Expats in UAE may stay up to six months in UAE after losing their job

Expats are now allowed to stay between three to six months after they resign or get terminated as part of the UAE leadership’s new reforms announced in January 2022.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said they are relaxing the grace period and “one gets to leave the country after being made redundant. Instead of the previous 30 days, people will have 90 to 180 days to leave the country.”

The UAE law currently allows employees who loose their jobs to leave the country within 30 days, but the authorities are now relaxing the grace period and would allow people to stay from three to six months after losing their job.

This announcement brings a major relief to employees as it gives them ample time to search for another job at the same time it will help retain the talent within the country.

Of the key legislative changes being introduced as part of ‘Projects of the 50’ is a restructuring of the entry and residency system, which is being upgraded to confirm the UAE’s position as an ideal destination for work, investment, entrepreneurship, education and life.

These measures aim to improve the competitiveness and flexibility of the UAE labor market, promote industry growth, promote knowledge transfer and skill development, and create greater stability and security for residents.