Q: I would like to seek legal clarification regarding a clause in my employment contract. The contract states: “In the event the employee terminates the contract prematurely, applicable visa charges will be incurred by the employer.” I have completed 1 year and 2 months of my 2-year contract, but I am considering resigning. My employer has informed me that I may have to reimburse the visa costs due to this clause. Could you please confirm: 1. Is it legal under UAE labor law for the employer to require me to pay for visa costs upon resignation? 2. Am I entitled to any end-of-service benefits (gratuity) after completing 1 year and 2 months? 3. Are there any penalties or labor bans that may apply if I resign before completing 2 years? I would appreciate your guidance on this matter. Please let me know if a consultation is needed.

Q: Hello, I have been asked to resign from my company after more than seven years of service. I am not being terminated but requested to resign and given garden leave as per my notice period. What are my rights in this case?

Q: Hello Sir, I have a limited-term contract of 2 years. I have worked for 1 year and 3 months already. I want to resign. Will I have to pay my employer any fees or I will be entitled to any gratuity?

The UAE has adopted a major reform in its legislative system that brought about 40 new laws and amendments to the company law, criminal law, personal status, among others. The amendments aim to develop the legislative structure in various sectors, the labor law being one of these, was the most recent. We try in this article to shed light on the changes introduced with the new labor law and their significance on both, the employer and employee.

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).

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.

This Decree sets the rules and conditions for the termination of fixed-term (limited) or unlimited (not term-bound) employment contract between employer and worker in the United Arab Emirates.