Q: I am trying to cancel my visa application through DMCC free zone, however, the application as stated by DMCC was 'returned by immigration as the applicant is still wanted by police. Please clear the case so we can proceed with the application'. The issue I am having here is that I don't know why this is coming back from immigration as I have checked police cases online and there is nothing showing. I also checked on Dubai Prosecution website and cant find any case showing either. Does this mean I have a criminal case and warrant for my arrest that I can't find online and don't know about? I am very worried and concerned about this situation as I can't find any information regarding any case. At the same time, my employer is filing an Absconding Case as they can't cancel my visa and are now being charged overstay fees due to my passport not being stamped. This creates another issue as I have just been offered new employment in Dubai. What should I do and is it likely that I have a criminal case?

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I would like to inform you that we established a company in DMCC FREE ZONE. We had 3 visa quotas. For two board of directors, we could receive an entry permit. For one of them, it is two times rejected. Would you be kind enough to let me know what should we do? Our nationality is Iranian and we have German residency as well. I would be pleased if you could help us. Your high cooperation is appreciated in advance. With kind regards,

Q: I need to cancel my residency visa which issued by a Fujairah based free-zone, but I haven't renewed my trade license since 2017 due to financial issues. As of now, I'm struggling to cancel it and looking to apply for employment. Expecting legal advice for this.

Q: Can I renew my free zone business license by myself or do I need to pay an agent to do it for me? They are charging a very high fee to fill out a form.

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I've served a 30-day notice, and my employer is supposed to provide the cancellation and end-of-service (EOS) settlement on time. However, if my employer fails to process the cancellation, how many days does the DMCC Authority typically take to handle the cancellation upon my request? Additionally, how many days would you suggest I wait after completing the 30-day notice period before approaching the DMCC Freezone Authority, given that my next employer is already waiting?

Over the years the UAE has become a centre of trade and commerce for the Middle East, thanks to its strategic location, excellent connectivity and extensive services to assist with all aspects of business. According to the World Bank's 2016 report, the UAE has ranked 31st in the global index of ease of doing business. This encourages more entrepreneurs to set up different kinds of business entities in the country.

The UAE government has announced important changes to the federal Commercial Companies Law, the most significant is related to the foreign ownership of mainland companies. This will grant foreign investors the full ownership of share capital in companies carrying out certain activities specified to that effect by the competent authorities. This means that foreign investors’ shares will not be limited anymore to a maximum of 49% like before, but can be up to 100% instead.

An interview-format article covering the topic of the new amendments to the laws in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

The UAE attracts a large population of expatriates from around the world for business or leisure. It occurs sometimes that those expatriates violate the rules of their visas and incur overstay fines which accumulate the longer they stay beyond their visa's expiry date. This may result in travel restrictions, banning violators from entering the UAE for a certain period or lifetime. The UAE authorities have now announced a two-month scheme for violators to rectify their situations.

The provisions of this law, promulgating UAE Civil Code, govern the civil transactions in the United Arab Emirates. The commercial transactions remain subject to the laws and regulations applicable in their regard.

This Decree sets the rules and conditions for the termination of fixed-term (limited) or unlimited (not term-bound) employment contract between employer and worker in the United Arab Emirates.

The provisions of this Law apply to the commercial companies established in the UAE and the foreign companies that have established in the UAE a base to conduct any activity therein or established a branch or representative office. The Law abrogates Federal Law No. (8) of 1984 Concerning Commercial Companies.