DUBAI, July 7: In the United Arab Emirates, a signed offer letter between a prospective employer and employee is considered an agreement, but not a legally binding employment contract. While an agreement may outline initial terms, it only becomes enforceable once it is formalized into a contract.

Under UAE labor regulations, employers are required to issue an offer letter that clearly states the terms and conditions of employment. These same terms must be incorporated into the official employment contract, with the option to include additional benefits that favor the employee. This requirement is outlined in Article 2(1) of Ministerial Decree No. 46 of 2022, which mandates that the employment contract must mirror the job offer and may contain added benefits or annexures, provided they do not conflict with the decree-law or its executive regulations.

Additionally, Article 1 of Administrative Resolution No. 38 of 2022 stipulates that offer letters and employment contracts must follow the electronic templates provided by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). When applying for a work permit, employers must submit the signed offer letter, along with all required documents and fees, to facilitate the issuance of the employment contract.

To verify the legitimacy of a job offer, job seekers should contact MoHRE to confirm whether the offer letter is in the official format and properly registered. If the offer letter is not issued through the approved MoHRE system, candidates can request the employer to reissue it accordingly.

It is important to note that until a work permit is issued and a contract is registered with MoHRE, there is no formal employment relationship under UAE law. In such cases, if a prospective employer rescinds an offer letter, MoHRE may not accept a complaint, as no contract or work permit exists to establish legal standing.

Candidates may also reach out to the UAE Embassy in their country—such as the UAE Embassy in the UK—for assistance in verifying the authenticity of a job offer, should such services be available.

If a rescinded offer results in financial loss or other damages, individuals may consider pursuing a civil case in a UAE court with appropriate jurisdiction. For further clarification or legal recourse, it is advisable to consult MoHRE directly or seek guidance from a licensed legal practitioner in the UAE.