Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
6 available 6 • View allEmployer's maneuvering to escape paying the end of service benefits
0
Q: I am the only employee in the company and my job included sales, marketing, accounting, administration and delivery.
I worked using my own personal desktop, phone, internet connection and car since the company has not provided any. I started work in this Free Zone company on Dec 1, 2014, under unlimited contract and on my husband's visa.
I have resigned last Dec 11, 2017, and served my 30 days’ notice period last Jan 11, 2018. My employer was supposed to pay the final settlement on my last day but then she re-scheduled to meet on Jan 14, then on January 16 and lastly on Jan 18.
Just before the day of agreed final settlement, she accused me that all my previous work emails have been allegedly deleted. She filed a complaint of Breach of Contract on Jan 18 and I also filed a complaint about her delay in paying my end of service benefits.
She has continuously intimidated me with her plans to file it in court. These false allegations have caused me and my family emotional distress.
Please advise.

Jan 24, 2018
1701
Termination during probation and non-payment of salaries
5
Q: Hello,
My employer terminated me from the job without any notice. I was working there for the last 4 months as a Restaurant Manager.
When I asked for my salary and my notice period salary they said they will give after 1 week. But when I followed up again, I found they put one complaint that some money is missing.
They also threatened me that they will call the police and to forget all my money now. According to my contract, it says the employer has to pay one month notice period salary in case of termination.
I made a complaint in MOHRE. One employee from the Labour called the company owner to pay me my final settlement. They said they will pay, but again after 2 weeks now, they are not paying me.
What should I do?
Please help me
Thanks

Mar 15, 2019
1015
Terminating a limited labour contract by the employee
0
Q: Hi Mam,
I had terminated my 2-year limited contract with properly giving a notice of one month and serving the notice period to the best of my abilities.
My employer has still not paid my 2 months salaries and now has blocked my number. I have filed a complaint with the labour and they are contacting him over the phone but to no avail.
I have been given an appointment at Tawafouq centre now. Please advise on the procedure.

Jan 19, 2020
316
Senior executive unfairly dismissed: How much compensation to claim?



2
Q: 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
144
Can I still receive my settlement if my employer terminated my contract after one month?

1
Q: Dear Lawyers,
My employer didn't proceed with processing my employment visa. They managed to apply for a labor card, but then held the process and sent me a WhatsApp message stating they would not proceed.
I worked with them for one month. They decided to terminate the contract and stop the visa process. I signed the job offer with a 10k salary, but the labor contract mentioned only 5k.
Until now, they have not paid my one-month salary. They told me they would pay my one-month salary after I returned all the company equipment they gave me, such as phones and a laptop.
My question is, do I have a chance to get my settlement? I already filed a complaint with MOHRE, but I know it will take time, and I have no idea if I even stand a chance. Please advise.


Jul 25, 2024
109
How can I expedite my unpaid salary claim after filing a police complaint?




1
Q: Hello,
I was employed by a company in 2017 that failed to pay my salary. I was given cheques, which eventually bounced. I registered a complaint with the police in May 2018.
However, I have not received any notification or compensation yet. I would like to know if there is any way to expedite the process.





+2
Oct 7, 2024
131
Legal blog
2 available 2 • View allHow to File an Employment Court Case in the UAE 36
An interview-format article covering the topic of filing an employment court case in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.
May 10, 2021
11307
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
92088
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allFederal 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
26829
Federal 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
103723
Ministerial Decree No. (765) of 2015 On Rules and Conditions for the Termination of Employment Relations 8
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.
Sep 27, 2015
12452

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Can I file a case against a friend for privacy breach if he claimed I scolded him for his act? 0
On Jan 2, 2025, one of my close friends did a privacy breach and recorded me and my van in some specific place.
On Feb 5, when I called and asked him why he did this to me, he went and gave a complaint that I scolded him and threatened him.
The same case was later closed by the PP when we negotiated outside the station and apologized.
At this juncture, can I file a privacy breach case against him, which happened on Jan 2, 2025, and on Feb 5 I scolded him only for the privacy breach that happened on Jan 2?
Mar 18, 2025
81
I have video recording of my husband beating me. Can I show this in the child custody hearing? 0
I have a video recording of my husband beating me in our garden.
Can I show this in the child custody hearing?
It was filmed with my phone camera
Mar 19, 2025
69
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
95
Getting my children back from the UAE after my ex-husband took them to avoid divorce 1
Hello,
I'm in Canada, and I filed for divorce. My husband, who owns a real estate company in Abu Dhabi, kidnapped our children and took them to the UAE to avoid the divorce and force me back to him.
My children are twin boys, 8 years old, and a 10-year-old girl. What can I do?
I want to follow them and take my children back, but he says his local Emirati connections will file criminal cases against me and have me jailed if I go there. What can I do remotely?
Does the UAE return kidnapped children to their mother? In the UAE, a guardian cannot legally kidnap their own child; what does this mean for my case?
If I report him, what happens to my children? Will they be held until I arrive to take them?
Mar 3, 2025
88
Can a DTC holiday home permit be used as proof that my landlord re-rented the property after evicting me? 1
Hello,
My landlord vacated the property with 12 months' notice, stating he would live there himself.
However, he started renting the property through the holiday homes system.
Is a permit issued by the DTC for a holiday home valid proof to prove that he is renting and to claim compensation?
Mar 18, 2025
67

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Is there hope for bail in a 25-year sentence for a minor drug charge? 1
Dear Lawyers,
My brother was sentenced to 25 years in jail for a minor drug case (1 gram) on October 24, 2024. Can he get bail?
What will happen next, and what can I do to help him get released?
Kindly advise!
Nov 12, 2024
191
If you had a case for defaulting on a loan and resolved it, how to clear it from the database? 0
Hello,
I have a question.
My husband had a loan 15 years ago, he had difficulty paying this loan, and the bank opened a case, which was solved, and he paid the full loan.
He is still in Dubai and has a good work position.
How is it possible to remove the solved bank case from the database to have the possibility of getting the credit card and loan?
Thank you.
Sep 16, 2024
109
How can I inform authorities I signed a police statement I didn't understand? 1
Good Day,
As someone unfamiliar with local laws and a non-Arabic speaker, the police took my statement but did not provide a translation and told me to sign. I have no idea what they wrote or presented in the case.
The case is now with the Public Prosecution. What should I do to ensure the authorities are aware of this?
Sep 5, 2024
116
Can I bail my husband out if I'm a visitor and provide my passport? 1
Dear Lawyers,
My husband is under investigation, and I want to get him bailed out from detention.
However, I am a visitor. Can I get him bail by providing my passport?
Aug 29, 2024
129
How can I file for divorce in the UAE as an Indian Christian with a son, and ensure custody? 1
Hi, good morning,
I’m an Indian residing in the UAE and want to apply for a divorce. My husband and I have been living separately for more than 3 years, and he has been living in India since our separation.
We are both Indians and Christians (non-Muslims). We have a son who is 8 years old now. Can you please let me know the divorce procedure if we want to proceed in the UAE, both with and without mutual consent?
Additionally, please advise on how to proceed with custody, as my son currently resides with me.
Thank you!
Aug 28, 2024
172

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
703
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
138
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
144
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
957
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
338

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I received a judgment in my favor from RDC that awarded me legal fees. Does this include lawyer fees? 0
I have received a judgment in my favor from RDC that awarded me legal fees.
However, RDC says that legal fees do not mean lawyer fees; they are RDC fees only.
Is this correct?
Feb 14, 2025
118
The public prosecution appealed a judgment to increase the fine I already paid. What do I do now? 0
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.
Feb 7, 2025
166
Can we give a salary certificate to a new hired employee before he starts to open a bank account? 0
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?
Feb 4, 2025
140
I received a termination letter from my company for restructuring. Is this considered arbitrary dismissal? 0
I received a termination letter from my company on January 31st, 2025, with a one-month notice period, stating my last working day as February 28th, 2025.
The reason given for the termination is "considering the current business scenario, the company has considered measures to reorganize the business."
Could this be considered arbitrary dismissal?
Am I entitled to any compensation or benefits from the company as a result of this termination?
Feb 5, 2025
124
Do I need to hire a lawyer if I found I have a marital case against me in the court? 1
By checking in Al Adheed, I have found there is a marital matter case against me in Dubai Courts. There is a hearing date for next week and the time mentioned in the case status with a link for an online hearing.
However, I have not received any message from Dubai courts regarding this by mail or phone. I have all contact details updated with EID. In this case, what should I do?
I don’t know what the case is about.
Should I hire a lawyer or I can attend the hearing by myself?
Please do suggest options.
Feb 3, 2025
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Despite a waiver, the case is still with the public prosecution. Can I travel? 0
Hello,
I had a case regarding fraud by technical means, and we did a tanazul.
It was attested and submitted to the court, but the case still hasn’t been dropped and is now with the public prosecution.
What do I do now, as I need to travel urgently?
Apr 28, 2025
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How can we claim our money back if the cheque we received have bounced for insufficient funds? 0
We received a cheque which has now bounced. We have tried for over a month and a half now to get a new cheque from the person, and every day he says the next day.
We need the money now. We have been to the police station, and they said they can not do anything as the reason the cheque bounced is "Insufficient funds."
We have been to Al Barsha - Dubai Courts, and they said there is nothing they can do about it.
We are not sure what we can do. We need the money asap to pay our kids' school fees, let alone all the interest we have lost.
Apr 28, 2025
33
Who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer? 0
Hello
I joined my new company on February 26, 2025. Upon joining the new company, I asked HR if it was free to join the company, and she said yes.
After working with them for 1 month, I experienced a salary delay, and I had to go to the office to ask why there was a delay in my salary.
That is when the HR told me she deducted my whole salary to recover the transfer fee.
Now my question is, who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer?
Apr 28, 2025
17
Is it possible for a foreigner to get a divorce in Dubai? 0
Is it possible for a foreigner to get a divorce here in Dubai?
Apr 28, 2025
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Can my old employer sue me for a non-compete clause that's only in the offer letter? 0
Hi,
I was previously working in a company based in DMCC and have now moved to Hamriyah Free Zone. In my DMCC contract, there was no mention of a non-compete, but my offer letter includes one.
Now, in my new organization, if my old customers start to contact me for business, am I liable for any legal action from my previous employer?
Apr 28, 2025
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Can I cancel my house sale contract without extra fees after personal plans changed? 2
Dear Lawyers,
I signed a Form F with a buyer for the sale of my house as we were planning to leave the country. The contract was signed about a month ago, but the handover is not until August.
Due to personal circumstances changing, we are no longer leaving Dubai and would like to cancel Form F.
The Form F contract stipulates that we have to pay the buyer 10% of the purchase value. The real estate agent is now claiming that we also have to pay the buyer's real estate commission and the conveyancing fee.
Our understanding is that the 10% penalty is the only penalty. Which is correct, and what are the next steps to dispute this?
Also, is there any way to dispute the 10% itself under the law due to personal circumstances changing?
Jul 12, 2024
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How to know if an offer letter I received from a company in the UAE is legit? 2
I got an offer letter from Al-Haldin Gulf Construction & Petroleum LLC. Can you please advise about the company?
Mar 18, 2024
261
Tenant always late with payments, hasn't renewed contract. What to do? 2
Hello,
I have a tenant who is always late with their payment. Their renewal was supposed to be last December 2023.
Currently, they have not signed any new contract, provided any new cheques, and have stayed for three months from December until now without paying rent.
Additionally, I just discovered that they have sublet the apartment with partitions, which is clearly stated as not allowed in the old contract.
Please let me know what should I do legally!
Mar 14, 2024
490
How soon will I receive the cancellation paper from my previous employer? 1
Dear Concern,
How long will it take to receive the cancellation paper from my previous employer?
My last working day at my current company will be on April 7, 2024.
Mar 16, 2024
304
Tenant received renewal notice, rejected proposed rent on renewal day. What next? 2
Hi,
We sent a renewal notice to our Dubai-based tenant 84 days before his contract renewal, with a 10% increase in rent.
The tenant neither agreed nor disagreed with the proposed rent and replied on the day of renewal that he wouldn't be paying the proposed rent.
Due to the argument, the landlord decided to reduce the rent, but the tenant has not yet renewed his contract. It has been 12 days since his contract expired.
Kindly suggest what could be done in this matter.
Mar 12, 2024
307

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Despite a waiver, the case is still with the public prosecution. Can I travel? 0
Hello,
I had a case regarding fraud by technical means, and we did a tanazul.
It was attested and submitted to the court, but the case still hasn’t been dropped and is now with the public prosecution.
What do I do now, as I need to travel urgently?
Apr 28, 2025
4
How can we claim our money back if the cheque we received have bounced for insufficient funds? 0
We received a cheque which has now bounced. We have tried for over a month and a half now to get a new cheque from the person, and every day he says the next day.
We need the money now. We have been to the police station, and they said they can not do anything as the reason the cheque bounced is "Insufficient funds."
We have been to Al Barsha - Dubai Courts, and they said there is nothing they can do about it.
We are not sure what we can do. We need the money asap to pay our kids' school fees, let alone all the interest we have lost.
Apr 28, 2025
33
Who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer? 0
Hello
I joined my new company on February 26, 2025. Upon joining the new company, I asked HR if it was free to join the company, and she said yes.
After working with them for 1 month, I experienced a salary delay, and I had to go to the office to ask why there was a delay in my salary.
That is when the HR told me she deducted my whole salary to recover the transfer fee.
Now my question is, who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer?
Apr 28, 2025
17
Is it possible for a foreigner to get a divorce in Dubai? 0
Is it possible for a foreigner to get a divorce here in Dubai?
Apr 28, 2025
14
Can my old employer sue me for a non-compete clause that's only in the offer letter? 0
Hi,
I was previously working in a company based in DMCC and have now moved to Hamriyah Free Zone. In my DMCC contract, there was no mention of a non-compete, but my offer letter includes one.
Now, in my new organization, if my old customers start to contact me for business, am I liable for any legal action from my previous employer?
Apr 28, 2025
11

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After 11 months of work, how many leave days is an employee entitled to? 0
Hello,
I want to inquire regarding my leave privileges. I am now 11 months in my company. How many leaves am I privileged to?
Based on Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 regulating labour relations and its executive regulations, you are entitled to a paid weekly rest for not less than one day, as specified in the work contract or the work regulation.
The Council of Ministers may increase the weekly rest day stipulated in this article. The Decree-Law and its executive regulations also stipulate that you are entitled to an annual leave with full pay as follows:
- Thirty days for each year of your extended service.
- Two days per month in respect of any employee with more than six months and less than one year of service.
- Leave for parts of the last year of your service in case it is terminated before you use your annual leave balance.
Now my question is: do I have 22 days I can use? Can someone explain to me in detail?
Thank you!
Apr 28, 2025
28
Can I sell branded replica watches online, not in a physical store? 0
Hello,
Can I sell branded replica watches online, on Facebook Marketplace, etc.?
Not in a physical store, just online.
Apr 27, 2025
25
What can I do if my neighbors are constantly doing construction work and constantly drilling? 0
I live in a townhouse with a shared wall with my neighbors. They are constantly doing construction work and constantly drilling on the shared wall.
They said it will last for 2 months, working 6 days a week. It is driving us crazy, and there is no way to live this way, and I have to work from home.
I am very stressed. What is the immediate solution, please?
Apr 25, 2025
39
هل يسجل الطفل قانونياً بالإمارات في حال كان الفرق بين عقد الزواج الشرعي والولادة تقريباً 166 يوم أقل من 6 أشهر؟ 0
السلام عليكم
هل يسجل الطفل قانونياً بالإمارات (أب إماراتي يحمل جواز من الشارقة ، أم وافدة) في حال كان الفرق بين عقد الزواج الشرعي والولادة تقريباً 166 يوم أقل من 6 أشهر؟
هل يمنع من استخراج شهاده ميلاد؟ وما هي الإجراءات والعقوبات المتوقعة؟
مع العلم بأن الأب معترف بالطفل قبل الزواج وبعده.
شكراً
Apr 25, 2025
18
Can I keep my daughter's physical Emirates ID if the custodian already has the digital copy? 0
Hello,
Can I keep my daughter's physical Emirates ID with me? I already provided the digital copy to the custodian, my ex-wife.
Or should I hand it over to her?
Apr 24, 2025
30
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