Dubai is a city of dream for dream jobs for many professionals. Many professionals from various parts of the world seek a prospective career growth by doing jobs in Dubai. But, many a times, at the midst of their career, there are situations where professionals want to leave their present job for a better job in the same place or somewhere place. Leaving a job in Dubai is not so easy, especially for professionals who are not the locals of Dubai or UAE as a whole. Changing jobs in Dubai need a proper strategy within the framework of the laws and regulations of the city so as to avoid being banned from working.
Things to consider before switching jobs in Dubai
• One basic rule is that you have to maintain a clean employment record and you should abide by all contractual and moral obligations of the present organization. There should not be any ‘disciplinary’ cases or issues against you by your employer.
• Check the clauses of resigning in your present company. This is because, in most organizations in Dubai, there is a clause for professionals to complete two years with the present organization before they can changetheir job and look for a new jobs in Dubai.
• It is essential for all professionals planning for a change to keep themselves updated with the latest happenings, changes, addition and deletion in the labor laws. For example, till a few years ago, getting a ‘No Objection Certificate (NOC)’ from the employer was necessary. But, today, this is not mandatory as per the latest regulation by the Ministry of Labor.
Legal formalities that professionals should know before changing jobs in Dubai
The Labour Ban: Employees should comply with the labour laws, failing of which they can be banned from working in any organization. This ban can extend from 6 months to 1 year or more.
For instance: If an employee leaves the company within 6 months of joining even though he or she has agreed to the two-year work contract with the company, then he or she is imposed a 6-month ban from working anywhere else.
Similarly, an employee is imposed a 1-year ban when he or she leaves the present job without completing the limited period of working as mentioned in the signed contract.
It is necessary for professionals to take note of these basic requirements before changing jobs in Dubai so that their work permit and Dubai employment visa are not cancelled.
Non-Competition Clause: This is another legal aspect that professionals should be aware of when changing jobs in Dubai. Non-competition clause implies that an employee cannot join a rival company if he leaves his present employer. This clause is, however, not followed by all employers and is applicable to limited job categories. The objective of this clause is to protect an organization’s lawful interest, and at the same time not to prevent the movement of employees. Also, this is not applicable for employees below 21 years of age.
Proper notice period: If at all, an employee has to resign or change jobs in Dubai during the probationary period, then he or she has to serve a notice period of atleast 30 days in accordance with UAE Labor Law.
Contract clauses: There are two types of contracts for jobs in Dubai.
• Unlimited Contract: This is basically for Fresher jobs or the first job of employees where they have to work for at least 6 months and can leave their job after giving a notice period, which can extend from 1 to 3 months.
• Limited Contract: If you are not being able to serve the 2 years contract period, then you have to give to your employer a compensation of 45 days of your salary. Or else, you can leave the company only when there is a mutual agreement between the two parties to terminate the contract before completion of the working period.But here, the employees should work at least six months of their employment.
To sum up
The process of changing jobs in Dubaiis a time-taking process. So, when you make up your mind for the same, you have to plan the process carefully and well in advance.
