Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
7 available 7 • View allWhat to do if employer refuses to cancel visa and demands recruitment fee?

4
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I had an employment contract for 3 years, but I worked for only 6 months and then resigned.
The employer refused to cancel my visa and asked me to pay the recruitment fee of 5,700 AED, which was to be paid by me and my new employer.
I don't have the money to pay, and my new employer is not willing to pay for me.
What can I do now?
I have already complained to the UAE Labour.


May 29, 2023
270
How to join a new employer while there is a labor case in court?


1
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I filed a labor complaint, but the company did not pick up the phone when they called twice. We did not discuss the issue mutually, so I was advised to go to court.
I gave a notice period from August 17, 2023 to September 17, 2023. My actual notice period is 3 months, but I did not receive my salary for 4 months.
If I get a job offer letter while the case is in court and want to cancel my visa, will they accept it?
If not, what should I do? Will there be any complications in joining another employer?



Aug 28, 2023
181
Does my new sponsor need to compensate my ex-employer?


1
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I resigned from my company during my probation period at Hamriyah Free Zone Sharjah. I gave my company 30 days' notice in writing via official email.
After 21 days of my notice period, my employer verbally told me to discontinue working and that handing over was enough. I immediately sent an email to my employer to confirm what they had advised me.
After 3 days of discontinuing work, my employer sent me an email stating that my resignation was not accepted because there was no valid reason for resigning.
My employer has not canceled my visa even though one month has passed. I have already filed a case in court and the hearing is on October 23 (which is one month after the end of my probation period, if it is 6 months long).
What can I expect now? If my employer cancels my visa after the court hearing, does my new sponsor need to compensate my ex-employer?



Oct 11, 2023
122
Canceling visa and labor card for new job during ongoing labor case


3
Q: Dear Sir/Ma’am,
I hope all is well with you, and I trust you can assist me in this situation.
I was employed by a private company before I resigned, and my last working day was on September 30. The issue is that they do not want to cancel my employment and provide my gratuity and settlement.
Additionally, my labor card expired on October 6, 2023; will I incur fines for this?
I filed a court case last November, and its second hearing is scheduled for December 26. I have already obtained an NOC from Al Adheed Center.
Recently, I received an offer letter from a free zone, and they are prepared to issue me an employment visa. My current visa is set to expire on December 26, 2023.
Can I personally process the cancellation of my visa and labor card so that the Free Zone company can legally proceed on my behalf while my case is ongoing?
Thank you!



Dec 11, 2023
432
If agency does not cancel my visa for new job, what's next?

1
Q: Good morning, sir
I have paid an agency to process my visa, but unfortunately, I received a job offer and was instructed to cancel the visa to be on the company's visa.
Although I have paid for everything, including cancellation fees, the agency refuses to proceed with the cancellation.
My new company is waiting within the timeframe provided for me to start work, threatening termination if not met.
I lodged a complaint with the Labor Department, and they informed me it would take 5 to 10 days to resolve the issue and provide me with the cancellation letter for the new company.
However, by then, the time will have elapsed. Can my agency still cancel it after my complaint to labor, or must we continue to wait for labor?
Additionally, I intend to file a lawsuit against the agency if I lose my job and visa. Kindly advise.
Thank you!


Mar 21, 2024
88
Can I request a residency NOC with an expired visa while awaiting my salary from the court?




1
Q: Dear Lawyers,
The judgment of my labor case is in my favor. I had some pending salary from my employer, which they eventually paid to the court.
I’ve been waiting for my payment from the court. However, my residency expired one month ago. Can I request a residency NOC now?
Also, if I have an offer letter, would I need to pay for my overstay?





+2
Nov 12, 2024
86
Can I process my visa with an approved labor card despite having a travel ban and ongoing case?




1
Q: Hi, lawyer.
I have a travel ban and an ongoing case. My labor card is approved.
I want to know if I can still process my visa, noting that I already have a travel ban due to the investigation.





Dec 11, 2024
109
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2 available 2 • View allAn 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.
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What Happens If I Overstay My Tourist or Resident Visa in the UAE? 35
An interview-format article covering the topic of overstaying your tourist or resident visa in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW. Ludmila discusses the aspects of overstaying, like fines, grace periods, exemptions...etc.
Feb 16, 2020
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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
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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
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Ministerial Decision No. (31) of 2018 Concerning Developing a New Employment System Under Part-Time Contracts 4
The Decision establishes a new employment system in the UAE allowing employers to recruit employees classified as skilled workers level 1 and 2 for a part-time job. Under this decision, skilled employees who are already employed elsewhere, can work with more than one employer under a part-time contract without the permission of any employer.
Jan 21, 2018
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My husband sold the house we bought jointlyand took a cheque plus 1-year instalments from me. What can I do? 0
Hi,
I am a non-Muslim indian expatriate, residing in Dubai since 2015. The first 5 years, I was on a working visa, and after the delivery of my first baby, I left my job and became dependent on my husband.
In 2018, we bought a house together where I invested AED 2 hundred thousand from my income (I have proof in the form of a cheque). I also paid AED 3300 monthly installment for 1 year, for a personal loan taken out for the house.
But in spite of my resistance, my husband tactfully put the house in his name, so the title deed was in his name. In 2024, when my kids and I were in India for vacation, he cancelled our visas and residency. He also filed for a divorce in India.
The divorce is not yet finalised, and we are still married. Since August 2024, he hasn't let me access my house in Dubai, so I filed a case, which eventually went in my favor in January 2025.
Since I used to travel on a visit visa, I left for India and returned in March, to find out that my husband had already sold the house. The new owner is residing there.
What can I do now?
Help!
May 1, 2025
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Can the employer force the housmaid to work for unlimited hours without rest? 0
Hi
I'm a nanny, and at the same time, I work as a housemaid (khadama) here in the house. I work, but as I know, the nannies and housemaids have different rights, and my employer doesn't give me rest.
My work starts at 7:30 am and then finishes at 10 pm or less. It depends on whether the baby is asleep or what time they will take on me if not yet asleep. Is this right?
Also, at the time of eating, I'm still working because the baby is with me, so I just let her sit in her chair. That's how I eat.
Please answer me. I want to know my rights.
Because if I can leave during the 6-month probation, I want to take it if the employer is this kind. I don't know.
They are also expats, but they don't follow the rules of the UAE regarding a housemaid.
May 1, 2025
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My previous organization has not yet released EOSB because I contacted a client. Is this legal? 0
I recently joined a new organization in the Hamriyah Free Zone, and my previous organization has not released my end-of-service benefits.
The HR has instructed the finance team not to do so because I had contacted one of their clients.
In my DMCC contract, there is no Non-Compete clause, but the offer letter has one, and now they are not releasing the end-of-service.
Is this legal? What are my rights?
Apr 30, 2025
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Can I renew my trade license and visa if I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me? 0
Hello,
I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me due to financial strains last year.
My trade license and visa will expire next month, along with my Emirates ID.
Is it possible for me to renew my license and visa along with EID prior to settling the execution cases?
The trade license and visa were issued by the free zone authority.
I look forward to your response.
Thanks.
May 1, 2025
42
Can I return to Dubai after 12 years away on a new employment visa? 0
Hello,
I came from Dubai to India on emergency leave, but unfortunately, I did not return. It has now been 12 years. Can I go to Dubai on a new visa?
I have already received a new employment visa from another employer.
Can I return to Dubai, or will there be any problems with UAE immigration?
Please advise!
Apr 30, 2025
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How to claim compensation after receiving a court judgment in my favor for a car accident? 0
Good day,
I need help, please. I was involved in an accident. I was run over by a car and I was not the guilty party.
Now, I have received the judgment order from the court.
How do I submit it to claim my compensation from the guilty party?
Thank you!
May 2, 2025
18
Is overtime applicable on work-from-home days under company’s policy? 0
Hello,
The company has a policy allowing employees to work from home once per week.
Now, employees are asking if overtime is applicable for those who work from home as well.
Could you please clarify?
Thank you!
May 2, 2025
17
Can the employer force the housmaid to work for unlimited hours without rest? 0
Hi
I'm a nanny, and at the same time, I work as a housemaid (khadama) here in the house. I work, but as I know, the nannies and housemaids have different rights, and my employer doesn't give me rest.
My work starts at 7:30 am and then finishes at 10 pm or less. It depends on whether the baby is asleep or what time they will take on me if not yet asleep. Is this right?
Also, at the time of eating, I'm still working because the baby is with me, so I just let her sit in her chair. That's how I eat.
Please answer me. I want to know my rights.
Because if I can leave during the 6-month probation, I want to take it if the employer is this kind. I don't know.
They are also expats, but they don't follow the rules of the UAE regarding a housemaid.
May 1, 2025
23
My previous organization has not yet released EOSB because I contacted a client. Is this legal? 0
I recently joined a new organization in the Hamriyah Free Zone, and my previous organization has not released my end-of-service benefits.
The HR has instructed the finance team not to do so because I had contacted one of their clients.
In my DMCC contract, there is no Non-Compete clause, but the offer letter has one, and now they are not releasing the end-of-service.
Is this legal? What are my rights?
Apr 30, 2025
17
Can I renew my trade license and visa if I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me? 0
Hello,
I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me due to financial strains last year.
My trade license and visa will expire next month, along with my Emirates ID.
Is it possible for me to renew my license and visa along with EID prior to settling the execution cases?
The trade license and visa were issued by the free zone authority.
I look forward to your response.
Thanks.
May 1, 2025
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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
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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
184
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
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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
130
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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