UAE: How domestic workers, employers can withdraw absconding report

There might be cases where the employee returned or there was found to be a valid reason for absence, leading to withdrawal of the complaint

by

Laraib Anwer

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Published: Fri 6 Sep 2024, 7:00 AM

Last updated: Fri 6 Sep 2024, 7:53 PM

With hiring domestic workers becoming an increasingly common practice across the UAE, incidents of them running away have also risen. To tackle this, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has set in place a simple process to file a police report.

However, there might be cases where the employee returned or there was found to be a valid reason for absence. There could also be instances where employees filed the complaint wrongfully, leaving the domestic worker in a compromised position.


Both domestic workers and employers can withdraw the complaint from their side through MoHRE.

Under UAE's latest amendments to laws relating to domestic worker disputes, all employee disputes shall be taken up at the Court of First Instance — instead of the Court of Appeal — as a last resort. A case reaches the court only if an amicable settlement has not been reached with the MoHRE.

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From required documents to fee, here is a guide to withdrawing an absconding report for both domestic workers as well as employers.

Domestic workers

Domestic workers can start the process through MoHRE's website, application, or by visiting domestic worker centres or Tawseel vehicles.

This service is available through MoHRE in all emirates except Dubai. Those wishing to appeal an absconding report in Dubai can do it through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai.

Documents required

  • Copy of domestic worker's Emirates ID
  • Copy of domestic worker's passport

Conditions

The domestic worker must have and provide a residence visa, regardless of it being valid or not.

There must be a record in the system of an absconding report lodged by the employer against the domestic worker.

Process

After accessing the service (Withdrawal of Absconding Report) through the website or other platforms, domestic workers will be required to fill all their information

  • Workers must then proceed by paying the required fees.
  • The application will be referred electronically to the ministry for verification.
  • To verify the validity of the absent complaint, a telephone call will be made to the two parties involved.
  • In the case of any rejections or shortfalls, the worker will receive a text message communicating the same. He/she will then be directed through Domestic Workers Service Centres or Tawseel vehicles.
  • Once the worker receives an approval via text message, they will be allowed to cancel the complaint without referring to the employer within a week of the date of cancellation of the absconding report.

It is important to note that if the domestic worker's permit is not been cancelled from the employer's file one week after the date of the cancellation of the absconding report, the employer will be notified by SMS to lodge an absconding report.

It takes up to three days to receive a result. In the meantime, workers can check their application status on the website.

Fee

The federal fee charged through the website and application is Dh115.

Business centres charge a maximum of Dh72.

Employers

Employers can start the process through MoHRE's website, application, or by visiting Tasheel or Tadbeer centres or Tawseel vehicles.

This service is available for employers through MoHRE in all emirates except Dubai. Those wishing to do it in Dubai can visit an Amer centre or do it through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai.

Documents required

  • Copy of the domestic worker’s Emirates ID
  • Copy of the domestic worker's passport

Conditions

There must be a report in the system about the employer lodging a complaint against the domestic worker for absence from work.

Process

  • Employers have to log into MoHRE's portal or use their UAE Pass.
  • They must then submit an application to withdraw the complaint.
  • Employers can proceed by paying the fees.
  • The application will be referred to the ministry for verification.
  • In case of any shortfalls, customers will be notified via text.
  • The employer will then be contacted to confirm agreement to terminate the complaint.
  • After approval, the application will be forwarded to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security for final approval.
  • Once it is finally approved, the customer will be notified through text message or e-mail.

It takes up to three working days for the process to be completed.

Fee

The federal fee charged through the website and application is Dh115.

Business centres charge a maximum of Dh72.

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