Can an employer terminate an employee without any reason in the UAE?

If you're employed in the UAE, you may be wondering about your job security and what your employer can and cannot do when it comes to terminating your employment. One common question is whether an employer can terminate an employee without any reason.

In short, the answer is no. Employers in the UAE are required to have a proper reason and notice of termination before they can terminate an employee. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

According to Article 44 of Federal Decree-law No. 33/2021, an employer may dismiss an employee without notice if they conduct a written investigation with the employee and the dismissal decision is justified in writing. This means that the employer must have evidence to support their decision to terminate the employee, and they must provide this evidence to the employee in writing.

The law also specifies certain conditions under which an employer can terminate an employee without notice, they are;

• If the employee is found to have committed a serious offense, such as theft or fraud, that makes it impossible to continue the employment relationship.
• If the employee is absent from work for more than 20 non-consecutive days in one year, or for more than seven consecutive days without a valid reason
• If the employee violates the employer's rules and regulations in a way that harms the employer's interests
• If the employee is hired on a limited-term contract and the contract expires without being renewed

In all other cases, the employer is required to provide a valid reason for terminating the employee and must give notice of termination according to the employment contract or the law.

It's worth noting that even if an employer does have a valid reason for terminating an employee, they are still required to follow certain procedures and provide notice of termination in accordance with the law. Failure to do so could result in legal action against the employer.

Nevertheless, in UAE employers are generally required to provide notice of termination and to have a valid reason for terminating an employee. If you believe that your employer has terminated you without proper cause or notice, it is advised to seek legal advice from the best lawyers to understand your options.

For any enquiries or information, contact ask@tlr.ae or call us on +971526443004