What is an absconding report?
An absconding or absence from work report is filed by an employer when a worker stops coming to work. Each GCC country handles it differently, and it can affect a worker's right to a new permit.
- In the UAE, Article 50 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 requires the employer to notify the Ministry of a worker's absence, and a foreign worker who leaves work for an illegitimate reason may not receive a new work permit for one year.1
- The UAE government portal says MoHRE reviews the employer's complaint through several stages before imposing the one-year ban, and a worker can contest it with documents.2
- In Saudi Arabia, Gulf News reported in July 2025 that under Qiwa rules an employer can file an absconding report only if the worker's Iqama is valid for at least 60 days and the worker has no active contract.3
- In Bahrain, LMRA says an employer can file an Absence from Work notification after 15 days or more of unjustified absence, and once approved the worker cannot transfer to another employer.4
- In Kuwait, MRRORS (formerly Migrant-Rights.org) reported that PAM Decision No. 680 of 2026 lets a worker transfer early if an absconding report was false or malicious.5
- Human Rights Watch said in 2020 that in Qatar leaving an employer without permission can still lead to fines, detention, deportation and re-entry bans.6
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) Grounds for banning the issuance of a new work permit for one year
- Gulf News Saudi Arabia grants expat workers 60 days to avoid being classified as absconders
- Labour Market Regulatory Authority Expatriate Employee Absence From Work Notification
- MRRORS (formerly Migrant-Rights.org) Kuwait eases job transfer rules for migrant workers abused by employers
- Human Rights Watch Qatar: Significant Labor and Kafala Reforms