Answer:
A job offer made overseas may describe a role, salary, or benefits that differ significantly from the contract presented upon arrival. In the most serious cases, the employer also confiscates the employee's passport — which is illegal under UAE law regardless of circumstances. Both issues carry formal legal remedies.
LEGAL BASIS
Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on Regulation of Employment Relationship
UAE Ministerial Decisions on standardised employment contracts and MoHRE offer letter requirements
PASSPORT CONFISCATION
Confiscation of an employee's passport by an employer is illegal in the UAE under any circumstances. The employer has no legal basis to retain a passport — not as security, not pending visa processing, not for any other stated reason.
If the passport has been confiscated:
Report to the nearest UAE Police station immediately
Contact your home country embassy or consulate — they can issue emergency travel documents and provide consular assistance
File a compl...