UAE Job Offers: 10 Critical FAQs on Legality, Revocation & Compensation

1. When Does a UAE Job Offer Become Legally Binding?

   A job offer becomes enforceable only after MoHRE contract registration. Verbal agreements or unsigned offer letters lack legal standing under Federal Decree Law No. 33/2021.

2. Can Employers Revoke Offers After Acceptance? (2024 Abu Dhabi Ruling)

   Yes, but Abu Dhabi courts now penalize bad-faith revocations. In a recent case, an employer was ordered to pay Dh120,000 compensation after revoking an offer post-resignation.

   Key takeaways:

   • Pre-registration revocation requires valid justification.
   • Employees can claim lost wages + moral damages if revocation causes financial harm.
   • Read more about this case on Gulf News.

3. What Compensation Applies for Revoked Offers?

   Damage Type according to Abu Dhabi 2024 Award Example Lost Wages:

   • 3–6 months’ salary
   • Relocation Costs: Flight tickets, visa fees
   • Moral Damages: Up to Dh50,000 for career disruption

4. How to Prove Employer Liability in Court?

   • Required Evidence: Signed offer letter, resignation proof from prior job, employer communication showing bad faith.
   • General Practice: In UAE courts, digital communications like WhatsApp messages can generally be used as evidence if properly authenticated and preserved.

5. Do MoHRE Guidelines Cover Pre-Contract Disputes?

   MoHRE typically intervenes post-registration. For pre-contract issues:

   • File a civil lawsuit under UAE Civil Code principles of good faith (Article 246).
   • Cite the 2024 Abu Dhabi ruling to strengthen claims.

6. Can Employers Modify Terms After Offer Acceptance?

   Changes require written consent. Unilateral alterations invalidate the offer, allowing employees to claim compensation under UAE Civil Code principles.

7. Are Non-Compete Clauses in Offers Enforceable?

   Non-competes apply only after contract registration and must:

   • Be limited in time.
   • Restricted as to the territory.
   • Specify exact roles/industries.
   • Exclude generalized restrictions.

8. What If the Employer Delays Contract Registration?

   Employees can:

   • File a MoHRE complaint via the official portal.
   • Request compensation for income loss under UAE Civil Code Article 389, which allows judges to assess damages based on actual losses.
   • Reduce the risk of an offer revocation or delays in registration, by adding penalties clauses in cases of the delay / revocation of the job offer.

9. Time Limits for Filing Revoked Offer Claims

   • Civil Courts: Generally, 15 years for contractual disputes (Article 473 of the UAE Civil Code) and 3 years in tort (non-contractual harm) disputes (Article 298 of the UAE Civil Code).
   • MoHRE: Immediate after registration (if revocation occurs post-registration) and within 1 year of the dispute arising.

10. How Does the 2024 Ruling Affect Future Cases?

    Abu Dhabi courts now prioritize:

    • Employer transparency: Mandating clear revocation reasons.
    • Employee mitigation: Requiring proof of job-search efforts post-revocation.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not intended to serve as legal advice. For specific legal guidance, consult a qualified attorney or legal professional of Yungo Law like Clotilde Iaia-Polak or Zarqa Altaf.