Mandatory valid health insurance for the parent(s) for the entire duration of the visa.

5. Sponsoring a Single Parent (Mother only)

Original Answer

Updated Information (2025)

Original: As per current UAE laws, one needs to sponsor both the parents... You need to sponsor them both or to prove that they are separated or one of the passed away.

Update (Confirmation of Rule): This rule remains largely true. To sponsor only one parent (like your mother), you must provide attested legal documents to justify it. Required documents may include: * An Attested Death Certificate (if the father is deceased). * An Attested Divorce Certificate (if they are divorced). * An Affidavit/Certificate of Sole Support from your country's consulate in the UAE, attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), stating that you are her sole provider and there is no one else to care for her in the home country.

6. Health Issues (HB Positive)

Original Answer

Updated Information (2025)

Original: The residents’ visa will be issued or renewed depending on the medical report if it stated that the person is fit then the residents’ visa will be issued.

Update: Medical fitness rules have been updated and are subject to change. For a residency visa renewal, testing for Hepatitis B is generally not required, unless the worker is in one of the specific categories (like those in nurseries, health sector, or food handlers) where mandatory testing is required. For a new residence visa, a medical fitness test including tests for HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) is mandatory for those over 18. Active Pulmonary TB is a cause for rejection and deportation.

If you have a specific, new question about your situation, please let me know and I will try to find the most current and relevant information.

Is there a specific question you have based on these updated rules, or would you like me to research the current MoHRE rules regarding your ability to change jobs?