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 On 10.05.17 the LOI was revoked because my work permit got rejected by the DNRD.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: Hi, I am T. H. from Pakistan. I am a software engineer by profession. I want legal advice. When I was in Pakistan, I applied for a job in the UAE online. A private company sent me an offer letter after online test and interview. At that time, they wanted to send me a work visa but at the same time, I already have a visit visa for the UAE, so I explained to them that I already have visit visa. They advised me to avail the visit visa and come to the office so to sign other documents to get ready to change my visa status to employment. I appeared in the office and then they gave me some 1 week to get accommodation near the office. Within 1 week I told them that I am ready to join, but now they are not giving me any positive answer. All these conversations are by email. What should I do now? Any advice, please?

Q: Hi, I am T. H. from Pakistan. I am a software engineer by profession and I want legal advice. When I was in Pakistan, I applied for a job in the UAE online. A private company sent me an offer letter after online test and interview. At that time, they wanted to send me a work visa, but at the same time, I already had a visit visa for the UAE. So I explained to them that I already have a visit visa. They advised me to avail the visit visa and come to the office to sign other documents to get ready to change my visa status to employment. I appeared in the office and then they gave me 1 week to search for accommodation near the office. Within 1 week I contacted back and asked them that I am ready to join now, but now they are not giving me any positive answer. All these conversations are by email. What should I do now? Any advice, please?

Q: One of my friends was offered a manager position from an organization with a proper MOL contract. However, on the day of joining, the employer sent another offer saying that your position is demoted. What are the chances of complaining against this? She lost other chances of employment.

Q: Dear sir/madam, I need advice or suggestion regarding my case. I am a specialist doctor working in an MOH Govt job and I got a call from a private hospital in Dubai. CV was short-listed an interview was done and I was selected, then I received an e-offer letter and after accepting it, a final offer letter was signed. They asked me to resign from my job which I did with 1 month's notice. Now after the cancellation of the license, they have to apply for a new license. For one month, I was waiting and asking for joining. Out of sudden, they are saying that they are not able to obtain a license from MOH because this category of the previous license is not applicable to the private sector. From the start, I kept mentioning and asking to be sure; they said no issue will be for getting it. Now they said they can't. Now, I don't know what can I do. I lost my previous job because of them. I want to know what legal rights I have, and what legal action I can take against the new company.

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I work for a huge MNC in India and have received a job offer from a Dubai-based company. I need to know at what point in the process I should resign from my current company in India. Should I resign after receiving the offer letter, after signing the contract, or after procuring the work permit? Please advise!

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.

According to this Decree, tentative approval to admit a foreign worker for the purpose of employment in the UAE cannot be granted until an Employment Offer that conforms with the Standard Employment Contract is duly signed by the employee and presented to the Ministry of Labour.

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).