Employee resignation was denied by HR

Confirm your status and what the contract says. Is your contract registered with the Ministry (MOHRE) or with a free-zone or government authority? That matters because complaint routes differ: MOHRE handles private-sector employers; government or semi-government employers are usually handled by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources or the emirate’s government HR department. Check: probation period, the agreed notice period (the law requires a written notice period of not less than 30 days and not more than 90 days for confirmed employees), and any non-compete or penalty clauses. If you are still in probation (max 6 months under the law) the rules differ; you said you have 9 months’ service, so you are normally outside statutory probation. If the employer still obstructs: collect evidence and escalate. What to collect: resignation letter and proof of delivery, any written “rejection”, pay slips, employment contract, messages about your offer/ resignation, passport/visa copy, any threats or requests. Where to escalate depending on your employer type: Private-sector employer: file a labour complaint with the Ministry (MOHRE). Use the MOHRE website or mobile app or call centre and attach the documents. MOHRE first attempts conciliation (14 days) and, if not resolved, can refer the dispute to the labour court. While a dispute is in process you may be able to request a temporary work permit to start with the new employer if MOHRE refers the case to court. Semi-government / federal employer: MOHRE may tell you they do not handle the case. In that event contact the relevant government HR authority (for federal entities: the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources; for Dubai entities contact the Dubai Government Human Resources Department or the emirate’s HR office). These bodies manage grievances for government and some semi-government employers. If you need, call or e-mail them with your evidence.

Thank you for your question.

In the UAE, an employer cannot refuse your resignation if you submit it properly and complete the notice period stated in your contract. They may delay acceptance due to project or visa issues, but they cannot force you to continue working.

Since MOHRE advised they cannot handle the complaint, your employer may be classified as semi-government or under a special authority. In such cases, the matter may need to be addressed through the relevant authority or labour court.

What you should do now:
- Submit your resignation in writing and keep proof
- Serve your notice period professionally
- Request written reasons for refusal
- Seek legal help if visa cancellation or transfer is blocked

If your employer refuses to release you after notice compliance, legal action may be required.

At Farahat & Co., we assist with employment disputes, visa release issues, and contract matters. We also provide services in audit, tax, corporate compliance, trademark protection, AML compliance, and dispute support.

You are welcome to contact us for confidential guidance.

If your resignation has been rejected, it does not mean you are forced to continue working. Under UAE labour rules, an employee can resign by giving proper written notice as stated in the employment contract (commonly 30–90 days).

What you can do
- Submit a formal resignation letter/email and keep proof of submission.
- Serve the full notice period as per your contract.
- Continue working professionally during the notice period.
- After the notice period ends, you are legally entitled to leave employment.

Why HR may refuse
- Contractual notice period not completed
- Ongoing project obligations
- Contract type restrictions (limited contract / training costs / penalties)

Regarding MOHRE complaints
If you work for a semi-government or government entity, MOHRE may not handle the complaint. Instead, disputes are usually handled through:
- the employer's internal HR grievance system
- the relevant government authority supervising the entity
- administrative courts (if applicable)

Important tips
- Review your employment contract for notice requirements and penalty clauses.
- Do not abscond or stop reporting to work before notice completion.
- Request written confirmation of your last working day.

HHS Lawyers can review your contract, advise on your legal exit options, and guide you on the correct authority for filing a complaint. You can also claim a free 15-minute consultation with our expert by sending your enquiry on WhatsApp.