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!

Dear colleagues, According to Article 15 of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 (“Executive Regulations”), employees occupying supervisory roles are exempt from the provisions of the Labour Law and the Executive Regulations in relation to maximum working hours only if they possess powers equivalent to those of the employer. Could you please clarify what is meant by "if they possess powers equivalent to those of the employer"? Currently, we have heads of departments who report to the directors. Will they be eligible for overtime? Also, those who have a POA to sign contracts will they be eligible? Or, those who temporarily replace the CEO while he is out, will they be eligible?

I got a work permit and moved to the UAE. I had a work permit for 2 months, which was supposed to be changed to residency. But I got medically unfit, and the company off-boarded me the same day. They gave me a grace period of 15 days before cancelling the visa. In these 15 days, I have managed to get my test redone and am in the process now. Can I ask my agency to let me stay till I get my reports updated, and not to cancel the visa as it's already in the legal limits? I entered on 2 March, so my visa expired on 2 May. I have taken 1 test and the results are due by the next two weeks (between 14 April and 21 April). Can I ask them to hold the cancellation because I am pretty sure my reports will be revised?

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?

زوج وزوجة، الزوجة مالكة لشركة بنسبة 50‎%‎ ولديها شريك أجنبي يملك بنسبة 50‎%‎. الشريك مخول بالتوقيع في كافة المعاملات البنكية للشركة والزوجة كذلك لها ذات الصلاحية. بعدها، غاب الشريك الأجنبي عن الشركة وسافر. ومازالت الشركة نشطة والعمال لايستلمون رواتبهم والشريك قام بتحويل جميع أموال الشركة إلى حسابه الخاص دون علم الشريك الآخر. ثم تحصلت الزوجة الشريكة على شيك، فقام الشريك الأجنبي بفتح بلاغ خيانة أمانة واستلم زوجها الشيك. فما هو الحل القانوني من ناحية جزائية وتجارية؟

Hello, I am switching jobs soon. Can my current work visa be canceled if I still have a personal loan and credit cards that I am making payments on?

Good afternoon, Thank you for your time. The public prosecution appealed my judgment (a fine that I satisfactorily cleared) and requested increasing the fine. Can you please explain what happens during a criminal case appeal hearing for me as a defendant? Will I be asked questions? Is the hearing just for the Public Prosecution to present their appeal to the judge, and I do not need to give a response? Thank you again for your time.

My relative is staying with his friend. His friend was arrested for drug trading (MDMA). My husband also got arrested, but he is not involved in trading. He is a first-time offender in drug use. He got arrested two months ago and he is in Ajman, Jurf jail. He is asking us to give money to a lawyer to make the court order and release fast. Is it possible? How long will it take for his release and court order? What will be the court order?

Hello, I bought an apartment, but the previous landlord is refusing to vacate it. The contract clearly states that the landlord should hand over the apartment on the day of the transfer. Out of courtesy, I gave him three days to vacate so he could find a new place to stay, but the time has passed, and he is still refusing to vacate and hand it over. What should I do in this case?

Dear lawyers, The new employee will start on June 1, 2025. However, he would like to open a new bank account in the UAE thus asking to provide the salary certificate mentioning his salary in AED and if possible not mentioning the start date. Legally, can the company provide such a certificate?

Dear sir/madam, I had signed a labor contract with the Ministry of Labour which had no "non-compete" clause. Now, I want to leave the company, but my employer wants me to sign the "non-compete" clause in the termination contract. In this case, is the non-compete clause applicable or not?

Dear Questioner, In the UAE, is there a maximum amount an employer can deduct from an employee's severance pay due to damage/negligence?

Hi, I wanted to purchase a 2-bedroom apartment in JVC Dubai. I gave a 10% security deposit cheque to the seller. The price mentioned in the MoU is very high compared to other similar apartments in the same building. The bank’s valuation also came in very low. Since the valuation is much lower, how can I terminate the MoU and get my cheque back? The MoU ends on 1st October 2024. One of the articles in the MoU states: In the event that the Buyer fails to make the payments as agreed or fails to complete the transfer on the agreed date due to his own acts or omissions, the Seller has the right to terminate this agreement and retain the deposit, provided that the termination is due to a violation of the agreed terms, unless both parties agree amicably to different dates. I need help urgently.

صباح الخير، ما الطُرق المتاحة للإنذار بأمر الأداء قبل إقامة الدعوى في حال كون المدَّعِي (فرد) والمدَّعَى عليه (شركة) في الإمارات؟ شكرًا!

السلام عليكم، اتفقت الشركة مع مكتب محاماة على عقد سنوي بمبلغ مقطوع بالإضافة إلى نسبة من المبلغ الذي يتم تحصيله من القضايا. هل يستحق المحامي نسبة من الفائدة القانونية المقضي بها حكمًا؟

Hello lawyers! Please help me, what does it imply when public prosecution puts an arrest warrant and no travel ban? Thank you in advance

Dear Sir/Madam, I rented out a machine two weeks ago. Today, I received news that it burst into flames at the worksite. Can I claim compensation for the machine and the lost business opportunity until it gets replaced?

Can a Muslim man marry a Muslim woman in the UAE law?

السلام عليكم، أنا مغربي وزوجتي مغربية، نقيم في الشارقة. أريد أن أتزوج امرأة ثانية مغربية. تجب موافقة الزوجة الأولى على التعدُّد في القانون المغربي. هل يُطبَّق هذا القانون عليّ إن تم الزواج في الإمارات؟

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته، عامل ترك العمل نتيجة سؤال التحريات عنه، ولا يوجد مكان له نعلمه، وتغيب لمدة أسبوع. ماذا نفعل؟