UAE: Can You Decline a Job Offer After Accepting It via Email?
Answer: In the UAE, job offers and employment contracts are regulated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) under Ministerial Decree No. 46 of 2022 and Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
A job offer issued by an employer must align with the standard employment contract, as per Article 2(1) of Ministerial Decree No. 46 of 2022. However, an offer letter, unless signed and converted into an employment contract, is generally considered an informal agreement and may not be legally binding.
According to Article 8(1) of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, a formal employment contract must be signed by both the employer and employee, with each party receiving a copy. Since you have not signed any contract, you are not legally bound to join the company.
Furthermore, Article 14(1) of the UAE Employment Law explicitly states that an employer cannot force an individual to work against their will. This means the company cannot compel you to accept the job.
However, acceptance via email correspondence might be considered binding under other applicable UAE laws, depending on specific circumstances. To ensure clarity, consulting a legal expert is advisable before making a final decision.
News Source: Khaleej Times
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