GDRFA establishes a direct digital channel for workers and residents facing illegal passport retention by sponsors or companies
DUBAI, UAE : Workers and residents in Dubai whose passports are withheld illegally by employers or sponsors can now file formal complaints online through a dedicated service launched by residency authorities.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai rolled out the digital filing option on its smart channels, enabling individuals to seek government intervention directly without visiting service centers in person.
UAE federal law strictly prohibits companies, sponsors, or individuals from retaining an employee’s passport without explicit written consent or an order issued by a competent judicial authority. Under UAE labor regulations, a passport remains personal property, and unauthorized confiscation carries legal penalties and fines.
Authorities outlined a six-step process for filing complaints via the official GDRFA smart portal (smart.gdrfad.gov.ae).
Users access the portal and select the “Individuals” tab, where they must sign in using their registered account or UAE Pass credentials. From the user dashboard, applicants start a “New Request,” navigate to the “Legal Affairs Services” menu, and select the specific category for passport retention disputes. The user must then detail the circumstances of the withholding and upload supporting documentation before final submission.
GDRFA stressed that applicants should provide an accurate, chronological account of the dispute. Relevant employment contracts, written communication, emails, or company correspondence requesting or refusing the document’s return should be uploaded to expedite processing.
Once a complaint is logged, the directorate’s legal affairs division reviews the case details and opens an inquiry with the employer or sponsor. Officials noted that an inquiry remains active until the travel document is returned or the legal matter reaches resolution.
Residency officials urged individuals facing unlawful passport retention not to ignore the violation, advising them to utilize the official digital mechanism to ensure their legal protections remain intact.
