Staying in work accommodation till a judgment of a labor case is issued

Dear Questioner,

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I refer you to the following:

Please note Article No.131, UAE’s Federal Labour Law No. (8) of 1980, which states:

2. A worker who is provided with accommodation by his employer shall vacate it within thirty days from the date of termination of his service.

3. The worker shall not overstay in the accommodation beyond the specified period for any reason, provided, however, that the employer pays the worker the following:

• The expenses specified in paragraph 1 of this Article.

• Severance pay and any other entitlements the employee is bound to pay in accordance with the employment contract, the firm’s policies, or the law.

4. If the worker contests the amount of the expenses and entitlements referred to above, the Labour Department concerned shall urgently determine these expenses and entitlements within a week from notification, and shall promptly inform the worker accordingly.

5. In this case, the thirty-day grace period referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article shall be calculated to run from the date on which the employer deposits the value of the expenses and entitlements, as determined by the Labour Departments concerned, with the Ministry of Labour’s treasury. If the worker does not vacate the accommodation within the said thirty-day period, the Labour Department, with the assistance of the authorities concerned in the Emirate, shall take the necessary administrative measures for eviction.

6. The provisions of this Article shall not prejudice the worker’s right to contest its application before the competent court.

This assumes that the employer has paid all dues, and if not in full, the employee may have the right to remain in accommodation until the dues have been paid.