Visa bans and immigrations bans are one of the more confusing
topics facing employers and workers in the UAE. Despite a push by
the public authorities to codify practice, the application of a ban
can still be arbitrary, and subject to the discretion of the
officials involved in the process. This article aims to provide
some clarity between the differences between the two main types of
bans, how they are applied, the and how long they may apply.
The Labor Ban
Historically, an employer was able to prevent an employee from
transferring to a new employer for a period of six months by
blocking the visa application with the former Ministry of Labor
(now the UAE Ministry of Emiratization and Human Resources, or
MEHR). This system was substantially liberalized with UAE Cabinet
Resolution No 25 of 2010 which removed bans after employment of two
years.
