Dubai: If you’ve been terminated from your job, or are leaving for better opportunities elsewhere, there’s a document you shouldn’t walk out without acquiring – a job experience certificate.

This vital document gives your next employer insight into your employment history, while mentioning details that may be useful, when you need to show government entities proof of previous employment for immigration, visa or legal purposes – details like your duration of work, job title and salary information.

Here’s everything you need to know about experience certificates, and how to acquire them.

Can the employer refuse to give me an experience certificate?

It is illegal for an employer to withhold the experience certificate, according to Musa Dayani, a Dubai-based public relations officer.

In the UAE, Article 13(11) of the UAE Labour Law requires employers to provide an experience certificate upon the expiration or termination of a contract – even if you were fired.

The certificate is typically stamped by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), and must be provided to you free of cost by your current employer.

The law also offers protection to employees by clearly stating that the certificate must not contain any information that could damage their reputation or limit their chances of acquiring another job.

What information should the certificate have?

According to Article 13(11) of the UAE Labour Law, the following information must be mentioned in the experience certificate:

  • The date the employment began.
  • The date the employment ended.
  • The total period or duration of service.
  • The job title or the kind of work the employee was performing.
  • The last wage received.
  • The reason for the termination of the employment contract.

Does MOHRE also provide an experience certificate?

Another way to acquire your experience certificate is via MOHRE. The entity has simplified the process of acquiring an employment history certificate online, through its website and app. Follow these steps:

  • Visit MOHRE’s website – mohre.gov.ae – or download the MOHRE app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Log in with your UAE PASS.
  • Click on ‘View All Services’. In the search bar, search for ‘Employment History Certificate’.
  • Select ‘Start Service’. You will immediately receive a stamped and approved certificate by MOHRE, which can be downloaded right from the website or app.

The certificate is valid for 30 days, and employers will be able to verify its authenticity through the ‘Employee Certificate Verification’ service on the MOHRE website.