UAE Employment Contract Red Flags: What Every Expat Needs to Know
Thousands of expats sign UAE employment contracts containing illegal clauses every year. This guide covers UAE Federal Labour Law No. 33 of 2021 and the 8 most common violations employers try to hide.
Under UAE law, your employment contract is only valid if it is registered in the MOHRE system. Any "side agreement" or private contract that contradicts the MOHRE-registered contract is legally void. Always ensure your signed contract matches the MOHRE offer letter.
The 4 Most Dangerous UAE Contract Clauses
Passport Confiscation
ILLEGALIt is a criminal offense for an employer to hold your passport. Any clause requiring you to "deposit" your passport with HR is illegal and void.
WPS Bypass (Cash Payments)
ILLEGALAll wages must be paid through the Wage Protection System (WPS). Contracts offering cash or personal checks bypass your legal wage protections.
Gratuity Waivers
ILLEGALEnd-of-service gratuity is a mandatory statutory right. Clauses substituting gratuity with "accommodation" or "flights" are legally void.
Probation > 6 Months
ILLEGALProbation cannot exceed 6 months. Any clause stating a 9 or 12-month probation period is illegal and unenforceable.
Protect yourself before signing
Klause AI cross-references your contract against UAE Labour Law No. 33 of 2021.
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