Q: I'm a German national who got an offer for a job in JAFZ, which I subsequently accepted by signing an "Employment LOI" starting 09.04.17. On 10.05.17 the LOI was revoked because my work permit got rejected by the DNRD. The reason for rejection was not given and I was told by company's PRO that I'm not allowed in Dubai. I have never been in Dubai before the rejection. I contacted JAFZA and found out that the PRO made mistakes in submitting the application. A company letter was requested and was never provided. The PRO convinced the company that my father's religion "Shiite" and my birthplace "Lebanon" is the problem. I was then told by the PRO that I'm not allowed to enter Dubai. I was able to enter on 15.05.17 without any problems. 1. Is the LOI legally binding? It does not state any conditions concerning the visa. 2. Can I sue the company under the anti-discrimination law and demand compensation? 3. Can I find out why DNRD rejected the application as the company is refusing to ask for clarification?

Q: Hello, I am in Dubai and I have got a labour offer letter from a new employer (XYZ). In the interim of cancelling the current employment visa, I have got another offer with a good raise in salary from (ABC). Now, is it mandatory that I have to join the company from which I have got labour offer letter and we have signed, or can I go ahead with the 2nd offer which has been made to me?

Q: This question is for my son. The problem is that the offer letter has been signed, but this company doesn’t follow the visa process. How to cancel this offer letter?

Q: I recently got a job offer through email from a semi-governmental company in Dubai which was labelled as indicative job offer as the subject. I accepted the job offer through email providing all my educational documents and passport. This indicative offer through email is subject to approval by the government. Attached documents included personal detail form, Non-declaration form and visa form. Nothing like a proper job offer letter or any document from MOL. Is it binding for me or I can still reject? Will I be subjected to any employment ban if I reject now? Which document or stage will make me legally bound?

Q: Hi, I was supposed to start a job at a new company after having resigned from my old job and completed my notice period. The new company issued me an offer letter, contract, and work permit, however, they have kept changing the start date, and now, after waiting 6 weeks to start the new job, I’ve been told that the offer has been withdrawn due to a hiring freeze. I’d like to know what Legal options I have as I have suffered financial loss, incurred visa overstay fees for my partner and child’s visas because I was unable to apply for their new visas. I am unable to go back to my old company and the only option I have is to return back to my home country as I cannot continue to incur further overstay fines. What legal options do I have? Can I claim compensation? Please advise!

س: في حال رفضي للعقد لأي سبب من الأسباب بالمنشأه الموجود فيها حاليًا، هل يحق لأي منشأه أخرى إرسال عقد عمل لي؟ أفيدوني بارك الله فيكم!

Q: Hello, Can I decline a job offer after signing the letter of intent? What are my legal obligations? I have not yet moved to the UAE.

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 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.

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.

The law promulgates UAE Civil Procedures Code (Civil Procedure Law) which governs civil procedures in the United Arab Emirates, including the prosecution before the courts, litigation and execution.

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).