Salam, My company has filed a complaint against me in MOHRE related to training fees. This is the clause mentioned in my contract: "The Second Party shall be obliged to pay back the value of the training (which is estimated at an amount of 10000 AED) when they terminate the employment contract based on their own free will (within One Year) from the date of commencement of their contract, without prejudice to the First Party's legal or contractual obligations. (the amount agreed on for the value of the training period must be commensurate with the employment period of the employee)" My question is: 1. I served 11 months in the company. Can they demand the full 10,000 or it should be less due to 11 months (as per the last line of the clause)? 2. I didn't even get training from the company. I learned normally by working on projects with seniors. No training session was conducted for me. Should I still have to pay? My case is in MOHRE. Thanks

Hi, Amnesty 2024 has just started, and I really want to apply for it, but I have a company bounced cheque and personal credit card debt. Is there any solution to avail of the amnesty and legalize my status? If yes, what is the step-by-step procedure? Thank you to those who can enlighten me on this question, and God bless us all!

Hello, I have a civil case for a bounced check and a travel ban. My passport has expired and can only be renewed in my home country. Due to the travel ban, it is not possible to exit and renew the passport. With an expired passport, I can't work. What are the options in this situation? Can my wife take this case and start paying in installments so that I can go to renew his passport and come back? Thank you!

I have an unpaid credit card of approximately AED 45000 in the UAE. I will be traveling to Qatar due to work. Will I be arrested in Qatar?

I have had a drug case against me recently and it has been closed. I have paid my fine and I am cleared from the travel ban. I am still working with the same employer but I am thinking about changing jobs. Will I be able to get a new employment visa and be hired in a new firm despite the record?

Respected Law Team Members, I am writing to seek genuine legal advice and guidance for our friend regarding an ongoing issue with her employer. On 23rd May 2025, she received a termination notice via WhatsApp from her sponsor, which clearly states that she is required to complete her handover by 20th June 2025. Since receiving the notice, however, her sponsor has been repeatedly contacting her via WhatsApp and phone calls, pressuring her to immediately return the company laptop and office cabinet keys, despite the agreed-upon handover date. In addition, she has been verbally accusing my friend and making threatening remarks, creating a hostile environment, and causing her emotional distress. To clarify her legal position, she contacted MOHRE, who advised her to reshare the termination notice to the lady employer about the handover date (20th June 2025) as she outlined in the (Cont-1)

Hello, I am a UK citizen. I arrive in Dubai on the 2nd of June. I think I need to apply for an entry permit, as I have been out of the country for more than 1 year. Please, can you help? Everyone I speak to doesn't know and gives different information.

Hello, My previous employer filed a case against me for embezzlement and imposed a travel ban. I know for myself it was all a lie, but since the case is already filed and the police investigation is still ongoing, I need to find a job. However, first, I am worried that my new employer will come to know I have an active case. Second, I am worried that I cannot get an employment visa. Can someone help me?

Hello sir, Is it obligatory to issue an invoice for my customer to process his down payment? Our system doesn't allow us to issue an invoice unless the goods exist in our inventory. We also require this advance or down payment as confirmation of his order. My customer is insisting on issuing him an invoice and says that this is required by UAE laws.

Good morning, I have two kids. Their father is in critical care and is not able to communicate, and we have been divorced for more than seven years. The other side of the family is not communicating with the kids about the father's whereabouts for them to visit him, and they have not been in touch with the kids for the past two weeks due to family issues that took place in court regarding guardianship of the kids. How can I find a way for our kids to know what is going on with their father and his condition without reaching out to them, to avoid any further escalation? My daughter has tried to call them, but there was no response. Please advise!

I have received a judgment in my favor from RDC that awarded me legal fees. However, RDC says that legal fees do not mean lawyer fees; they are RDC fees only. Is this correct?

Good afternoon, Thank you for your time. The public prosecution appealed my judgment (a fine that I satisfactorily cleared) and requested increasing the fine. Can you please explain what happens during a criminal case appeal hearing for me as a defendant? Will I be asked questions? Is the hearing just for the Public Prosecution to present their appeal to the judge, and I do not need to give a response? Thank you again for your time.

Dear lawyers, The new employee will start on June 1, 2025. However, he would like to open a new bank account in the UAE thus asking to provide the salary certificate mentioning his salary in AED and if possible not mentioning the start date. Legally, can the company provide such a certificate?

I received a termination letter from my company on January 31st, 2025, with a one-month notice period, stating my last working day as February 28th, 2025. The reason given for the termination is "considering the current business scenario, the company has considered measures to reorganize the business." Could this be considered arbitrary dismissal? Am I entitled to any compensation or benefits from the company as a result of this termination?

By checking in Al Adheed, I have found there is a marital matter case against me in Dubai Courts. There is a hearing date for next week and the time mentioned in the case status with a link for an online hearing. However, I have not received any message from Dubai courts regarding this by mail or phone. I have all contact details updated with EID. In this case, what should I do? I don’t know what the case is about. Should I hire a lawyer or I can attend the hearing by myself? Please do suggest options.

Good morning, My landlord notified me 90 days before my contract’s end of a 15% rent increase, raising it from AED 55,000 to AED 63,250. However, according to the RERA index, the maximum increase should be 5%. I tried to negotiate, but they refused. On October 15, I made an offer and deposit of AED 57,250 (including the RERA-approved increase). The judge accepted it, but the landlord rejected it, claiming their other 1-bedroom units rent for AED 75,000. My contract expired on October 31, 2024. Recently, the landlord emailed saying I’m now staying illegally and will be charged AED 100 per day for not signing a new contract. Last week, I requested a new contract based on the RERA index, but they responded by refusing my offer and deposit, demanding full payment. My question: Should I be concerned, or should I let them pursue a case? Or just wait and see? Thank you for your assistance.

Hi everyone, I’m facing an issue with my rental situation and would appreciate any advice. I purchased a company in July that’s renting a shop space, and the tenancy contract (under the company’s name) is ending on November 22. The landlord is insisting on a 40% rent increase, even though the RERA Index clearly indicates a 0% increase for this area. I’ve informed the landlord that this increase isn’t in line with RERA regulations, requested a new contract, and asked him to come by to collect the cheques—but he’s been unresponsive. To protect our position, I filed an offer and deposit with the rental dispute center, but it was automatically closed because the landlord didn’t respond. My question is: what should I do next? Filing a case for renewal will cost 5% of the rent, which is a significant amount right now. Are there any alternatives to proceed without incurring that cost, or any other steps to ensure the landlord adheres to the regulated rental terms?

Dear Lawyers, Is it mandatory for a memorandum of defense to be signed by an applicant representing themselves without an attorney in a civil dispute in Dubai? If not, what are the potential consequences of submitting a memorandum of defense without a signature? Thank you!

Hello Experts! Kindly assist with the below: In a penal case that is still at the investigation stage, if your statement was taken and they realized you are truly innocent, with your name included only by association, is there a chance that your name can be dropped before being referred to court? Or does the fact that they took your statement mean you must appear in court?

Dear Lawyers, How can a wife file for khula when she is financially dependent on her husband and has no funds to support it?

(COnt-2) Given the above, I kindly request your professional guidance on how to proceed legally to protect my friend's rights and ensure a safe and documented handover of company property. (The laptop the lady sponsor is referring to is authorized by her to my friend when she joined the company on 15 December 2023) Thank you for your support. (Already our friend [----] has posted the same concern, but her complete message hasn't been delivered to this platform ) Therefore, I am resubmitting our concern; we just need the correct direction, please. Thank you so much for your help!  

Cont-1) as outlined in the termination notice. Following a recent threatening message from her sponsor, in which she mentioned filing a police complaint, she proactively contacted Dubai Police for guidance. They advised her to visit Jebel Ali Police Station to report the matter and seek assistance regarding the harassment. Our concern is that if she returns the laptop prematurely, her work may be deleted or altered, and this could negatively impact my End of Service Benefits (EOSB) and her professional record, as her sponsor has a pattern of making unfounded accusations. Here is the most recent message my friend received from her: “Good morning. Hi, I urgently need my laptop and keys from the cabinet. Send me the location, I will send CAREEM. I need my laptop and keys from the cabinets immediately. If you do not send the location to pick up my stuff, I’m gonna go to the police. Sorry, but you must return my stuff. My business cannot operate properly without my computer.” (COnt-2)

Respected Law Team Members, I am writing to seek genuine legal advice and guidance for our friend regarding an ongoing issue with her employer. On 23rd May 2025, she received a termination notice via WhatsApp from her sponsor, which clearly states that she is required to complete her handover by 20th June 2025. Since receiving the notice, however, her sponsor has been repeatedly contacting her via WhatsApp and phone calls, pressuring her to immediately return the company laptop and office cabinet keys, despite the agreed-upon handover date. In addition, she has been verbally accusing my friend and making threatening remarks, creating a hostile environment, and causing her emotional distress. To clarify her legal position, she contacted MOHRE, who advised her to reshare the termination notice to the lady employer about the handover date (20th June 2025) as she outlined in the (Cont-1)

Hi My friend was caught by CID inside a massage centre in the waiting area while he was waiting for a massage. Now his Emirates ID is with the Ajman police. What will be the next step they will take?

In 2018, I was involved in a dispute concerning unpaid rent related to a property managed by [-----] under the jurisdiction of the Land Department. [----] proceeded with legal action, resulting in a civil case and the imposition of a travel ban. A civil case had been reported in an Arabic-language newspaper. Not being fluent in Arabic, I missed the Land Department hearing, and the obvious outcome included an order for payment and a travel ban, but I had already left the country by that time. questions: Statute of Limitations: After how many years does such a civil case expire under UAE law, thereby allowing me to legally return to Dubai without facing arrest or enforcement actions? International Travel: Am I currently at risk of arrest or extradition if I travel to non-GCC countries like India or Pakistan? Forgive my brevity and rudeness due to 1000-character limits

Hello, My previous employer filed a case against me for embezzlement and imposed a travel ban. I know for myself it was all a lie, but since the case is already filed and the police investigation is still ongoing, I need to find a job. However, first, I am worried that my new employer will come to know I have an active case. Second, I am worried that I cannot get an employment visa. Can someone help me?

Hello sir, Is it obligatory to issue an invoice for my customer to process his down payment? Our system doesn't allow us to issue an invoice unless the goods exist in our inventory. We also require this advance or down payment as confirmation of his order. My customer is insisting on issuing him an invoice and says that this is required by UAE laws.

Good morning, I have two kids. Their father is in critical care and is not able to communicate, and we have been divorced for more than seven years. The other side of the family is not communicating with the kids about the father's whereabouts for them to visit him, and they have not been in touch with the kids for the past two weeks due to family issues that took place in court regarding guardianship of the kids. How can I find a way for our kids to know what is going on with their father and his condition without reaching out to them, to avoid any further escalation? My daughter has tried to call them, but there was no response. Please advise!

Hello, Is it possible to try again to challenge my child's custody even if I lost in the first trial and appeal?

Hi, I am an Indian and have been working in Dubai for the last 8 years. I had a criminal case (drug case). I proved my innocence in court and was released from jail after 10 months, but the federal authority deported me from the country. Can I remove my deportation?

Hi, My friend has been taken by the Narcotics Department for the consumption and possession of some substance in Dubai. How can we find out what the next procedure will be, as his family back in India has no information about it and no idea where the police have taken him or what the next steps are in this issue?

Hi, I need some guidance regarding a property transaction that is not progressing as expected. My broker initiated a manual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between me (the Buyer) and the Seller, with an expiry date of 01/02/2025. Within this period, I successfully arranged the bank mortgage, property evaluation, and NOC. However, the broker started giving excuses, such as the seller being hospitalized. Later, the broker attempted to arrange a Power of Attorney (POA). However, after that, they started ignoring my messages and calls. It now seems like they no longer intend to proceed with me, and the MOU has already expired. Meanwhile, my bank EMI has already started, and I have paid two monthly installments. The broker is still unresponsive. I have raised multiple complaints through DLD RVS against the broker, but the response has been very slow and unsatisfactory. I’m feeling stuck and financially burdened. Please advise

Needed to know if I am eligible to file for mutual divorce as an Indian expat living in Dubai and holding an Indian passport and also have Canadian PR. My husband is a Canadian citizen working in Saudi on a work visa. What are my rights? Can I ask for alimony? Can I file for divorce from Dubai? I have no children from the marriage.

I am seeking urgent guidance regarding my current visa status in the UAE. I was previously employed by a company that has now shut down, but my visa is still under that company. During my tenure, I held Power of Attorney (POA) for all financial matters. However, after a cheque issued by the company bounced, the owner revoked my POA without my knowledge. The company officially closed last year, and the owner (a lady) has been missing since the case emerged. No one from the company is responding, and I am currently stuck in Dubai due to a travel ban imposed on me related to this case. I need clarification on the following points: How can I cancel my existing visa under this closed company? Will I be able to obtain a new visa under another company despite the travel ban? Are there any legal blocks or restrictions affecting my visa or employment options? What legal steps can I take to resolve this situation? I would appreciate your guidance on the next steps and any possible solutions.

Hello, I submitted an offer and deposit through the trustee office, but the owner rejected it. What is the next step? They sent an email notification stating that if not renewed within the contract's end time, 500 AED will be deducted for each additional day of stay.

Dear Lawyers, There is a JV agreement between Party A and Party B. An Addendum was made in which Party C was added and subcontracted all its work to both Party A and Party B, forming a wholly separate contract. There is an arbitration clause in the JV agreement. Is Party C bound by that clause? DIAC.

Dear Sir/Madam, What happens if an employee resigns after 1 year and 4 months of service? Are they eligible for gratuity and annual leave?

Dear Sir/Madam, I've been working at our company for more than 8 years. Is it legal to resign if my visa was just renewed last March 2024? My reason for resigning is that the owner hasn't given me a salary since March.

Dear Sir/Madam, Seeking legal help for a dispute with a shipping company. They are holding onto our goods because, during the Dubai floods, they were closed and refused delivery. We urgently need legal help to resolve this, as the storage charges are increasing each day. Can you please advise on how to proceed?

Dear Sir/Madam, I am an expatriate in Dubai. I joined a company in Dubai, and my contract started in November 2023. It is a limited contract. Due to some issues with the management, they informed me that I would have to leave the company in March 2024, which I did. Upon asking them to cancel my visa so I can return home, they said I have to pay around 5000 AED towards the visa expenses. I have asked them for the exact amount, but they haven’t provided it yet. My passport is with them. I would like to check whether I have to pay the visa expense to them. Since I am not aware of the formalities, I haven’t approached the Labour Department to get my passport back to leave. I fear they may cause more trouble if I initiate a complaint. I would like to seek your valuable advice on how to proceed to claim my passport and exit UAE. Please help!

Dear Sir/Madam, Is an email to a tenant considered an official non-renewal notice?

Dear Sir, I bought a tenanted unit, and the tenancy contract was signed by one person. Shortly after, I found out that more people are living in the unit, and the tenancy contract doesn't allow subletting. I contacted the phone number in the contract via WhatsApp, chatted with a woman, and highlighted the problem. She referred to the men living in my unit as "tenants." At the end of our conversation, I learned that she is not my tenant. The tenant in my tenancy contract is a man, and I've received his Emirates ID from the previous owner. He doesn't live in the unit, and the phone number and email address in the contract, given as his, are not his own. Is this legal? Is the contract still valid? I would like to give my tenant an eviction notice because of subletting. I've found online that I have to give him a 30-day notice. Is that correct? Is there any rental penalty for the breach of the contract? Can I get compensation for my legal costs? Thanks!

Hello, I am buying a unit that is already rented out. The previous owner sent an eviction notice for sale to the tenant. I have some questions: 1. If the tenant is served an eviction notice of 12 months, do I still need to serve a notice after buying? 2. After the transaction, when the tenant leaves after 12 months, can I rent the apartment? I don't need to wait 2 years in this case. Is that right? Thanks in advance!

Dear Sir/Madam, I am a European resident and have owned an apartment in Dubai since November 8, 2023. The contract with the previous owner ended in September 2023, and the tenant was served an eviction notice until July 2024. I find the tenant's behavior very problematic and am considering legal action. He has not paid any rent to me since I took ownership. I invited him for a new 1-year contract without a rent increase, but he insists on forcefully signing the contract at the Dubai Land Department without my or my POA's signature and is compelling me to visit Dubai to collect the cheques. Can you help with the following: 1) How can I get my rent? 2) Can the Dubai Land Department enforce the lease contract without my approval? 3) Given his behavior, I do not want to continue the lease agreement with him. How can I evict him as early as possible? Please help!

Dear Sir/Madam, I have received a notice through Dubai courts from the landlord stating that he does not want to renew for the purpose of "Personal Use," as mentioned in the notice. He brought his family for viewing as well. After a couple of weeks of the notice, he sent me a WhatsApp message saying that he wants to show the house to other viewers because he is willing to sell.Is the notice I received still valid? Should he send me a new notice mentioning that he wants to sell? Does the current notice force me to leave the house in case he sells it before my contract ends?