When can a UAE employer report a worker for absconding?
After the absence exceeds seven consecutive days and the employer does not know where the worker is or cannot contact them. Article 28 of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 sets these conditions, and the report uses the Ministry's absence form. A foreign worker who leaves without a legitimate reason faces a one-year permit ban, with exceptions.
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Exceptions to the one-year ban
Workers on family-sponsored residence, workers applying for a new permit at the same establishment, workers with in-demand skills, golden visa holders and categories the Minister designates are not barred.
Effect on WPS
Under Resolution 340 of 2026, a worker with a valid absconding report is excluded from WPS while the report is valid, so the employer is not treated as late for that worker's wages.
How SupaJack Construct helps
The live attendance board shows who has not punched in. Consecutive missed days are visible per worker, which gives HR the dates needed to show the seven-day condition was met.
Related tools and guides
See the UAE labour law guide for contractors, the final settlement calculator, the gratuity calculator, the annual leave calculator, the unpaid leave deduction calculator, payroll and WPS in SupaJack Construct, time and attendance and the meaning of basic salary.
Worked example
A mason last attends on Sunday 4 January and cannot be reached. By Monday 12 January the absence has exceeded seven consecutive days, and the contractor can file the report with MOHRE.
Questions people ask
How many days must pass?
More than seven consecutive days.
Must the employer try to contact the worker?
The condition is that the employer cannot locate or contact them.
Is the worker still in WPS?
No, while a valid absconding report exists.