Last updated
An absconding case in the UAE is a report a sponsor files when the person on their visa leaves without notice. In Dubai, GDRFA calls it an escape report. A sponsor pays AED 141 plus AED 241 to file one. Lifting it costs AED 100 plus AED 10 and AED 10, takes about 48 hours, and needs the sponsor's letter. Private-sector work abandonment goes through MOHRE instead.
Fees for filing and lifting a report
| Service | Fee | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Escape report, individual sponsor (GDRFA) | AED 141 + AED 241 deportation fees, AED 100 more at Amer | Sponsor |
| Escape report, establishment (GDRFA) | AED 141 + AED 241 deportation fees + AED 2,000 financial security for private establishments | Company |
| Removing the report, "Raising a circular regarding a Sponsored" (GDRFA) | AED 100 + AED 10 + AED 10, plus a small channel fee | Sponsor or company |
| Circulation of Sponsored in the Administrative List (ICP) | AED 100 application + AED 100 smart services + AED 200 deportation fee | Sponsor |
| Conciliation and Reconciliation Service (GDRFA) | No fee | Worker or company |
Source: GDRFA escape report, removal and conciliation pages, ICP circulation page, checked .
On the ICP circular, one category also adds a guarantee of AED 2,000 and a deposit fee of AED 20. ICP has a separate "Stopping Circular" service to end a circular; we could not read its fees. The ICP refund page adds one more rule: a guarantee linked to a circular cannot be refunded until the circular is lifted.
Who can file, and against whom
Individual sponsors. A UAE citizen, a GCC citizen or a UAE resident can file a GDRFA escape report on a person they sponsor. For example, a resident who brought a relative in on a visit visa. The sponsored person must be inside the UAE. Filing happens at Al Aweer public services, the Airport Service Center in Terminal 3 or an Amer centre. GDRFA wants the sponsored person's passport copy if available, the sponsor's passport or ID and a request form.
Establishments. A company files through its sponsor, investor or PRO, on Amer or the corporate website. Private establishments need a MOHRE-approved report first, then the GDRFA step.
MOHRE work abandonment. For private-sector workers and domestic workers, the employer reports absence to MOHRE. Media reports describe a set number of days of unexplained absence before an employer can file, a way to cancel the report if the worker shows they were present or had a lawful reason, and a possible bar on a new work permit afterwards. We could not open MOHRE's own pages to confirm those details, so we do not quote the numbers. Check the current rules on MOHRE before you act.
What an escape report does to your file
GDRFA's own service name for lifting it is "Raising a circular", which tells you what happens: a circular sits on your name. The one effect the official pages spell out is on money: ICP will not refund a guarantee linked to a circular until it is lifted. The pages we read do not list every other effect, so clear any open report before you apply for a new visa or a status change. Overstay fines keep running too, at AED 50 a day once your permitted stay ends. See the overstay fine guide.
What a visitor or worker can do
- Find out if a report exists. Ask the sponsor or the employer in writing. Keep the reply.
- Fix it with the sponsor. Often the fastest route: the sponsor files the removal with GDRFA once the problem is sorted.
- Use the dispute route if you disagree. GDRFA's Conciliation and Reconciliation Service takes worker and company disputes, including a request to file an absconding report, for work permits issued by GDRFA. It is free and GDRFA states 5 days. For MOHRE work permits, raise it with MOHRE.
- Keep proof. Attendance records, messages with the employer, medical notes or anything that shows you were present or had a lawful reason to be away.
- Sort out your stay. After the report is lifted, apply for a new visa, extend, or leave. Pay any fines first.
Documents to have ready
- Your passport and a copy.
- Your visa or entry permit copy, with the file number or UID.
- Sponsor's passport or ID copy (for removal).
- The sponsor's or establishment's removal letter.
- Proof for any dispute: attendance, pay slips, messages.
GDRFA cancels a request if missing documents are not added within 30 days, so collect them before you file.
Where to check
There is no public absconding lookup on GDRFA or ICP that we could find. These help:
- ICP file validity shows whether your visa file is still valid.
- The GDRFA visa status inquiry checks Dubai entry and residence permits. Our visa status check guide walks through it.
- The MOHRE inquiry portal shows work permit and application records, though we found no absconding option on it.
- A GDRFA centre or Amer centre can look up your file in person with your passport.
Common mistakes
- Leaving it alone. We found no official page saying a report expires by itself. The sponsor has to lift it or you have to dispute it.
- Letting the visa run out meanwhile. Fines add up daily. If you are still on a visit visa with days left, sort the report out early, while a visa extension or a new visa is still an option.
- Assuming a new sponsor can override it. GDRFA asks for a removal letter from the establishment or sponsor that filed the report.
Official sources
- GDRFA escape report, individual sponsor: fees, who files, documents, centres.
- GDRFA escape report, establishments: fees, AED 2,000 security, MOHRE approval.
- GDRFA removal of the report: AED 100 + AED 10 + AED 10, documents, channels.
- GDRFA Conciliation and Reconciliation: free dispute service, 5 days.
- ICP circulation in the administrative list: fees and MOHRE letter rule.
- ICP refund for approved applications: circular must be lifted before a guarantee refund.
All checked .
