Guide

Top 10 Most Affordable Budget Airlines in the UAE For Your Next Trip

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Classifieds

Jobs

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

Dubai Announces Pilot Launch of 4-Day Work Week For Employees

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

How to Claim UAE Job Loss Insurance: Eligibility and Step-by-Step Guide

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

Can I Get Fired in the UAE For My Mental Health Condition?

Dubai Dedicates AED 150 Million Government Support Fund For Influencers

How to Deal With Workplace Harassment in the UAE

The UAE's New End-of-Service Programme, Explained for Residents

Events

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

When Is the Next UAE Public Holiday? Eid Al Adha 2025 Dates Revealed

Real Madrid World is Celebrating World Football Day With AED 199 Tickets

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

Eid Al Fitr 2025 in the UAE: When is the Long Weekend?

Ramadan 2025 in Dubai: List of Ramadan Markets to Explore

Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Dubai

An Enchanting Regency-Era Evening Awaits at Dubai's Bridgerton Candlelight Concert

Education

Embark on a Summer Adventure at Kids First Group Universe!

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Experience Summer Learning at its Best with MDX Study Camps at Middlesex University Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

Nurturing Compassionate Leaders: 8 Ways Dibber Preschools Prepares Your Child

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

What Are the Benefits of Academic Scholarships in Dubai?

Money

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

6 Financial Resolutions to Make for the New Year

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

5 Signs You've Been Scammed Over the Phone, and What to Do Next

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

Home

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Hiring a Maid in the UAE: 5 Legal Red Flags

Ask a UAE Flower Shop: Your Most Common Questions, Answered

FYI Dubai is Banning All Single Use Bags From June 1

Carrefour's 'Choose Better' Programme is Here to Reward Healthier Choices With 10x the Points

Are UAE Domestic Helpers Allowed to Work on a Trial Period and Hired After?

Pet Breeding in the UAE: Is it Allowed and Where to Find Legal Pet Breeders

Choithrams Announces Launch of All-Women Operated Store in the UAE

Where to Order Same-Day Valentine's Day Flowers in the UAE

Car

These Are Dubai's New Public Parking Fees From April 2025

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Dubai Public Commute Timings & Road Closures for New Year's Eve

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

UAE Petrol Prices Will Increase in August 2024

Head's Up! Dubai Taxi Fares Will Increase in May 2024

UAE Announces New Fuel Prices For May 2024

Missing UAE License Plates: How to Report a Lost Plate or Reclaim Yours

Wellness

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

9 Warning Signs for Breast Cancer

Top Tips to Have a Healthy Heart in the UAE

Discover "The New You" at Zieda's Aesthetic Clinic in Dubai

Top Ladies-Only Gyms and Fitness Centres in Dubai

Say Goodbye to Wrinkles With Mediclinic's Botox Mondays Offer

Get Expert Healthcare and Wellness Delivered to Your Doorstep in Dubai Within 30 Minutes

Top 7 Scenic UAE Jogging and Running Routes

IVF in the UAE: Unmarried Non-Muslim Couples Are Allowed to Undergo IVF

Shop

Shopping In Dubai

Best Online Shopping Sites in Dubai and UAE

An A-Z Guide to Dubai's Popular Malls

What To Wear At The Beach In Dubai

14 Hilarious Realities of Visiting Dubai Mall

Every Day is a Discount Day on THIS Deals Site

Cityland Mall Preview: Dubai's New Nature-Inspired Shopping Mall

EWmums

EWfood

ewmoda

company keeping passport: is it allowed?

118

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 10:00

does my company have the right my passport?
I really want my passport with me, even the policy of my country tells me not to give it away. I have been told that it is against the UAE law. and some days ago I also saw an article about that issue in 7 days, that a american company is holding back the employees passport which is not allowed.

Log in to post new content in the forum.

118

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 10:15

Thanks guys! So normally there should not be any discussion to get my passport back. It is against UAE law and also against the policy of the government of my home country! Hopefully my company will understand, I do not wanna make trouble because of that :-/

369

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 14:20

"The laws in UAE do not entitle the employer to keep the employee’s passport for whatever reason and the passport shall not be submitted to anyone unless upon order of Public Prosecution or court only." - Advocate Mohammad Ebrahim Al Shaiba of Al Bahar Advocates and Legal Consultants in response to a question to "Ask The Law" (Gulf News 09 May 2010) "It’s illegal, ... The government will not tolerate companies that withhold passports," - Yousuf Abdulghani (Abdul Ghani?), Executive Director of Policies and Strategy at the UAE Ministry of Labour (Arabian Business 30 April 2009). "Retaining workers' passports amounts to forcible work in violation of the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) Convention on the Abolition of Forced Labour, to which the UAE is a signatory." - Aref Mirza, Director of the UAE Ministry of Labour Legal Department (Gulf News 13 June 2006). Bit old but.... I agree 100% that it is illegal. My husband manages a government company and he had to fight to get his managers passports handed over to them. It is against the law, but they conveniently overlook that law.

4747

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 14:12

does my company have the right my passport? I really want my passport with me, even the policy of my country tells me not to give it away. I have been told that it is against the UAE law. and some days ago I also saw an article about that issue in 7 days, that a american company is holding back the employees passport which is not allowed. yes they do do this, if that is your company policy you do not have a choice, as if you do not let them have it they will not pay you etc. its not allowed under the labour law, but then again you have to decide if its worth trying to fight it.

524

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 14:01

"The laws in UAE do not entitle the employer to keep the employee’s passport for whatever reason and the passport shall not be submitted to anyone unless upon order of Public Prosecution or court only." - Advocate Mohammad Ebrahim Al Shaiba of Al Bahar Advocates and Legal Consultants in response to a question to "Ask The Law" (Gulf News 09 May 2010) "It’s illegal, ... The government will not tolerate companies that withhold passports," - Yousuf Abdulghani (Abdul Ghani?), Executive Director of Policies and Strategy at the UAE Ministry of Labour (Arabian Business 30 April 2009). "Retaining workers' passports amounts to forcible work in violation of the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) Convention on the Abolition of Forced Labour, to which the UAE is a signatory." - Aref Mirza, Director of the UAE Ministry of Labour Legal Department (Gulf News 13 June 2006). Bit old but....

mover and a she...

125

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 13:53

Dept of Immigration recommend employers to hold passports. It is not illegal here, which contravenes international law. Ask your embassy for advice.

374

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 13:34

I would email the person who has your passport asking for it back immediately. Do not answer the phone if they call you and get, in writing, thier refusal. Then contact your embassy

237

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 13:25

It is illegal. We had troubles with my old boss once who kept asking me to get all the staff passports and eventually I showed him (after much discussion and me refusing) a piece of paper from Clyde and Co lawyers saying it is illegal. He then kept our labour cards (we had copies with us) which was fine. They should keep something as they do have responsibility over you especially if you are company sponsorship but passports - no way. Good luck !

425

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 10:45

It is illegal for the company to hold their employees passport, but it's common pratice. My first visa was as the manager of my company, in a free zone from an other emirate. The free zone didn't give me back my passport. I had to have a letter, signed by myself - as I'm the manager- saying that due to the fact I will need to travel a lot, I need to have my passport with me. Once they had this letter, they gave my passport back (just took 2 days once I phoned to ask for my passport). To understand a bit how they think, if you are not European or American (or Australian ?), you need to apply for a visa before travelling in most of the case (while European, American, etc.. usually are able to travel just with their passport and granted with visit visa on arrival without any issue). Therefore, your passport only isn't a big help and people don't give as much importance as we do to the passport. Now, I would find the law, print it and go with it to the HR dep. and explain that you are very worried to see that your company does illegal things, etc.... Take the name of your interlocutor and ask to speak to his boss. (usually, it makes the things moving faster here). and that you will have to inform your embassy (as the passport is their property) that you don't want to give it back to you. Perhaps threatening them to go to higher things will make them move (usually works here).

MirdifIngrid12929

736

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 10:32

My old company used to keep them for for people under a certain grade, they tried to keep mine, I requested it as I was going away for the weekend and I simply 'forgot' to return it after I got back and I told HR that I left it at home every time they asked, they eventually gave up.

656

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 10:24

I know that the car showroom on SZR holds the sales people passports for a fact.

118

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 10:15

I also told them that they can keep my ID card from the freezone I am working in. But until now, I already asked twice, they are still discussing if they will give my passport back. I am really getting angry, because what if I decide to go to oman on a thursday night and nobody can give me my passport because the office is closed!?!?! however, my passport belongs to my home country and should be with me! so, normally they do not have a chance to keep it, right?!

54

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 10:13

I was also asked to give my passport to the HR department. As far as I understand, the company has to have your passport or labor card at all times. I told them they can keep my card, but I need my passport with me and they accepted. But many people don't question and just give their passports :\: No, this is wrong and 100% illegal. The passport you hold is the property of the government that issued it. You are responsible for the safekeeping of the passport and no one else is entitled to keep it from you. Any other person or entity who takes your passport from you should be reported to your government immediately. Likewise, your labour card is something you need to have in your possession as you will need to show it to gain the services to which you are entitled. I suggest you take a print out of the law to the HR department and absolutely refuse to give them your passport. They know it's illegal, but are hoping you don't.

35

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 10:05

I was also asked to give my passport to the HR department. As far as I understand, the company has to have your passport or labor card at all times. I told them they can keep my card, but I need my passport with me and they accepted. But many people don't question and just give their passports :\:

1234

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 10:01

By the law of the UAE, it's not legal to hold employee's passport. However many companies still do as they are afraid of theft, absconding and just in case the person will cause them any other trouble.

Log in to post new content in the forum.

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY

Top Nursery School Kids Summer Camps in Dubai 2025

Embark on a Summer Adventure at Kids First Group Universe!

Top 10 Low Cost Airlines in the UAE

Top 10 Most Affordable Budget Airlines in the UAE For Your Next Trip

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

Best educational summer camps for teenagers in Dubai: MDX Summer Camps

Experience Summer Learning at its Best with MDX Study Camps at Middlesex University Dubai

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Real Madrid World Dubai - Summer Offer AED 199 per ticket

Real Madrid World is Celebrating World Football Day With AED 199 Tickets

Scholarship opportunities at the Swiss international Scientific School Dubai (SISD)

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Travel influencer academy in Dubai

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

Central Bank of UAE reveals new official currency symbol for the Emirati dirham

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed announces 3 best UAE government departments

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

New 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

UAE president announces 2025 will be the 'Year of Community' in the emirates

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Breakfast with penguins at Ski Dubai Mall of the Emirates

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

How to convert another country's drivers license in Dubai

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Registrations open for EYFS curriculum Willow Children's Nursery in Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

List of confirmed UAE public holidays in 2025

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Outdoor cinemas in Dubai for the winter season 2024

The Best Outdoor Cinemas in Dubai to See Open-Air Movies This Winter

Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School in Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Expat legal consultants in the UAE | Dr. Hassan Elhais

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Saray Spa promotions at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

This Luxury Dubai Spa Has Some of the Very Best Breaks To Escape To

A Complete Guide How to Get an Influencer License in Dubai and UAE

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Dubai's gravity-driven tunnel to reduce flood risks by 700%

Pictured: Flooded roads from the record-breaking storm that hit Dubai in April 2024.

Dubai Flood Risk to Be Cut Down by 700% With New Tunnel

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai for busy moms

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai: Self-Care Recommendations for Busy Moms

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

E-scooters are no longer banned on the Dubai Metro stations and trains

RTA Finally Lifts E-Scooter Ban From Dubai Metro

Spa packages at Saray Spa in JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Step Into the Ultimate Relaxation Bliss With Saray Spa's Pampering Packages

How to book Dubai taxi through WhatsApp

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE

Soak Up the Summer With the Ultimate UAE Staycation Special

RTA Dubai flying taxi official launch date

Image credit: Joby Aviation.

RTA Finally Confirms Launch Date of Dubai's Flying Taxis

Are "own visa" Domestic Workers legal in the UAE?

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?