Q: I'm a German national who got an offer for a job in JAFZ, which I subsequently accepted by signing an "Employment LOI" starting 09.04.17. On 10.05.17 the LOI was revoked because my work permit got rejected by the DNRD. The reason for rejection was not given and I was told by company's PRO that I'm not allowed in Dubai. I have never been in Dubai before the rejection. I contacted JAFZA and found out that the PRO made mistakes in submitting the application. A company letter was requested and was never provided. The PRO convinced the company that my father's religion "Shiite" and my birthplace "Lebanon" is the problem. I was then told by the PRO that I'm not allowed to enter Dubai. I was able to enter on 15.05.17 without any problems. 1. Is the LOI legally binding? It does not state any conditions concerning the visa. 2. Can I sue the company under the anti-discrimination law and demand compensation? 3. Can I find out why DNRD rejected the application as the company is refusing to ask for clarification?

Q: Good morning sir, I had been working as a senior site engineer for a good contracting company in Dubai. Meanwhile, I was totally trapped by Al Faisaliyah contracting company, Dubai. The company gave me a better offer and position and told me to join fast. When I got an offer letter I resigned from the last employer and exit from the UAE for getting a visa from the new company. But the company sent me one visit visa and told me that when I arrive in the UAE they will immediately change it to the employment visa. When I joined here they told me they will change it as early as possible. Last two months I had to work believing their words. Now I came to know it was totally a trap and they have no labour quota because of 4-month pending salaries to staff. When I realized they are cheaters, I resigned and told them I cannot work illegally here. Also, they didn’t pay me the salary for two months. All the staff here are working with expired visa and same like me. Now I want my salary. Is there any legal way to move???

Q: Sir, I am currently in India. An offer letter was sent to me by an employer and I have signed it. Later, I came to know that this company tortures the workers and even salaries are not paid in time. I am scared. A week ago, they sent me an email asking me to sign "prerequisite for the issuance of work permit", which I have not yet responded. Will I have to face a ban if I do not sign it? Can they issue a visa for me without me signing it? Please help me.

Q: I am Jasim. I filed one case against the company in Dubai Court in commercial dispute category. The company offered me a good position and told me to resign from the previous employer and at last, they sent me the visit visa and told me to join the company. They informed me they started my visa processing. After working for 2 months I did not get my salary and I came to know I was cheated and they had no visa quota due to pending salaries to the employees. Now I am in the 5th hearing stage in the Dubai Court chamber. Now, the judge informed me that my case will be rejected if I do not submit a case transfer paper from the Ministry of Labour Court to Dubai Court. What I have to do now? I had no visa to start the case in Labour Court. I went there first, but they told me to go to Dubai Court since I was on visiting visa.

Q: My contract is unlimited and the company did not pay more than 5 months, sadly. Do I still have to pay early termination fees (45 days of salary) to the company? Please help. Thanks.

Q: I am on my husband's visa and working for a company. My labor card expired and was not renewed. What is my status in the company?

Q: Hello, My colleague and I worked at a restaurant in Dubai Marina in November 2021. We are owed over 20,000 AED each by this establishment and have not yet received payment. Recently, the restaurant changed owners. I would like to add that we made the mistake of working without a signed contract. However, we have communication, including work schedules, contract drafts, invoices, and emails/texts exchanged between managers and financial employees. Could you please advise if there is anything we can do to obtain our money?

Q: Hi, I am working as a security guard in a private company. My labor card expired on January 16, 2022, but my visa and ID are valid until May 2024. Can I cancel my visa, or should I complain to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) if my employer refuses to pay the fine for my expired labor card or renew it? Please advise!

Q: Good day, Can someone answer my friend's concern? She’s working under her husband's visa without a labor card/permit to work. She signed an internal contract and received salaries for several months. Now, if she leaves the company without notice, can any absconding complaint be filed against her? Thank you!

An interview-format article covering the topic of employment in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW. In this article, Ludmila informs readers what they should do and where they should go if they have not been paid by their employer.

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.

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.

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.

The provisions of this law On Evidence in Civil and Commercial Transactions (Law of Evidence) govern evidence in civil and commercial disputes in the UAE.

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).