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Dismissal Letter For Unauthorised Absence From Work Template for the United Arab Emirates

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What is a Dismissal Letter For Unauthorised Absence From Work?

The Dismissal Letter For Unauthorised Absence From Work is a crucial document used when an employee has been absent from work without authorization or valid justification, as defined under UAE Federal Labor Law. This document is typically issued when an employee has either been absent for 7 consecutive days or 20 intermittent days within one year, as specified in Article 44 of UAE Federal Labor Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021). The letter serves as official documentation of the termination decision, protecting both employer and employee rights by clearly stating the grounds for dismissal, referencing relevant legal provisions, and outlining final settlement terms. It's essential for ensuring legal compliance and maintaining proper employment records in UAE workplace environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a dismissal letter for unauthorised absence legally binding in the UAE?

Yes, a dismissal letter for unauthorised absence is legally binding in the UAE when it complies with Article 44 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. The dismissal becomes valid when the employee has been absent for 7 consecutive days or 20 intermittent days within one year without valid justification. The employer can terminate the contract without notice or end of service benefits once these conditions are met.

Can an employee challenge a dismissal for unauthorised absence if the letter is incomplete?

Yes, employees can successfully challenge dismissals if the letter is missing required elements or doesn't comply with UAE labor law procedures. Incomplete documentation, failure to prove the absence periods, or not following proper warning procedures can make the dismissal invalid. This could result in the employer paying compensation and end of service benefits to the employee.

How many days of unauthorised absence trigger dismissal rights under UAE law?

Under Article 44 of UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, employers can dismiss employees for either 7 consecutive days of unauthorised absence or 20 intermittent days within one year. The absence must be without valid reason or proper justification. Employers must properly document these absence periods to validate the dismissal.

How is dismissal for unauthorised absence different from termination for poor performance in the UAE?

Dismissal for unauthorised absence allows immediate termination without notice or end of service benefits under Article 44, while termination for poor performance typically requires notice periods and full benefits. Unauthorised absence is considered misconduct with specific day thresholds, whereas performance issues usually need progressive warnings and improvement opportunities before termination.

How long does it take to prepare a dismissal letter for unauthorised absence in the UAE?

Preparing the dismissal letter itself takes 1-2 hours, but the process requires weeks of documentation beforehand. Employers must track and record absence dates, attempt contact with the employee, and gather evidence of unauthorised absence. The actual dismissal can only occur after meeting the 7 consecutive or 20 intermittent day requirements under UAE law.

Can employers dismiss immediately after 7 days of unauthorised absence in the UAE?

Yes, employers can dismiss immediately after 7 consecutive days of unauthorised absence without providing notice or end of service benefits under Article 44 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. However, the employer must prove the absence was unauthorised and without valid justification. Proper documentation of the absence period is essential for legal protection.

Do UAE employers need to pay gratuity when dismissing for unauthorised absence?

No, UAE employers are not required to pay end of service gratuity (EOSB) when dismissing employees for unauthorised absence under Article 44 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. This applies when the employee has been absent for 7 consecutive days or 20 intermittent days without valid reason. The dismissal is considered termination for cause, which forfeits gratuity entitlements.

Reviewed by

Legal Engineer, GenieAI

A lawyer, legal researcher and legal tech founder, Swetha has built AI products deployed inside Tier 1 firms and enterprises. She ensures GenieAI's alignment with the latest regulation and executes testing on the legal robustness of Genie output.

Reviewed by

Legal Engineer, GenieAI

A Skadden-trained M&A lawyer, Imad advised on cross-border transactions and contractual risk before moving into legal AI. He reviews GenieAI's output for compliance and enforceability across our 150+ supported jurisdictions, as well as facilitating external benchmarking.

Reviewed by

&

Publisher

GenieAI

Sector

Business

Cost

Free to use

Last updated

About the Dismissal Letter For Unauthorised Absence From Work

When an employee fails to report for work without authorization in the United Arab Emirates, you need proper legal documentation to terminate their employment contract lawfully. A Dismissal Letter For Unauthorised Absence From Work provides the formal framework for ending employment relationships when workers violate attendance requirements under UAE Federal Labor Law.

When do you need this document?

You require this dismissal letter when an employee has been absent without valid reason for either 7 consecutive working days or 20 intermittent days within a calendar year, as defined in Article 44 of UAE Federal Labor Law. This applies to situations where the employee has not provided medical certificates, emergency documentation, or other acceptable justifications for their absence. You also need this document when previous warnings about unauthorized absence have been ignored, when the employee cannot be contacted during their absence period, or when their absence significantly disrupts business operations. The letter becomes essential for companies operating in free zones, mainland UAE, or under local sponsorship arrangements.

Key legal considerations

Your dismissal letter must reference specific UAE Labor Law provisions, particularly Article 44 which governs unauthorized absence termination. You need to document the exact dates and duration of absence, any previous warnings issued, and attempts made to contact the employee. The letter should clearly state that termination is without notice and end-of-service benefits, as permitted under Article 44. You must also consider Article 42 provisions regarding termination without notice and ensure compliance with Article 35 general termination procedures. Include details about final salary payments, any outstanding dues, and the employee's obligation to return company property. Consider involving your legal representative if the case involves complex circumstances or potential disputes.

Legal requirements in United Arab Emirates

Under UAE Federal Labor Law, you must follow specific procedures when dismissing for unauthorized absence. Your letter must be issued on official company letterhead with proper reference numbers and formal addressing. You need to maintain detailed attendance records showing the specific dates of unauthorized absence and any communication attempts. The dismissal must comply with Article 44 thresholds - either 7 consecutive days or 20 intermittent days within one year. You should notify the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation about the termination within the required timeframe. For employees under visa sponsorship, coordinate with PRO services to cancel work permits and residence visas. Ensure your letter includes clear reference to applicable labor law articles and maintains copies for employment records as required by UAE labor authorities.

GOVERNING LAW

Applicable law

This Dismissal Letter For Unauthorised Absence From Work is drafted to comply with United Arab Emirates law. Key legislation includes:







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