Is there Ban in UAE Freezones?

Ban in Free Zone UAE

There are more than 40 Free Zones in UAE. And  the companies in these free zones have created numerous employment opportunities to job seekers. Employment in free zones is governed by their own rule, laws and regulations. When it comes to ban, free zones may treat them differently.

If you have not read about Labour Ban, you could read my articles written about Labour Ban and how to avoid labour ban. When someone speaks about Ban, it can mean 2 things:

1. Immigration Ban;
2. Labour Ban.

When someone is imposed immigration ban, the person can not legally live in UAE, meaning he/she will not be able to take up employment, start a business or get a residence permit here in UAE. Here is an article that explains Ban in detail. Irrespective of whether you work in MOHRE/MOL regulated companies or Free Zone based companies, if you have immigration ban, you can not legally live in UAE. This means, if you are employed or are seeking employment in free zones and you have Immigration Ban, then you will not be able to work anywhere in UAE. This includes also the Free Zones. Immigration level ban is a UAE wide ban and person affected by this will not be able to live or work in UAE.

Another type of ban is Labour Ban (Unlimited Contract Labour Ban and Limited Contract Labour Ban), which is imposed by MOHRE – Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOL formerly). This ban is usually imposed for 6 months and all companies that are regulated by MOHRE (MOL). Since free zones in UAE are independent of MOHRE, the 6 month labour ban will not affect you.

For example: If you have received a 6 month labour ban for not completing your contract with MOL or MOHRE regulated company (usually mainland companies), you can apply for job in a free zone, get a job and work there. 6 month labour ban will affect your chances of getting a job and visa in Free zones.

Are there exceptions to ban in Free Zones?

Usually free zones do not impose bans on employees. But they may impose ban if the employer requests it. It depends on the circumstances that lead up to your dismissal or termination of contract. But if you have resigned from your job, there is no labour ban within free zones. If the ban is imposed, this may be applicable only within that particular freezone. Since MOHRE (MOL) does not have jurisdiction within free zones, the 6 month labour ban is not applicable in free zones.

Can I change jobs from one Free zone to other?

Queries from Emirates Diary Forum:

As in the question above, if you received a ban from JAFZA, can you join another company in another free zone?

If both the free zones have special agreement on not accepting employees who have been banned, then you may not be able to join these respective free zones. Otherwise, I feel that there is no issue here.

Can I join Free zone from LLC?

If you are joining from LLC to Free Zone, there will be no ban. As mentioned earlier, MOHRE (MOL) does not have jurisdiction in Free zones. However, please note that certain free zones do consult MOHRE / MOL to check whether you have a labour ban. And this may affect your chances of getting a visa in Free zone.

Additional reading from Khaleej Times.

I hope this article clarifies your doubts on Ban in Free Zones. If you have any questions, please comment below.