Q: Hi. I am here in the UAE on a visit visa. A company gave me an offer letter, but it's already 2 months since I'm working here and still, they did not process my employment visa. Now, my visit visa is going to expire soon. If they do not make my visa, can I file a case on the basis of offer letter? Where can I go for justice, and what do I have to do? Please advise me. Thanks

Q: I have been working for an individual as a private accountant for over a year now. My contract says that I'm not an employee but a consultant. I am sponsored on my husband's visa and have a NOC from him to work. However, I'm not set up as a freelancer and my employer hasn't provided me with a labour card or work permit. It has been brought to my attention that I may be working illegally so I would appreciate some legal advice and for someone to look over my contract. If I'm working illegally then I will quit immediately but I need to know my rights and do not want to breach my contract if it is enforceable. I look forward to hearing from someone. Thanks.

Q: I worked in the UAE under visit visa. The company owner has provided me visit visa but did not give me employment visa, and did not give me the salary. I came back to Pakistan. Please tell me how I can file a case under the UAE labour law when I have the offer letter which the company owner gave me, and how long will it take to lodge this case?

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, My employer did not provide me with an offer letter or employment contract but did grant me an employment visa. I wish to resign from my position but am unsure of the steps to take to avoid legal complications. What should I do?

أصدرت وزارة العمل الإماراتية العام الماضي ثلاث قرارات وزارية تشتمل على مجموعة جديدة من القواعد لسوق العمل، وبدأ تنفيذها في الأول من يناير هذا العام. ويُتوقع أن تُغير القرارات العلاقة التعاقدية بين أصحاب العمل والموظفين في الإمارات.

The provisions of this Law, known as "UAE Labour Law", govern the relationship between employers and employees and other labour matters in the United Arab Emirates. There are special labour related regulations applicable in some of the free zones in the UAE.

The provisions of this Decree-Law, known as "New UAE Labor Law", govern labour relations in the private sector of the United Arab Emirates. The New Labor Law repeals the previous UAE Labor Law (Federal Law No. (8) of 1980).