Procedures for enabling foreign labor to leave the country and return home (Early Leave)

In implementation of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation Decision No. (279) of 2020 regarding the stability of labor in private sector establishments during the period of applying precautionary measures to contain the spread of the novel Coronavirus, this initiative comes as an extension of the humanitarian support programs made by the UAE government and in response to a large number of requests received from some foreign workers who are still on the job and want to return to their countries.

All establishments that agree with the foreign workers, who currently at work, to leave the country must comply with the following procedures:

Determine the duration of the leave by signing an additional supplementary form for the employment contract during the period of applying precautionary measures due to the novel Coronavirus, which is available on the Ministry's app and website.

Book a flight ticket (return) for the worker and hand it over to him.

The contractual relationship between the employer and the worker continues, and the early leave is considered unpaid leave with the worker retaining the remaining entitlements prescribed for him according to the Labor Relations Law.

The worker’s early leave ends upon his return and starting work after the precautionary procedures period.

The residence visas of workers returning home will be extended automatically in case of expiration while outside the country.

Workers benefiting from the initiative can contact the National Call Center via e-mail ask_us@171.ae from outside the country.