Questions & Answers
What can I do if the company did not provide me with a visa after 10 months of working with them.
The company did not provide me with a visa after 10 months of working with them.
They always promise that it is in process.
Then they terminated me verbally.
Your employer acted illegally by keeping you 10 months without providing a visa and then verbally terminating you.
Under UAE law, you can file a complaint with MOHRE (or the free zone authority) to claim unpaid wages, benefits, and compensation for being employed without a proper visa.
Dear User
Greetings from Khalifa bin Huwaiden Advocates and Legal Consultations.
The company is legally obligated to issue a residence (work) visa within a maximum of 60 days from the date you entered the country or started working.
Working without a valid residency visa places the company under legal liability.
Any termination of employment must be done through a written notice that clearly states the reasons and follows the procedures outlined in the labor law.
Therefore, verbal termination gives you the right to file a complaint for unfair dismissal.
NOTE: This is a free consultation, and the office does not bear any responsibility for this consultation.
For more details, you can contact us by phone.
Good afternoon
We have received your query.
Initial Legal Assessment:
Based on the information provided and the federal laws of the UAE, the legal situation can be analyzed, and potential violations by the employer can be identified as follows:
- Failure to obtain a residency and work visa (serious violation)
- Failing to obtain a residency and work visa for the employee after 10 months of employment constitutes a serious violation of UAE labor laws. Whether the employee is covered by the general labor law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021) or the Domestic Workers Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 and its amendments), the employer has a fundamental legal obligation to obtain a work permit and residency visa for the foreign worker.
Working without a valid visa renders the employee in an illegal status and exposes them to legal consequences, while also subjecting the employer to significant penalties and fines, which may even include a ban on hiring new workers.
Don't hesitate to contact us immediately for a paid consultation, and our legal team will guide you and follow up on your case to protect your rights.
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Dear Client,
If your employer has not provided you with a visa after 10 months of work and then verbally terminated you, this is a violation of UAE labor law.
Employers are legally obligated to obtain a work visa for employees and to follow proper procedures for termination, including written notice.
You can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for failure to provide a visa and unlawful termination.
MOHRE can assist in recovering unpaid wages and compensation and enforcing your rights.
It is recommended to document all communications with the employer and seek legal advice to protect your interests.
Best regards.
Thank you for contacting us via Legal Advice Middle East.
Your situation concerns working for a company for ten months without being provided with a proper visa, followed by a verbal termination.
We have represented clients in nearly identical cases, where employers failed to secure work permits and tried to dismiss employees informally.
The authorities recognised this as a serious breach by the employer, and our clients were awarded their entitlements despite the lack of an official visa.
There are several legal directions. Since you were employed without a valid residency visa and labour card, the company is in violation of UAE labour and immigration requirements.
You may file a complaint with MOHRE, supported by proof of your employment, such as salary slips, messages, or witness testimony.
The absence of a visa does not cancel your right to claim unpaid wages, compensation for arbitrary termination, and other dues.
Our strategy in similar cases is to establish the employment relationship with evidence, then escalate through MOHRE and the labour court if necessary.
The verbal termination itself has no legal effect; what matters is documenting your service and pursuing your dues through the official channels.
To advise you precisely, we need to review any evidence you have of employment, such as contracts, bank transfers, or correspondence.
Our multilingual consultants (Arabic, English, Russian, Hindi, and Chinese) are available to guide you step by step.
For direct coordination, please contact our office via WhatsApp.
