Can an employer keep your passport?
Laws in several GCC countries say employers must not hold a worker's passport or official documents, in some cases unless the worker agrees in writing.
- UAE: Article 13 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 requires employers not to withhold a worker's official documents.1
- UAE domestic workers: Article 11 of Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 says the worker should be allowed to retain all official documents.2
- Oman: Gulf News reports Labour Law 53/2023 prohibits employers from keeping an employee's passport or private documents without written consent.3
- Bahrain: LMRA says the employer must not keep the worker's passport or ID card unless the worker gives written consent, and must give a receipt.4
- Kuwait: Human Rights Watch reported that the 2015 domestic workers law prohibits passport confiscation but sets no penalty.5
Sources
- UAE Government (u.ae) / MoHRE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 Regarding the Regulation of Employment Relationship and its amendments
- UAE Government (u.ae) / MoHRE Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 Concerning Domestic Workers
- Gulf News Employers in Oman no longer allowed to keep passports of employees
- Labour Market Regulatory Authority Contractual Obligations of Expatriate Employee and Employer (V.01)
- Human Rights Watch Kuwait: New Law a Breakthrough for Domestic Workers