Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I paid money to a documents clearing company in Dubai to process a freelance visa for me. After receiving payment, they kept delaying and didn't even start the process. Doubting their intentions, I have demanded a refund of my payment, which they are now delaying as well. They keep promising they will do it in a day or two but are not keeping their word. I have payment proof in the form of an invoice issued by them and proof of the refund request in a WhatsApp conversation, where they repeatedly say they will do it but have not followed through. What action can I take against them to recover my money?

س: هل من المسموح قانونًا العمل بنظام العمل الحر بدون الحصول على ترخيص معين، فقط بكوني على تأشيرة زوجي في الإمارات؟

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I paid 6300 dirhams for a freelance visa. The medical process is complete, and the ID application has been submitted, but the company has not stamped it yet. I have already overstayed for 40 days, incurring a fine of 2200 dirhams. The company keeps saying they will stamp it next week; I believe they are playing with me. What should I do now?

An interview-format article covering the topic of contracts in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

The Law sets up the legal framework for the protection of consumer rights in the UAE. The Law establishes the Higher Committee for Consumer Protection and the Consumer Protection Department, and sets up the fines for breach of its provisions.

The provisions of this Federal Law, known as the "New Consumer Protection Law", govern Consumer Protection regulations in the United Arab Emirates. The New Consumer Protection Law repeals the previous UAE Consumer Protection Law (Federal Law No. (24) of 2006 on Consumer Protection).

The provisions of this Cabinet Resolution No (12) of 2007 Concerning the Executive Regulations of Federal Law No (24) of 2006 on Consumer Protection.