Dubai: Did your domestic worker stop coming to work for you, without any notice? Then you may be eligible to file a domestic worker absconding report with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA).
Here’s everything you need to know about the report, and how to file a complaint about your missing employee with the authorities.
Who is a domestic worker?
Anyone who is hired to work for a family is referred to as a domestic worker. The UAE’s Domestic Labour Law - Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 on Domestic Workers – outlines 19 occupations that classify as domestic work, including housemaids, guards, cooks, nannies and gardeners. Learn more about domestic worker visas here.
What are the rules around absconding?
In the UAE, domestic worker absconding reports are governed by Article 18 of Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 on Domestic Workers, and Article 5 of Ministerial Resolution No. 674 of 2022 Pertaining to the Regulation of Labour Relations for Domestic Workers.
Without an absconding report, you remain legally responsible for the missing worker under your sponsorship, which can expose you to liabilities. That said, the report must be filed only after attempts have been made to contact the worker, and the matter is given proper consideration.
Imran Khan, legal consultant at I K Lawyers, said: “An absconding report should not be used merely because of a disagreement, a request for unpaid wages, or a dispute over employment conditions. The circumstances of the absence must be genuine, and any legally justified absence must be considered.”
This is because an absconding report can have serious consequences for a domestic worker's employment and immigration status. It should therefore be filed in good faith and based on accurate information. Khan explained: “A domestic worker may not be granted a work permit until one year after the date of their departure from the country has passed, if the absconding report is found to be accurate.”
An incorrect or unjustified report may be challenged and cancelled under the applicable regulations. Khan said: “Domestic workers also have legal rights. If a worker has left because of unpaid wages, mistreatment, threats, or other legitimate concerns, the circumstances should be properly investigated rather than automatically treated as absconding.”
When can an absconding report be filed?
According to the Ministerial Resolution No. 674 of 2022, two criteria need to be met before you can file an absconding report:
- The worker must have been absent without lawful reason for at least five consecutive days.
- The employer must be unaware of the worker's whereabouts and unable to communicate with them.
If these criteria are met, the authorities will be able to process and investigate the complaint.
What documents are needed to file a report?
Aside from identification details, Khan advises gathering information that can serve as proof or evidence of absconding. Here is the information that may be required when filing the report:
- The sponsor’s passport and Emirates ID.
- The domestic worker's identification details, including passport and work permit information.
- The official employment contract.
- Supporting evidence, including the date the worker stopped coming to work, records of attempted telephone calls or messages, attendance records, proof of last salary payment, police report (if applicable) and any other communication concerning the absence.
Who should I complain to?
You can file a domestic worker absconding report with the GDRFA, if you are based in Dubai, and with MOHRE for all other emirates. MOHRE advises filing the report within five days of the worker’s unexplained absence.
Here are the steps to follow, for both channels.
File an absconding report via MOHRE (for all emirates except Dubai)
- Visit MOHRE’s website – mohre.gov.ae – and sign in with your UAE PASS.
- Navigate to ‘Services’ and select ‘Absence from Work (Absconding Report) Domestic Workers’.
- Enter the domestic worker’s personal information, including their passport number, unified number (UID), name, date of birth and nationality.
- Enter the sponsor’s details, including Emirates ID and contact information.
- Upload any evidence to support the information that the worker has been away without notice for five days.
- Pay the fees and submit the report.
According to MOHRE, the application is then forwarded electronically to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) for verification of compliance. The matter is then investigated and approval or rejections are communicated to you via SMS and email. The processing time is two working days.
Fee: Dh315
File an absconding report via GDRFA (for Dubai residents)
- Visit the GDRFA’s website – gdrfad.gov.ae – and sign in with your UAE PASS.
- Click on ‘Services’ and navigate to ‘Unexplained Work Absence Report (Domestic Workers)’.
- Enter the domestic worker’s personal information, including their passport number, UID, name, date of birth and nationality.
- Enter the sponsor’s details, including Emirates ID and contact information.
- Upload any evidence to support the information that the worker has been away without notice for five days.
- Pay the fees and submit the report.
The processing time is two working days, and you will receive a notification via SMS or email.
Fee: Approximately Dh315.