Changing employers in the UAE is possible with or without completing your contract with your previous employer. However, there are things that you need to remember before you do that if you want to avoid issues regarding your employment and residency in the UAE.
PLEASE READ: Immigration Ban, Labour Ban, Permanent Ban and Other Bans in UAE
You can’t just skip all your responsibilities and breach your contract because of minor employment reasons. You need valid ones to escape from your bond with your current employer. In this article, we will give you the list of important things you need when changing employers in the UAE.
Tips When Changing Employer in the UAE
You might have heard other expats changing employers in the UAE without following proper procedures. Some of their reasons include their wants for better compensation, they don’t want their employer, or they want a fresh start. But, without proper procedures, you will likely receive severe punishments for changing employers in the country.
You will get banned or worst, you will get deported. You don’t have to follow the footsteps of expats who were brave to change jobs with active contracts. You can stick to the law and be able to switch from one employer to another with the help of these tips.
1. Don’t forget to get a No Objection Certificate from your previous employer.
The first document you have to secure when you are changing employers in the UAE is a NOC or the No Objection Certificate from your previous employer. You will get this document if you were able to complete at least 2 years of your limited contract. Most of the time, you and your employer will have to agree about the termination of your contract and its renewal, if necessary. Upon agreement, you can ask for this certificate so you can successfully transfer to a new employer.
2. Finish your limited contract if you don’t want to get banned.
If you are under a limited contract, as much as possible, finish your contract for at least 2 years. This will help you maintain your good employment status. If you breach your contract, it’s possible that your employer will report you and impose an employment ban. There are more punishments that will follow if you will not take this rule seriously.
3. You or your employer can compensate in case the contract is terminated within two years.
The termination can happen within two years of your limited contract. If this happens and the breach is on your side, you need to compensate your employer that’s equivalent for 3 months in order to lift the ban for breaching the employment contract. If your employer will initiate the termination, you can demand compensation from your employer equivalent to your 3-month salary. When changing employers, this could be one of the reasons why. Even if your contract is terminated prior to the expiry date, you can still fix the issue as long as you will communicate with your previous employer. Before you look for a potential employer, make sure that this is settled already to avoid getting your application rejected.
4. You should provide at least a one-month notice period if you are working under an unlimited contract.
Unlimited contracts are more flexible than limited contracts. If you are working under this type of employment, you should at least give your employer a one-month notice period. The notice period is beneficial for your employer so he can do the necessary preparations before you leave your work. Likewise, you can use your notice period to look for another job or employer. You can attend interviews while you are serving the last month of your service.
5. It’s fine to hunt for a job and accept offers while you have an on-going case with your previous employer.
If you have an open case with your previous employer, it’s okay to accept new offers. However, your employment will be limited at this point since you can only apply for a temporary employment visa and work for a period of six months until the litigation is solved. While you are working for your new employer, make sure that you are participating in the legal battle. Don’t let your previous employer take all the moves to put the blame on you.
6. Look for an employer with better pay.
Of course, you can consider your personal reason when changing a job in the UAE. If you are looking for a company that will give you better compensations, that should be your next strategy after you have settled everything with your previous employer. Looking for better pay is common. Almost every expat in the country is looking for jobs that will pay them more than their previous one. Use your experience and skills to encourage your potential employer that you are worth the salary you are expecting.
7. Review the offer in general.
Sometimes, your employment contract hides everything that you need to know. It’s important that when you are changing your employer in the UAE, you are allocating enough time to review the offer in general. Make sure that your salary and benefits are not too good to be true. Some employers will try to lure you but you have to be wise as an employee, especially if this is not your first time switching to a new employer. Read the employment contract. Finish it from the start until the end.
8. Read employer reviews online.
If available, you can read employer reviews online. There are expats who give feedback and reviews to their current and previous employers. If you can find information online, don’t skip this part as this will play a big role in your search for the next big employer.
When changing your employer in the UAE, don’t forget that you have two things: the law and your personal preference. You have to comply with the proper procedures to avoid conflicts with your previous employer. Likewise, you need your personal preference so you can choose the right company that will keep you.
