Will I get a one-year ban?

A reader in Dubai asks: I work for a construction company in Dubai as a mechanical engineer. My limited contract and visa are expiring soon, and I submitted my resignation letter as per the contract expiry date. I cannot get a no-objection certificate (NoC) from my current employer. Can they impose a one-year ban?

I would like to confirm to the questioner that in his case there is no violation of the labour law, especially as the questioner has complied with the term of the labour contract and he is not obliged to renew it. So, whereas the questioner has submitted his resignation and is not granted a NoC by his sponsor to transfer his visa, then he will be subject to a six-month ban only.

- Questions answered by Advocate Mohammad Ebrahim Al Shaiba of Al Bahr Advocates and Legal Consultants.