Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allHow to claim the refund from an immigration agency after failing to fulfill obligation?
4
Q: I approached an immigration consultancy in Dubai for a Canada work permit, we signed an agreement and I paid AED 28,600. The agreement said if the company doesn't process my work permit within 6 - 8 months, I will be entitled to a full refund within 90 working days.
The company defaulted on the processing time and I requested and signed a refund document with the company stating that a "refund will be given within 90 working days".
From the look of things, the company isn't willing to refund the money after 90 working days.
In this case, what should I do or where should I complain to get my money back from the company ASAP?
Note: my visa will expire on February 24, 2023, and the 90 working days for the company to refund me will end on February 04, 2023.
Thanks for your assistance.
Jan 23, 2023
943
An immigration consultancy scam: Work permit denied, refund delayed for a year



4
Q: Respected Lawyers,
I am working and living in Abu Dhabi. A year ago, I submitted my documents and paid AED 6,000 to an immigration consultancy in Abu Dhabi to help me obtain a Canada work permit.
According to them, they would complete and provide the work permit within one year. However, more than a year has passed, and there has still been no positive response or progress.
I requested a refund, but they sent me an email saying that they would refund me after 120 working days.
Please advise me on how to file a case to get my refund as soon as possible.
Thanks!
Best Regards
Nov 6, 2023
286
I applied for immigration to Canada via an agency in Dubai without any progress. Can I claim refund?




0
Q: I'm looking for advice- I had applied for immigration service to Canada via an agency in Dubai, however, it's been a few months and there is no positive reply from their end.
They keep giving evasive answers, such as my job role is not coming up, or the Government has put the applications on hold, or other things which are totally different from the picture painted before availing their service.
The contract mentions this about refund: "The company is eligible to provide a refund if any wrong information is provided during our advocacy while discussing the case with the consultant."
My Question is- are such immigration consultancies legal in the UAE?
Is it legal for them to provide such services?
And am I eligible for a refund if not for damage claims (for wasting my time with their inefficient services)?
Apr 17, 2025
126
Legal blog
1 available 1 • View allContracts 101: Official Agreements to WhatsApp Messages 2
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.
Mar 3, 2021
1271
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allFederal Law No. (5) of 1985 On the Civil Transactions Law of the United Arab Emirates 96
The provisions of this law, promulgating UAE Civil Code, govern the civil transactions in the United Arab Emirates. The commercial transactions remain subject to the laws and regulations applicable in their regard.
Dec 15, 1985
148974
Federal Law No. (15) of 2020 on Consumer Protection 0
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).
Nov 10, 2020
805
Cabinet Resolution No (12) of 2007 Concerning the Executive Regulations of Federal Law No (24) of 2006 on Consumer Protection 0
The provisions of this Cabinet Resolution No (12) of 2007 Concerning the Executive Regulations of Federal Law No (24) of 2006 on Consumer Protection.
Mar 29, 2007
351

Premium
Other answers by
How do I set up a consultancy company, including licensing, registration, and document drafting? 0
Hello,
I’m planning to start a consultancy company in Dubai and would like to understand the process, required licenses, and the differences between mainland and free zone setups.
Can your firm assist with the full legal registration and the drafting of company documents?
Oct 16, 2025
28
How can I file a defamation or cyber complaint for false comments posted on social media? 0
Hi,
I would like to consult about a defamation issue. Someone has posted false and damaging comments about me and my business on social media. I have screenshots as proof.
I would like to know the legal process for filing a cyber complaint or defamation case under UAE law.
Oct 16, 2025
28
Do I need a UAE freelancer permit to work with US clients and receive payments in the UAE? 0
I work as a Director of Project Management in a company in DMCC. During my free time, I have tried providing Project Management Consultation to clients in the USA as a freelancer on UpWork (an Online Freelancing platform) and have seen good traction. I want to pursue this further during my free time. I am currently holding a UAE Golden Visa.
1. I would like to know if I am required to hold a freelancer permit in the UAE if I only serve clients in the USA? I don't have or plan to have any clients in the UAE or in GCC.
2. My clients in the USA have been paying me via UpWork so far, but I would like to receive this money directly via wire transfer to my UAE bank account or through online payment portals. Is this legal to do so?
3. I hold an NOC from my current employer to work on freelance projects during my free time.
Can you please clarify the above questions?
Jazakallah, Thank you!
Oct 14, 2025
33
How can I sell a property registered under my minor daughters’ names within a month? 0
Hello,
I have bought a property and registered it under my daughters’ names. Their ages are 16, 17, and 20 years old. The property is on handover now, and we got approval to go for a mortgage.
However, I have decided to sell it. What would be the easiest way to get approval to sell the property within 1 month and to have the revenue divided as follows: 70% from the selling price will go to a better investment, and 30% will go for their education?
Please advise me.
FYI: I was born in the UAE, and all my daughters were born in the UAE.
Oct 3, 2025
36
What are the next steps after the court’s final decision, and how can I pay in installments? 0
Hello,
I received the final decision from the court regarding the cheque execution filed. What is the next step?
How can I pay on an installment basis? How can I request the excess amount regarding the 6% of the loan amount filed, since the final verdict amount was reduced?
I also made a deposit to the court of 10,000 AED. How can I request it back?
I appreciate your advice, and many thanks.
Sep 30, 2025
58

Premium
Other answers by
Can my employer charge me for visa costs and keep my passport when I resign? 0
Hello,
The company I’m working for is asking me to pay AED 4,000 for visa costs while I am trying to resign, even though I have completed one year.
Please let me know what I can do, as my passport is also with the company; they took it from me.
Oct 20, 2025
11
Can my employer force me to leave the UAE after I resigned and requested visa cancellation? 0
My employer didn’t provide me with a visa, and I overstayed for four months. I gave him a resignation letter, and he said he would only cancel my visa if he sent me back to my country. I don’t want to go back, so I filed a complaint against him.
The Labour Office called both of us to discuss the complaint and gave me two options: either to continue working with the company or to request cancellation.
I chose cancellation, and they told me to give the cancellation request to my manager and work for a one-month notice period, which I did. Do you have any advice for me?
Oct 6, 2025
54
Can I legally stop working if my labour contract has expired and the company’s license is blocked? 0
Hello,
The company made a change of status for me, which expires on 7/10. My labour card expired on 23/9. I signed a 2-year contract, but they didn’t stamp the visa. The contract is now not showing in my UAE Pass app. In the MOHRE app, my 2-month contract expired on 24/9.
Can I leave work now since the contract has expired, and the visa wasn’t stamped, and the contract is not showing in the UAE Pass app, which means they didn’t even submit it?
I went to Tasheel, and they told me I can stop working as I have already filed a complaint with MOHRE for one week’s salary and Emirates ID fees.
I started on 25/7. The employer paid me only for August. When I asked for my July salary, he gave me a warning letter with a 20% salary deduction. He then complained against me to MOHRE, but MOHRE closed his complaint.
For my complaint, they asked me to keep working and wait for MOHRE’s final decision. What should I follow, as the Tasaheel agent told me the company’s license is blocked, and they will not process my contract, so he advised me to stop working and find another job?
Oct 6, 2025
61
How can we apply for new visas for new employees when there is an active court case? 0
Hello,
How can we apply for new visas for new employees when there is an active court case?
Thank you for your help!
Oct 17, 2025
31
How can we prepare evidence and witnesses to defend a staff member accused of theft? 0
Hello,
One of my staff members, who has been working part-time as a cleaner for a tenant for five months, was accused of stealing jewellery worth AED 7,000.
The tenant filed a police complaint, and she was detained for 24 hours. Later, she learned that a criminal case had been filed by the tenant.
She insists she is innocent and missed her first opportunity to present a witness to the Public Prosecution. During her first hearing, the judge asked her to upload her statement and bring witnesses at the next hearing in a month.
Please advise what documents, evidence, and witnesses we can prepare for her defense.
Oct 17, 2025
9

Premium
Other answers by
Can my employer charge me for visa costs and keep my passport when I resign? 0
Hello,
The company I’m working for is asking me to pay AED 4,000 for visa costs while I am trying to resign, even though I have completed one year.
Please let me know what I can do, as my passport is also with the company; they took it from me.
Oct 20, 2025
11
How can we apply for new visas for new employees when there is an active court case? 0
Hello,
How can we apply for new visas for new employees when there is an active court case?
Thank you for your help!
Oct 17, 2025
31
How can we prepare evidence and witnesses to defend a staff member accused of theft? 0
Hello,
One of my staff members, who has been working part-time as a cleaner for a tenant for five months, was accused of stealing jewellery worth AED 7,000.
The tenant filed a police complaint, and she was detained for 24 hours. Later, she learned that a criminal case had been filed by the tenant.
She insists she is innocent and missed her first opportunity to present a witness to the Public Prosecution. During her first hearing, the judge asked her to upload her statement and bring witnesses at the next hearing in a month.
Please advise what documents, evidence, and witnesses we can prepare for her defense.
Oct 17, 2025
9
How can I file a defamation or cyber complaint for false comments posted on social media? 0
Hi,
I would like to consult about a defamation issue. Someone has posted false and damaging comments about me and my business on social media. I have screenshots as proof.
I would like to know the legal process for filing a cyber complaint or defamation case under UAE law.
Oct 16, 2025
28
Can I file a case against my landlord for refusing to return my security deposit? 0
Hello,
I need legal advice regarding my rented apartment.
The landlord is refusing to return my security deposit, claiming false damages. I have photos of the flat taken when I vacated it.
Can your legal team help me file a case or send a legal notice through the Rental Dispute Center?
Oct 16, 2025
30

Premium
Other answers by
How can we prepare evidence and witnesses to defend a staff member accused of theft? 0
Hello,
One of my staff members, who has been working part-time as a cleaner for a tenant for five months, was accused of stealing jewellery worth AED 7,000.
The tenant filed a police complaint, and she was detained for 24 hours. Later, she learned that a criminal case had been filed by the tenant.
She insists she is innocent and missed her first opportunity to present a witness to the Public Prosecution. During her first hearing, the judge asked her to upload her statement and bring witnesses at the next hearing in a month.
Please advise what documents, evidence, and witnesses we can prepare for her defense.
Oct 17, 2025
9
How do I set up a consultancy company, including licensing, registration, and document drafting? 0
Hello,
I’m planning to start a consultancy company in Dubai and would like to understand the process, required licenses, and the differences between mainland and free zone setups.
Can your firm assist with the full legal registration and the drafting of company documents?
Oct 16, 2025
28
How can I file a defamation or cyber complaint for false comments posted on social media? 0
Hi,
I would like to consult about a defamation issue. Someone has posted false and damaging comments about me and my business on social media. I have screenshots as proof.
I would like to know the legal process for filing a cyber complaint or defamation case under UAE law.
Oct 16, 2025
28
Can I file a case against my landlord for refusing to return my security deposit? 0
Hello,
I need legal advice regarding my rented apartment.
The landlord is refusing to return my security deposit, claiming false damages. I have photos of the flat taken when I vacated it.
Can your legal team help me file a case or send a legal notice through the Rental Dispute Center?
Oct 16, 2025
30
How to respond to a non-compete legal notice from a former employer? 0
I received a legal notice from my ex-company. They claim I breached a non-compete and confidentiality undertaking by joining another company and demand that I:
• Terminate my new employment immediately,
• Stop working for any competitor for 12 months,
• Cease using or disclosing any confidential information, and
• Cease soliciting clients, partners, or staff.
I deny these allegations. I completed a full handover, have no company data, and resigned lawfully in July 2025. In fact, they never provided me with an employment visa, delayed my UAE contract by 12 months, and failed to pay me for overtime and holiday work despite repeated complaints to HR.
The workplace was toxic and harmed my mental health. Now, all of a sudden, they have started threatening me to leave the current company by sending me a legal notice.
Oct 3, 2025
61

Premium
Other answers by
How can we prepare evidence and witnesses to defend a staff member accused of theft? 0
Hello,
One of my staff members, who has been working part-time as a cleaner for a tenant for five months, was accused of stealing jewellery worth AED 7,000.
The tenant filed a police complaint, and she was detained for 24 hours. Later, she learned that a criminal case had been filed by the tenant.
She insists she is innocent and missed her first opportunity to present a witness to the Public Prosecution. During her first hearing, the judge asked her to upload her statement and bring witnesses at the next hearing in a month.
Please advise what documents, evidence, and witnesses we can prepare for her defense.
Oct 17, 2025
9
How can I file a defamation or cyber complaint for false comments posted on social media? 0
Hi,
I would like to consult about a defamation issue. Someone has posted false and damaging comments about me and my business on social media. I have screenshots as proof.
I would like to know the legal process for filing a cyber complaint or defamation case under UAE law.
Oct 16, 2025
28
Can I file a case against my landlord for refusing to return my security deposit? 0
Hello,
I need legal advice regarding my rented apartment.
The landlord is refusing to return my security deposit, claiming false damages. I have photos of the flat taken when I vacated it.
Can your legal team help me file a case or send a legal notice through the Rental Dispute Center?
Oct 16, 2025
30
If I pay my FTA tax fine, will my liability be cleared and my travel ban removed? 0
Hello,
Someone snitched, and the FTA (Federal Tax Authority) came to my factory and seized goods with unpaid tax. They seized the goods and imposed a tax penalty and fine of 1.2 million.
The Police Headquarters also conducted an inquiry and let me go.
Now, if I pay the tax and fine, will my liability be cleared and the travel ban removed, as the travel ban is from the Police Headquarters?
Oct 17, 2025
29
How to respond to a non-compete legal notice from a former employer? 0
I received a legal notice from my ex-company. They claim I breached a non-compete and confidentiality undertaking by joining another company and demand that I:
• Terminate my new employment immediately,
• Stop working for any competitor for 12 months,
• Cease using or disclosing any confidential information, and
• Cease soliciting clients, partners, or staff.
I deny these allegations. I completed a full handover, have no company data, and resigned lawfully in July 2025. In fact, they never provided me with an employment visa, delayed my UAE contract by 12 months, and failed to pay me for overtime and holiday work despite repeated complaints to HR.
The workplace was toxic and harmed my mental health. Now, all of a sudden, they have started threatening me to leave the current company by sending me a legal notice.
Oct 3, 2025
61
Get quotes from lawyers
Find the right lawyer for your legal needs.
Submit your request and get multiple
competitive offers from
qualified lawyers.
Popular Q&A
View all Looking for something else?
Ask for advice from a lawyer