Q: Hi Sir, I have been working in a company since Jan of 2015. On the 2nd quarter of 2017, the company was sold. All employees remained. So, we are still with the company but with new owners. This year, they changed the name of the company. Our contracts here expired last December. We are now waiting for our new contracts to be signed. It's taking awhile. Today, I was asked to sign a job offer dated Jan 2018. I am on husband visa. Isn't a job offer only for new employees? I am not new, we only have a new owner and a new company name. If I sign this job offer, does it mean I am a new employee and not an old employee who started in 2015? Hope you can help me. And is this a new requirement in Dubai? Even for those who are already on husband visa? Thank you.

Q: My company was taken over by another company. The management of the new company assured us, old employees, that we won't be terminated. My visa got expired on the first week of November 2017. So I asked my boss about the renewal and he assured me that it's a long process and might take time for the renewal. On the 1st week of December, I was called along with some other staff to the head office, got informed that they are not going to renew our contracts and we have to stop going to work. I have an unlimited contract. The company did not give us any notice in advance nor did they make us sign on any papers and we did not receive any termination letter. In this situation, I would like to know our rights as per the labour law. I am still searching for a job and I have a loan with the bank. Appreciate your advice in advance.

Q: Hello Raluca, I have recently decided to resign from my position from my company as I have completed 6 months duration and am on an unlimited visa. My query is that the company that I am actually working for which I want to resign is not the same company that has provided me visa and contract. And as per the law, I am required to serve at least 30 days of notice period and I don't want to be in a situation where I serve my notice period with my existing company but then they file a case against me later on via the other company that actually gave me visa and contract stating that I have not completed my 30 days notice period. Can you please guide me on how to take this situation forward? Regards, A. M.

Q: My company is moving from the mainland to a free zone and will cancel my labour contract under mainland company and provide me with a contract in the free zone. However, they are refusing to pay my gratuity for the 5 years in the mainland company and promising me to pay at the end of my service under FZ including the service with the FZ as well. Is it possible for the company to cancel my current labour contract without paying the EOS benefits and will I face any issues later when I intend to leave the FZ company?

Q: Respected Sir, My company terminated me under the probation period. What are my rights? Can the company give me the air ticket and salary? Thanks

Q: I have a question about the repatriation ticket and costs. As per the Labor Law, the employee is entitled to an air ticket. But our company has put another line that I will get this benefit only if I leave the country and don't stay in the UAE. Can this be enforced? "Repatriation Cargo Note: Please note that you will NOT be eligible for Repatriation Benefits, if you transfer your employment visa or if you shift jobs in the UAE or continue to stay in the country post cancellation of your employment visa. You need to secure approval on your repatriation cargo, and avail it within three (3) months from the last date of service. Repatriation Tickets The value of repatriation tickets which is 50% of your annual airfare for you will be added to your Final Settlement payment as per policy. Note: Please note that you will NOT be eligible for Repatriation Benefits, if you transfer your employment visa or if you shift jobs in the UAE or continue to stay in the country post cancellation of your employment visa."

Q: My company changed the boss, but the company name is still the same. Is there any way I can't get all my benefits for 6 years?

An interview-format article covering the topic of employment contracts in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW. Ludmila discusses the aspects of limited and unlimited contracts, like the end of service, notice, arbitrary dismissal...etc.

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 apply to the commercial companies established in the UAE and the foreign companies that have established in the UAE a base to conduct any activity therein or established a branch or representative office. The Law abrogates Federal Law No. (8) of 1984 Concerning Commercial Companies.

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).