Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
6 available 6 • View allHolding the passport of an employee by the employer


6
Q: I would like to know, as per the Labor Law, can an employer keep the passport of an employee? If not and the employer is still keeping the passport, what to do?
Thank you



Oct 31, 2019
1831
Is it necessary for a company to keep holding the passport after termination?
1
Q: Dear sir madam,
Is it necessary for a company to keep holding my passport after termination?

Jun 27, 2022
295
Is it illegal to hold the passport of an employee?
4
Q: Can a company owner keep my original passport with him?

Feb 2, 2019
1250
The previous employer is holding the passport and the EoSB after cancelation. What to do?


1
Q: Dear sir/madam,
My previous employer has already canceled my visa and I have also got an offer letter from a new company.
My previous company is still holding my passport and final settlement. I need my original passport to submit to the new company to start the employment visa process but the previous company is refusing to return my passport and the settlement money also.
The company is saying that I need to change my visa status first then only they will return my passport.
Can you please guide me on whether it is allowed to hold my passport even though I have already given an offer letter to the previous employer?



Dec 8, 2022
222
How do I request my passport back from my employer after many refused requests?




1
Q: Dear Lawyers,
How to request my passport back from my employer after many requests have been refused?





+2
Jul 31, 2024
702
Is the employer supposed to keep the employee passport during his/her contract?




0
Q: Is the employer supposed to keep the employee's passport during his/her contract?





+3
Apr 23, 2025
108
Legal blog
2 available 2 • View allAn Overview of the New UAE Labor Law and Recent Amendments of 2024 235
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
94376
Can My Employer Hold My Passport? 10
An interview-format article covering the topic of an employer demanding to hold an employees passport. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of LAWGICAL with LYLAW.
Jan 15, 2020
8516
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • 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
103871
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
27498
Ministerial Decree No. (764) of 2015 On Ministry of Labour Approved Standard Employment Contracts 5
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.
Sep 27, 2015
5095

Other answers by
Is it mandatory to visit the CID in person to update my records? 2
Respected Advisors,
I have been involved in a few criminal cases since 2017, but all of them were cleared by this year. I have obtained release letters for all the cases from the public prosecution office through an online portal.
Recently, I also received my residence visa. After the visa process was completed, I applied for a PCC online. However, the request was rejected.
I contacted the 901 office, and they advised me to visit the CID. I arranged for a power of attorney to be granted along with all the necessary documents to update the system.
Twice I was told to come in person, but I am hesitant to do so because of my previous negative experience.
Could someone please advise me whether I must go in person or if the person holding the power of attorney can handle the process?
Thank you!
Nov 15, 2023
731
How can the heirs of a deceased person distribute his shares if there is a minor? 1
My father died recently. We are Muslim residents in Dubai. I have siblings including a minor who is 16 years old. My father has land and vehicles under his name.
If I am applying for inheritance, does the minor need to have a share in ALL the properties and vehicles or can she be given a particular property/vehicle?
Secondly, if we want the land to be in her name, and she manages it (like renting and bank), does it require an adult?
Can the vehicles be transferred to someone else’s name without including her?
Your guidance will be very much appreciated.
Oct 26, 2023
150
Senior executive unfairly dismissed: How much compensation to claim? 2
Dear Sir/Madam,
I have been unfairly dismissed (it's personal on their end) and have been given only two months' salary apart from the compulsory gratuity and notice pay.
I would like to claim more than two months as I am a senior executive (Director).
Up to how much should I claim, and would this be a realistic amount for me to "win"?
Oct 16, 2023
160
Can we file a claim against an employee if he caused a financial loss to the company? 2
There was a legal action against an employee who failed to participate in an international event in Saudi Arabia due to a family issue that resulted in a travel ban, which in turn led to the non-signing of an AED 100,000 deal resulting in a loss to the company.
- What legal grounds exist for the employer to pursue legal action against the employee in this scenario?
- Does UAE labor law provide any specific guidance or remedies for such situations?
- What are the desired outcomes or remedies the employer can seek through legal action?
- Are there any potential legal consequences or liabilities for the employer in pursuing this case?
- What documentation and evidence are needed to support the employer's case?
Sep 14, 2023
987
What are my options if my husband is refusing to pay child support? 1
Dear Sir/Madam,
What are the charges to open an execution file in Sharjah for a divorce case and how much time will it take to execute the court order?
My husband told the court that he does not have money to pay for me and my daughter's expenses because he is earning a minimum amount in which he can only survive.
In that case, what can I do?
He closed all his bank accounts and sent money to his parents in India. He also told me that he will show in court that he does not have a job or money, so the court or police cannot do anything to him.
Can you please guide me on what I can do in this case? I do not have any proof of his salary or bank account because he was not informing me about anything related to his financial matters.
In fact, he was forcing me to ask my parents to send money to us. Because of no proof, the court agreed with him and rejected my appeal. I do not have a job and I am struggling for basic expenses.
Can I request the court to inquire about his gratuity and end of service?
Or can the court ask him to submit proof of the money that he received from his company, as he was working for 30 years in the same company?
Sep 13, 2023
361

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Request for legal guidance regarding employer harassment and premature asset retrieval demand (3) 0
(COnt-2) Given the above, I kindly request your professional guidance on how to proceed legally to protect my friend's rights and ensure a safe and documented handover of company property.
(The laptop the lady sponsor is referring to is authorized by her to my friend when she joined the company on 15 December 2023)
Thank you for your support.
(Already our friend [----] has posted the same concern, but her complete message hasn't been delivered to this platform ) Therefore, I am resubmitting our concern; we just need the correct direction, please.
Thank you so much for your help!
May 30, 2025
10
Request for legal guidance regarding employer harassment and premature asset retrieval demand (2) 0
Cont-1) as outlined in the termination notice.
Following a recent threatening message from her sponsor, in which she mentioned filing a police complaint, she proactively contacted Dubai Police for guidance.
They advised her to visit Jebel Ali Police Station to report the matter and seek assistance regarding the harassment.
Our concern is that if she returns the laptop prematurely, her work may be deleted or altered, and this could negatively impact my End of Service Benefits (EOSB) and her professional record, as her sponsor has a pattern of making unfounded accusations.
Here is the most recent message my friend received from her: “Good morning. Hi, I urgently need my laptop and keys from the cabinet. Send me the location, I will send CAREEM. I need my laptop and keys from the cabinets immediately. If you do not send the location to pick up my stuff, I’m gonna go to the police. Sorry, but you must return my stuff. My business cannot operate properly without my computer.” (COnt-2)
May 30, 2025
10
Request for legal guidance regarding employer harassment and premature asset retrieval demand (1) 0
Respected Law Team Members, I am writing to seek genuine legal advice and guidance for our friend regarding an ongoing issue with her employer.
On 23rd May 2025, she received a termination notice via WhatsApp from her sponsor, which clearly states that she is required to complete her handover by 20th June 2025.
Since receiving the notice, however, her sponsor has been repeatedly contacting her via WhatsApp and phone calls, pressuring her to immediately return the company laptop and office cabinet keys, despite the agreed-upon handover date.
In addition, she has been verbally accusing my friend and making threatening remarks, creating a hostile environment, and causing her emotional distress.
To clarify her legal position, she contacted MOHRE, who advised her to reshare the termination notice to the lady employer about the handover date (20th June 2025) as she outlined in the (Cont-1)
May 30, 2025
11
My friend was caught by CID inside a massage centre. What will be the next step they will take? 0
Hi
My friend was caught by CID inside a massage centre in the waiting area while he was waiting for a massage. Now his Emirates ID is with the Ajman police.
What will be the next step they will take?
May 29, 2025
20
How can I remove a travel ban or avoid arrest if I left the UAE with an unpaid rent case? 0
In 2018, I was involved in a dispute concerning unpaid rent related to a property managed by [-----] under the jurisdiction of the Land Department. [----] proceeded with legal action, resulting in a civil case and the imposition of a travel ban.
A civil case had been reported in an Arabic-language newspaper. Not being fluent in Arabic, I missed the Land Department hearing, and the obvious outcome included an order for payment and a travel ban, but I had already left the country by that time.
questions:
Statute of Limitations: After how many years does such a civil case expire under UAE law, thereby allowing me to legally return to Dubai without facing arrest or enforcement actions?
International Travel: Am I currently at risk of arrest or extradition if I travel to non-GCC countries like India or Pakistan?
Forgive my brevity and rudeness due to 1000-character limits
May 29, 2025
29

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Request for legal guidance regarding employer harassment and premature asset retrieval demand (1) 0
Respected Law Team Members, I am writing to seek genuine legal advice and guidance for our friend regarding an ongoing issue with her employer.
On 23rd May 2025, she received a termination notice via WhatsApp from her sponsor, which clearly states that she is required to complete her handover by 20th June 2025.
Since receiving the notice, however, her sponsor has been repeatedly contacting her via WhatsApp and phone calls, pressuring her to immediately return the company laptop and office cabinet keys, despite the agreed-upon handover date.
In addition, she has been verbally accusing my friend and making threatening remarks, creating a hostile environment, and causing her emotional distress.
To clarify her legal position, she contacted MOHRE, who advised her to reshare the termination notice to the lady employer about the handover date (20th June 2025) as she outlined in the (Cont-1)
May 30, 2025
11
As a UK citizen returning to Dubai after over a year, do I need to apply for an entry permit? 0
Hello,
I am a UK citizen. I arrive in Dubai on the 2nd of June. I think I need to apply for an entry permit, as I have been out of the country for more than 1 year.
Please, can you help?
Everyone I speak to doesn't know and gives different information.
May 29, 2025
10
Can I get a new job and employment visa while under a false embezzlement case and travel ban? 0
Hello,
My previous employer filed a case against me for embezzlement and imposed a travel ban. I know for myself it was all a lie, but since the case is already filed and the police investigation is still ongoing, I need to find a job.
However, first, I am worried that my new employer will come to know I have an active case. Second, I am worried that I cannot get an employment visa.
Can someone help me?
May 29, 2025
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Is it obligatory to issue an invoice for my customer to process his down payment? 0
Hello sir,
Is it obligatory to issue an invoice for my customer to process his down payment?
Our system doesn't allow us to issue an invoice unless the goods exist in our inventory. We also require this advance or down payment as confirmation of his order.
My customer is insisting on issuing him an invoice and says that this is required by UAE laws.
May 29, 2025
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How can my kids learn about their father's condition without contacting his family? 0
Good morning,
I have two kids. Their father is in critical care and is not able to communicate, and we have been divorced for more than seven years.
The other side of the family is not communicating with the kids about the father's whereabouts for them to visit him, and they have not been in touch with the kids for the past two weeks due to family issues that took place in court regarding guardianship of the kids.
How can I find a way for our kids to know what is going on with their father and his condition without reaching out to them, to avoid any further escalation?
My daughter has tried to call them, but there was no response.
Please advise!
May 29, 2025
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