Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
9 available 9 • View allRequesting staff to take unpaid leave as a result of Coronavirus outbreak

5
Q: Dubai companies are reassessing their staffing levels during the Covid 19 outbreak.
Is it legal to be asked to take unpaid leave?


Mar 24, 2020
1340
Renewal of the residency visa to stay in the UAE during COVID-19 outbreak


1
Q: Hello there,
This is an issue that has come from Covid-19 and I am in desperate need of assistance.
I left my last employment a month ago and was moving to a new job. This was then withdrawn once I left my last employment due to Covid-19.
I am now in the country not wanting to leave but my residency visa will expire on the 27th, March. I can't go home to Germany as the outbreak in Europe is very bad.
What can I do to get either an extension or a travel visa without having to travel at this time?



Mar 24, 2020
1242
Resignation during the unpaid leave period due to COVID-19
2
Q: I am a manager in a UAE company, I have served 2 years on an unlimited contract. I have been instructed I am on unpaid leave for a 3-month period in light of the current situation.
The company is asking me to sign an annexe to my contract that I accept this unpaid leave period. If I do accept, can I still resign during this 3-month unpaid leave period if I get another job?

Apr 27, 2020
2289
Obligating an employee to accept unpaid leave and his resignation upon refusal
0
Q: I've been working in a company in JLT under a limited contract for a year and a half. Due to the current pandemic, I was asked to sign a letter stating that I am going on unpaid leave for 5 months which I did not sign.
I did explain via emails that I can not accept to live without any income for 5 months. I said that I accept salary deductions. I did not hear from them except that they are waiting for my signature for unpaid leave.
I will most probably have to leave Dubai because I can not afford anymore to live here. What are my rights in this case? Can I resign because I haven't received a salary last month? Am I entitled to any end of service benefits in this case?
Am I obligated to pay any penalty because I am resigning under a limited contract? What can I do if I don't hear from them by the end of this month or if I don't receive anything at the end of the month?
Thank you!

May 7, 2020
571
Responsibility of the employer for expenses of employees in pandemic
1
Q: I am working in a company which is registered in Creative City Fujairah Freezone. Last month, our employer sends us on unpaid leave from April to September.
He said he will provide tickets to return back to my country but suddenly the lockdown was imposed. I didn't sign any extra document and this discussion happened on Whatsapp.
On May, I asked for the accommodation cost but he said he won't pay anything, not even for the food and for the rent which I have to pay. I am now helpless, I don't have money to survive here.
Isn't he responsible for the rent and food cost until I leave the UAE?
Please guide.

May 12, 2020
390
Rights of an employee forced for unpaid leave due to COVID-19
0
Q: Hello,
I’m working as a teacher and my school sent me on unpaid leave for 5 months I called Tawafoq, and Tawafoq contacted the school to tell them that I refused this unpaid leave.
So the school said ok if he doesn’t agree with unpaid leave he can go to court. So now I
My contract is limited. So I asked for three months breaking the contract and the rest of my rights.
The question here is shall I raise the complaint like this or I should raise the complaint that I’m asking the school to pay me those 5 months for the unpaid leave months?
I’m really confused because the school didn’t terminate me, but they forced me for unpaid leave and I didn’t sign it. I’m working for one and a half year with them.
If you please tell what rights I should write in the complaint and ask the court to get it for me without doing or asking for something illegal.
Kind regards,
Mr M.M.

May 15, 2020
396
Forcing employees to go to the office during COVID-19 pandemic


0
Q: Regarding the Coronavirus issue,
My employer still wants us to go to the office and they said we have to make our own means of transportation. Our company is manufacturing valves. Are we still allowed to go to work because 80% of the companies are already working from home?



Mar 31, 2020
111
A company sent an employee on vacation due to COVID-19 and deducted his full salary
2
Q: Hi,
I have been working in my company for about 14 years now. Due to the pandemic, I went home in March as a vacation, but never get any financial assistance from my company.
Now my company is not even bothered to bring me back to work.
Do I need to resign to find a new job and can I still claim my service fee/gratuity?
We are a Free Zone company.
Please give advice.
Thank you!

Oct 1, 2020
338
Right of the employer to give the employee unpaid leave without his consent
0
Q: Hi,
Due to the pandemic, the travel industry is affected terribly.
Is the company required to pay for the months that the staff was on unpaid leave if the temporary annex is not signed?

Nov 11, 2020
769
Legal blog
5 available 5 • View allIs COVID-19 a Force Majeure Event? 10
As the world is currently experiencing a major lockdown and suspension of almost all commercial and civil operations, the question arises in the novelty of Coronavirus outbreak on how serious it is to be dealt with as a Force Majeure.
Apr 7, 2020
2234
UAE Labour Law Update (COVID-19): Ministerial Resolution No. (279) of 2020 22
This article discusses the Ministerial Resolution No. (279) of 2020 Regarding Employment Stability in the Private Sector during the Period of Application of Precautionary Measures to Curb the Spread of the Novel Coronavirus Issued by the Minister of Human Resources and Emiratization in Abu Dhabi on 26/3/2020.
Apr 13, 2020
8056
What is Force Majeure & How Does it Apply During COVID-19 in the UAE 0
An interview-format article covering the topic of force majeure in the UAE, in light of COVID-19. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.
Feb 11, 2021
531
Employment Issues and Laws During COVID-19 0
An interview-format article covering the topic of employment issues and laws during COVID-19 in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.
Mar 8, 2021
394
An Overview of the New UAE Labor Law and Recent Amendments of 2024 233
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.
Sep 10, 2024
90229
Laws & Regulations
2 available 2 • View allFederal Law No. (8) of 1980 Concerning the Regulation of Labor Relations 53
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.
Apr 20, 1980
103589
Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 On the Regulation of Labor Relations 34
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).
Sep 20, 2021
26352

Other answers by
109 109 answers •
View allCancellation of SPA for delay in delivery and defaulting on payments 0
Hi
I bought an off-plan property from a developer in downtown during the peak time. My payment plan was based on construction with completion being Dec 2019. I have paid more than 50%.
I requested the developer to readjust my payment plan as the project is delayed. They moved on payment forward and sneakingly changed completion date to Aug 2021 in the document. The SPA still says Dec 2019.
Now I'm struggling to pay the next payment due to COVID-19 and project is completed 56% as par Dubai land department and 60% as per the developer. The developer is asking for payment and calling me every day.
My question is can I still use the delay in the project as a clause to cancel my unit?
Can I cancel my apartment and how much can the developer deduct?
After selling me, the developer started offering customers post-handover payment plans for 4 years, which is very unfair as even if I complete my payment, no one will buy from me as the developer is selling something with 4 years post-handover.
Can legal help be provided in this regard?
Jun 7, 2020
883
Easy way to know whether a job offer is real or scam 0
I am a health professional in Canada.
Years back, I posted my CV to work in the middle east on a job site in the gulf. Last week, I got 3 emails claiming from a general hospital in Abu Dhabi, a hospital Dubai and another medicare hospital in Dubai for online recruitment.
they showed interest in my CV. All emails were from free accounts (gmail.com address). I chose then to forward an email to the concerned HR department of the concerned hospitals.
I forwarded one email to the official email of one of the hospitals (as given on the hospital site). They replied and said, yes, the email is legitimate and you can apply with confidence.
Now I got an offer letter from Dubai hospital with handsome salary offer but from a Gmail address. They're asking me to start position in one month only and asking to contact a travel agency based in Dubai.
Is it a scam or true? I have forwarded the email to the HR department of the hospital to determine authenticity.
Jun 7, 2020
14627
Employee rights in case of changing an unlimited contract to a limited contract 0
Hi,
What is the law if an employer wants to change a contract from an unlimited to a limited contract?
Is the employer liable to pay the 3 months arbitrary dismissal (if valid) + other monies owed prior to changing the current unlimited contract to a limited contract?
Jun 7, 2020
4878
Terminating the SPA and claiming refund for changing specifications 0
Can a developer change the layout of the building as shown at the launch event and part of all brochures/online advertisements/model under the pretext that the same is not included in the SPA?
For the launch, we got convinced with the building design and layout but at delivery, it’s changed without prior intimation.
Can I make a legal case or can they take the guise that it’s not part of the SPA?
Can I get a refund for the 30% advance payment and refuse possession of the unit?
Jun 8, 2020
698
Inability to continue paying the installments of a property because of COVID-19 0
Hi sir,
I live in the UK. I am an investor and a broker for a property development company. One of my customers bought an off-plan property from it i.e just Cavalli Villa 2 years ago. 33% was completed and handover is due in 2021.
My client paid part of the deposit around AED 390000 (£80000) and she has been paying to the project for the last two years until early this year when COVID- 19 hit the UK. Since then, she has been ill and lost her job and, therefore, she is unable to pay.
My customer received a letter from the company saying that if the outstanding amount is not paid within 30 days, then they will take her to court. They say that they would cancel her plot and she will lose all MONEY paid so far.
My client needs payment delay until her situation improves but this request has been declined. The money secured under the ESCROW account. Can the developer have the power to take money from the escrow account?
What is her right under Dubai law? Can she do anything to avoid court order? The UK is in lockdown at the moment with no proper or normal banking functions.
Thank you!
Jun 9, 2020
1511

Premium
Other answers by
1288 1288 answers •
View allHow to file an online defamation case from the Philippines against someone in Dubai? 0
Hello,
I'm currently looking for legal advice regarding an online defamation case. I am a Filipino citizen currently residing in the Philippines. The person I want to file a complaint against is also a Filipino citizen and is currently based in Dubai.
I have already sought legal consultation, but it cost me a lot for just a simple session. Unfortunately, I don’t think I can afford to proceed with the fees required for sending a warning or demand letter to the person I’m complaining about.
I would really appreciate any help, guidance, or information about possible free or low-cost legal services.
Thank you for your time!
Apr 11, 2025
63
What can I do if my creditor used my blank cheque to put an amount more than my unpaid balance? 0
Hi,
I have issued a blank cheque for my EMI, and now the company is using my blank cheque and putting any amount to deposit it.
My total unpaid balance is AED 19000, but they mentioned AED 42,030 on the cheque and another AED 10000. They told me they will deposit it to file a case.
What is my remedy on this matter?
Thank you.
Apr 10, 2025
64
I have unpaid bank loan and credit cards in Dubai and got a job offer from Kuwait. Can I go there? 0
I have a bank loan in Dubai of AED 20000 and two credit cards from different banks (5000+5000), and the total is AED 30000.
The liability is in Dubai. I left Dubai 10 years ago. Now I have a job offer from Kuwait.
Can I go there?
Apr 10, 2025
91
What are the penalties for employing workers without a visa? 0
Hello,
Kindly let me know the statutory provisions relating to the penalty for letting employees work without a visa and the amount of penalty to be paid by the employer.
Apr 9, 2025
51
What are the legal consequences of my partner's voluntary withdrawal from our company? 0
Hello,
My partner voluntarily withdrew from our company which we established in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
We established this company on July 1, 2024. Until now, there is no income or revenue. What is the legality?
Apr 9, 2025
66

Premium
Other answers by
86 86 answers •
View allLabour rights for terminating a limited contract by the employer 0
Dear Sir,
My company made my position redundant due to the Coronavirus effect. I am under a limited contract.
With the end of service, they gave me one month notice period. Is it right or it should be 3 months?
Please clarify
Apr 12, 2020
596
Early termination of a tenancy contract when the landlord is not responsive 0
I want to early terminate my tenancy contract of one of my nurseries in JLT (retail unit) as the business is completely shut since March. I am unable to contact my landlord who is a Chinese national; he does not reply to email or call and may not be in Dubai.
The final cheque is due 01 May 2020, what should I do?
Apr 9, 2020
1404
Consequences of leaving the UAE without canceling the employment contract 0
I have been in Dubai 2 years ago. I left the country before the end of my contract with a hotel. I resigned after 4 months, they asked me to pay AED 5000 penalty.
Instead of paying the penalty, I just left and got back to my country. Am I banned? Will I be able to work in Dubai in the future?
Apr 19, 2020
1420
Deducting housing allowance from end of service gratuity upon resignation 0
I have resigned from my current job and my last day is May 9th after a notice period of 2 months. I was employed for 4 years.
My employer has paid me a full year housing allowance and would like to deduct the remaining months from my end of service. Is this allowed? I have not been made aware that the amount would be deducted in case I resign.
Also, I am entitled to 30 days of leave per year. Since I have resigned, they have applied a pro-rata for this year for the end of service calculation. Is this allowed?
Shouldn't I be compensated for the 30 days that I have not taken?
Thank you!
Apr 9, 2020
3226
Claiming arbitrary dismissal after termination for economic reasons 0
Hi,
I am working in a company situated in the free zone, and due to the economic crisis as mentioned in my termination letter, the company terminated me and gave me a 1 month notice period.
My contract was 3-year visa I finished my 2 years 4 months ago. In this situation, does the company need to pay me a 3-month salary with notice period salary?
Apr 5, 2020
772

Premium
Other answers by
1578 1578 answers •
View allHow much time do I have to start paying after the verdict in the appeal court? 0
Hello,
How much time do I have to start paying after the verdict in the appeal court?
And what's the probability of freezing my account or traffic file if I’m paying?
Apr 11, 2025
69
Can I put a financial guarantee to remove a travel ban in a rental case at RDC? 0
I used to work as a manager in a company, and my name was removed by the Dubai court of execution.
Now, on the paid rent, I got a travel ban, which I objected to at RDC.
The RDC accepted and gave the next hearing date, as I will have all the court papers.
Is there any way to remove the travel ban, as the objections I made at the execution hearing are next month, almost one month?
Is there any way you can put the amount as a deposit, and once the objection case is over, you can take it back?
Apr 9, 2025
82
How can you reach a settlement to avoid legal action by the bank if you lose job and can not repay your loan? 0
My brother lost his job in the UAE 8 months ago and has a debt of AED 170,000 to a bank.
He is finding it extremely difficult to make monthly loan payments to the bank, as he has been unable to find a job even after 8 months.
What options does he have to reduce/settle his bank debt without having restrictions on him, like a travel ban, etc?
Please help him find the best possible solution considering his current financial situation.
Apr 9, 2025
108
My husband and I are Canadian Muslims and he passed away in the UAE. How to open an inheritance case? 0
Hi there,
My husband and I are Muslims. My husband passed away recently.
We have a Canadian will, but I understand that it won’t be honored as I am named the sole beneficiary, and that does not align with Sharia laws in the UAE. He was not a UAE resident but had a small apartment with no Will in the UAE.
We have 3 children. I am planning to go to Dubai to start an inheritance case. I don’t know the exact order of events and what needs to be done first.
1) Do I initiate anything from overseas before making travel plans to Dubai, or do I start once I arrive in Dubai?
Mind you, we cannot afford to stay in Dubai for too long, as the kids have school.
2) Do I need a lawyer, or can this be done by myself?
3) I understand all foreign documents need to be authenticated before presenting them to the court. But I don’t know at what stage I would need these documents authenticated.
I would appreciate it if you could provide a breakdown of the steps, the forms that are needed, and where I can find them.
Thank you
Mar 27, 2025
60
Can the employer ask me for visa expenses if I resign after completing the probation period? 0
I am working in a Dubai private company and I have completed six months of the probation period. Now, I have decided to resign due to a physical problem.
My MOHRE contract mentions one month's notice, and I am willing to serve the notice period, but the employer asks for visa expenses.
My passport was also retained by the employer. How can I cancel my visa by chance?
I filed a complaint at the labour court. How many days does it take to get a verdict?
Apr 7, 2025
159
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