Kafala Reform & Job Mobility in the UAE (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
Sourced from Omani royal decrees, ministerial decisions, and the Basic Statute of the State. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The traditional kafala (sponsorship) system tied workers to a single employer, making it difficult or impossible to change jobs without the employer's consent. The 2021 Labour Law introduced landmark reforms:
- Job mobility: Workers can now transfer to a new employer without needing their current employer's consent, as long as they serve their contractual notice period (typically 30-90 days) and meet legal requirements.
- No-objection certificate (NOC): The old requirement for an employer's NOC to change jobs has been effectively eliminated for most workers. You can move to a new employer after serving your notice period.
- Work permit transfer: The new employer applies for your work permit through MOHRE, and the transfer is processed directly — the old employer cannot block it.
- Protection during disputes: If you have a labour dispute with your employer, MOHRE can issue a temporary work permit allowing you to work for another employer while the dispute is being resolved.
- Domestic workers: Domestic workers can also transfer employers, but the process is managed through Tadbeer centres rather than MOHRE.
When does it apply?
- You want to change employers within the UAE.
- Your employer is not renewing your contract or you have completed your contractual notice period.
- You are in a labour dispute and need to continue working to support yourself.
What to Do If Your UAE Employer Is Blocking You from Changing Jobs
- Serve your notice period as required by your contract (typically 30-90 days under the 2021 Labour Law).
- Secure a new job offer before your current visa is cancelled — the new employer will handle the work permit transfer through MOHRE.
- Your new employer should apply for your work permit transfer through MOHRE — the process is largely digital.
- If your current employer tries to block the transfer, file a complaint with MOHRE at 600-590000, through the MOHRE smart app, or at any Tasheel service centre.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not leave your job without serving notice — absconding (leaving without following proper procedures) can result in a 1-year labour ban and difficulty getting future UAE visas.
- Do not work for a new employer before the transfer is officially processed through MOHRE — this is considered illegal employment and carries fines for both you and the new employer.
- Do not accept threats from your employer about blocking your transfer or filing an absconding case — the 2021 law protects your right to move, and MOHRE investigates such complaints.
About Immigration Rights in Oman
If you live in the UAE on a visa, your rights come from Federal Law No. 6 of 1973 as updated by Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021. You must hold a valid residence visa and Emirates ID. Entry permits give 60 days to complete medical tests and stamp the visa. End of employment triggers a 30-day grace period (six months for Green Visa). Overstay penalties run AED 100 per day. You can change employers once notice is served. The ICP and emirate GDRFA process applications via their smart apps.
Common Questions
What is the kafala system reforms (employer transfer) right in Oman?
The traditional kafala (sponsorship) system tied workers to a single employer, making it difficult or impossible to change jobs without the employer's consent. The 2021 Labour Law introduced landmark reforms:Job mobility: Workers can now transfer to a new employer without needing their current employer's consent, as long as they serve their contractual notice period (typically 30-90 days) and meet legal requirements.No-objection certificate (NOC): The old requirement for an employer's NOC to change jobs has been effectively eliminated for most workers. You can move to a new empl...
When does it apply — kafala system reforms (employer transfer)?
You want to change employers within the UAE.Your employer is not renewing your contract or you have completed your contractual notice period.You are in a labour dispute and need to continue working to support yourself.
What should I do if my employer in the UAE is refusing to let me transfer to a new employer?
Serve your notice period as required by your contract (typically 30-90 days under the 2021 Labour Law).Secure a new job offer before your current visa is cancelled — the new employer will handle the work permit transfer through MOHRE.Your new employer should apply for your work permit transfer through MOHRE — the process is largely digital.If your current employer tries to block the transfer, file a complaint with MOHRE at 600-590000, through the MOHRE smart app, or at any Tasheel service centre.
What should you NOT do — kafala system reforms (employer transfer)?
Do not leave your job without serving notice — absconding (leaving without following proper procedures) can result in a 1-year labour ban and difficulty getting future UAE visas.Do not work for a new employer before the transfer is officially processed through MOHRE — this is considered illegal employment and carries fines for both you and the new employer.Do not accept threats from your employer about blocking your transfer or filing an absconding case — the 2021 law protects your right to move, and MOHRE investigates such complaints.