Questions & Answers
Terminating an employee's unlimited contract during COVID-19 pandemic
I am new to the country and have worked for a year and a half in a company. I have a 2-year unlimited contract from them. Suddenly, I got an arbitrary dismissal without any valid reason, warning letter, or notice.
They told me that it will be the last day of my work and they will pay only my previous month and 18 days.
They will give me 45 days grace period to find a new job but, due to COVID-19, the market is saturated and all companies are shut down in the meantime for opening new opportunities.
During the day of termination, they asked me to sign a paper for cancellation. I asked them about what I will get, they said that they will pay only my working days.
My concern is I don't know any policy in the UAE about termination. I heard from people that if you get terminated, they have to pay 3 months of your basic salary and give you the rightful benefits.
Is it possible to file a case for this?
Dear questioner,
In case the company terminated your employment contract without any valid reason, then yes, you are in arbitrary dismissal situation, and based on the Labour Law, the company have to pay a compensation up to 3 months salary.
As an initial step, you have to hire a lawyer to serve them with a legal notice. In case they will not reply to the legal notice, you can file a labor case against them.
In case you need my assistance, please contact me via email.
Best Regards,
Raluca Gatina
You can claim the compensation for arbitrary termination and it can't be more than 3 months' basic salary. You need to file a complaint at Twafouq 800060 and if not settled, then you can move to court.
Call me for more details!
