Can an employer cancel a job offer in the UAE?

Yes, an employer can cancel a job offer in the UAE before the employment contract is signed. However, they must follow legal procedures to avoid disputes.

What happens if a job offer is cancelled after acceptance?

If a job offer is cancelled after acceptance, the candidate may have the right to compensation if they incurred costs or losses based on the offer. Each case depends on UAE labor laws.

Can an employee withdraw after accepting a job offer in the UAE?

Yes, an employee may withdraw after accepting a job offer. However, if formal documents were submitted to the Ministry of Human Resources, penalties or bans may apply.

Are there penalties for employers who cancel job offers?

Employers may face penalties, delays in future work permits, or other restrictions if job offer cancellations are mishandled under UAE workforce laws.

How can JVC Typing Center help with job offer issues?

JVC Typing Center provides guidance on UAE labor laws, documentation, and compliance support to help both employers and employees handle job offer cancellations correctly.

Job Offer Cancellations in UAE | Employee & Employer Rights

September 22, 2025
admin
Corporate, Legal
2

In the UAE, job offers hold legal weight once they are formally accepted by the employee, making them more than just a promise of future employment. However, situations can arise where companies reconsider and withdraw offers, creating uncertainty for job seekers. This is where a clear understanding of rights and obligations becomes essential. Job offer cancellations in the UAE affect both employers and employees, making it vital to know what the law says before taking the next step in employment.

What Does a Job Offer Mean in the UAE?

In the UAE, a job offer serves as the first step in formal employment, but it is important to distinguish it from the final contract. Key points include:

Job Offer vs. Employment Contract

A job offer outlines the role, salary and basic terms of employment.
An employment contract is the official agreement registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

MOHRE Regulations

Employers must submit the signed offer letter to MOHRE when applying for a work permit.
The details in the offer letter must match the UAE labour contract.

When It Becomes Legally Binding

Once the employee signs the job offer and it is approved by MOHRE, it becomes legally binding.
Both the employer and employee are then obligated to follow its conditions under UAE labour law.

Understanding these rules helps protect employment rights and prevents disputes related to job offer cancellations in the UAE.

Can Employers Revoke a Job Offer?

While a job offer in the UAE is generally binding once signed and approved by MOHRE, there are certain situations where an employer may legally revoke it.

Circumstances Where Revocation is Allowed

If the candidate fails a mandatory background check or medical examination.
In case of visa processing issues, such as ineligibility or rejection by immigration authorities.
When the employee has provided false information or forged documents during the hiring process.

When Revocation May Lead to Legal Disputes

If the job offer is revoked without a valid legal reason after being accepted.
When the revocation causes financial or career losses to the candidate.
If the employer does not align with MOHRE employment regulations and the agreed terms in the offer letter.

Employer Obligations Under UAE Labour Law

Employers must honor the terms outlined in the job offer once it becomes legally binding.
Any unjustified revocation may expose the employer to complaints filed with MOHRE.
Companies must respect both employer rights in the UAE and the employee’s rights to fair treatment under the labour system.

In short, a job offer revoked in the UAE can be legal under specific conditions, but employers risk legal disputes if they act without proper justification.

Employee Rights if a Job Offer is Cancelled

When a job offer is revoked in the UAE, employees are not left without protection. UAE labour law provides clear guidelines to safeguard workers’ interests.

Right to Claim Compensation

If an employer cancels a job offer without a valid reason after it has been accepted and approved by MOHRE, the employee may have the right to claim compensation.

Compensation can cover financial losses such as relocation costs, missed job opportunities or breach of agreed terms.

Filing a Complaint with MOHRE

Employees can file a formal complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) if they believe their rights have been violated.

MOHRE will investigate the matter, mediate between both parties and may impose penalties on the employer if labour rules are breached.

Revocation Before vs. After Signing a Contract

Before signing the employment contract: The employer has more flexibility to revoke the offer, but wrongful cancellations can still lead to disputes.

After signing the employment contract: The job offer becomes legally binding. Any cancellation without legal grounds may be considered a breach of contract, strengthening the employee’s case for compensation.

In summary, employees have legal rights after a job offer is revoked, including the right to seek compensation and to approach MOHRE for protection. Knowing your employee rights in the UAE ensures fair treatment and helps address disputes effectively.

Can an Employee Reject or Cancel a Job Offer?

Employees in the UAE also have rights when it comes to job offer withdrawal or cancellation, but the consequences depend on the stage of acceptance.

Rights Before Signing an Employment Contract

If an employee has only signed the job offer letter but not yet the official MOHRE employment contract, they generally have the right to reject the offer.
Withdrawing at this stage usually does not carry legal penalties, though it may affect professional reputation with the employer.

Consequences After Signing an Employment Contract

Once the MOHRE-registered UAE job contract is signed, the agreement becomes legally binding.
If the employee cancels or refuses to join without a valid reason, the employer may claim damages or request a labour ban, which can restrict future job opportunities in the UAE.
Backing out after contract signing may also cause delays in obtaining another work permit with a new employer.

In short, while offer letter withdrawal in the UAE is possible before contract signing, employees must carefully consider the legal and career consequences of cancelling after the employment contract has been processed.

Steps to Take if Your Job Offer Gets Cancelled

If you face a job offer cancellation in the UAE, it is important to act systematically to protect your rights and minimize disruption to your career plans.

Document Everything

Keep copies of all communication, including emails, offer letters, contracts and any written correspondence with the employer.
These records can serve as evidence if a dispute arises with MOHRE or in legal proceedings.

For detailed guidance on how to prepare legal documents correctly, formatting, translation, attestation and more…see JVC Typing Center’s guide on How to Prepare Legal Documents for Court in the UAE.

Approach HR First

Contact the company’s HR department to understand the reason for the cancellation.
In some cases, it may be due to administrative issues, visa processing delays or documentation errors that can be resolved quickly.

Escalate to MOHRE if Unresolved

If HR does not provide a clear resolution, you can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
MOHRE will investigate the situation, mediate between the parties and determine whether the cancellation was justified under UAE labour law.

Seek Legal Advice

For complex cases such as financial loss, breach of contract or disputes involving compensation. It is advisable to consult a lawyer specializing in UAE employment law.
Legal experts can guide you on claiming damages, negotiating settlements or pursuing formal legal action if required.

By following these steps, employees can handle job offer cancellations professionally and ensure their legal rights in the UAE are safeguarded.

Practical Tips for Employers & Employees

Navigating job offers and employment contracts in the UAE requires careful attention from both employers and employees. Following best practices can help avoid disputes and maintain trust.

For Employers

Be transparent during the hiring process and provide accurate details in the job offer.
Avoid last-minute revocations unless legally justified, as this can damage your reputation and may lead to disputes under UAE employment contract law.
Ensure consistency between the job offer letter and the MOHRE-registered employment contract to stay compliant with regulations.
Communicate clearly with candidates if unexpected issues arise, such as visa delays or business changes.

For Employees

Verify the company’s credibility before resigning from your current job or relocating to the UAE.
Read the job offer carefully and confirm that the terms match the official UAE employment contract to avoid misunderstandings.
Keep written records of all communications and agreements with the employer.
Seek clarification on visa processing timelines, probation periods and benefits before accepting the offer.

By staying transparent and informed, both employers and employees can reduce the risks associated with job offer cancellations and ensure smoother professional relationships in the UAE.

Protecting Yourself from Job Offer Cancellations in the UAE

In the UAE, job offers carry legal weight once accepted, making them binding for both employers and employees. However, cancellations can still occur under specific conditions such as visa rejections, failed background checks or contract breaches. This is why understanding UAE employment contract law is essential for anyone navigating the job market.

Before signing a job offer, take time to review the terms carefully and know your rights. Whether you are an employer or an employee, being informed helps prevent disputes and ensures smoother professional relationships.

If you’re facing challenges with job offer cancellations in the UAE or want clarity on your legal position, consider consulting a trusted labour law expert in Dubai. Professional guidance can help you protect your rights and move forward with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is a job offer legally binding in the UAE?

Yes. Once an employee accepts and signs a job offer and it is approved by MOHRE, it becomes legally binding under UAE labour law.

2. Can an employer revoke a job offer in the UAE?

An employer may revoke a job offer in cases such as failed background checks, visa issues or falsified documents. Revoking without legal grounds can lead to disputes.

3. What are my rights if my job offer is cancelled in the UAE?

Employees may claim compensation if a job offer is unfairly revoked. You can also file a complaint with MOHRE for resolution.

4. Can I reject or cancel a job offer after signing?

Yes, but if you cancel after signing the official MOHRE employment contract, the employer may request a labour ban or claim damages.

5. What should I do if my job offer is withdrawn?

Keep all documentation, speak with HR first, escalate to MOHRE if unresolved and seek legal advice if you have suffered financial or career loss.