Q: Hi. This is Arun from Thailand. I need a legal opinion from your concern regarding the cheating faced from a UAE-based firm named R. I. In January 2017,   my wife signed an agreement with them regarding a job offer letter to Canada. The total fees they asked for were AED 7000, but for the initial payment, I paid AED 4000 to them. They said it will take 6 months. In January 2018, they told me that presently they aren’t able to do the job offer for me because there is no current openings. After that, they gave me one more offer that they have for an Atlantic immigration program to Canada. In this case, I also believed them and they started the program. Then only I came to know that they didn’t even know how to fill the immigration application. So I told them to stop the processing and refund me the full amount on last April, but till now, they didn’t refund and they are keep on postponing. I thought to file a case against them, so I am requesting you to give me an advice on the same.

Q: I had signed up with an immigration consultant for immigration to Canada. According to the contract I would be refunded the full amount if my application did not get through in a year. I had asked for a refund and they have only approved 2560/- out of around Dhs 9500/-. I need help to resolve this issue. Thanks.

Q: I approached an immigration consultancy in Dubai for a Canada work permit, we signed an agreement and I paid AED 28,600. The agreement said if the company doesn't process my work permit within 6 - 8 months, I will be entitled to a full refund within 90 working days. The company defaulted on the processing time and I requested and signed a refund document with the company stating that a "refund will be given within 90 working days". From the look of things, the company isn't willing to refund the money after 90 working days. In this case, what should I do or where should I complain to get my money back from the company ASAP? Note: my visa will expire on February 24, 2023, and the 90 working days for the company to refund me will end on February 04, 2023. Thanks for your assistance.

Q: Hello respectful Sir/Madam I applied for migration to Poland through a consultancy in Dubai on December 28, 2022. They said I would get a work permit within 60 days, but it has been more than 6 months. I now need my deposited amount back, but they are saying to mail customer care. I have receipts for payment and a fake offer letter. Can you please suggest how I can get a refund legally?

Q: Hello, This is R. from London. I am writing to seek legal help on account of immigration fraud. I had signed a contract with a company called [-----], located in Dubai under DED. They had claimed that they can get me a sponsorship job within 6 months and if not, then I will be entitled to a full refund. However, they have misled and misguided me on multiple occasions. They first sent me the initial job opportunities for Malta and when I pointed it out to them, they apologized and sent me job applications for London. When the period of six months was over, I requested a refund and they claimed that it has not yet been six months as weekends and holiday periods (Eid holidays, etc) were not included in the six-month period. Them they sent me a separate email explaining this although it has not been mentioned anywhere in the contract. It has been over 8 months and they are still refusing to give me the refund. Kindly help me regarding this. I want to get my money back.

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

The Law sets up the legal framework for the protection of consumer rights in the UAE. The Law establishes the Higher Committee for Consumer Protection and the Consumer Protection Department, and sets up the fines for breach of its provisions.

The provisions of this Federal Law, known as the "New Consumer Protection Law", govern Consumer Protection regulations in the United Arab Emirates. The New Consumer Protection Law repeals the previous UAE Consumer Protection Law (Federal Law No. (24) of 2006 on Consumer Protection).

The provisions of this Cabinet Resolution No (12) of 2007 Concerning the Executive Regulations of Federal Law No (24) of 2006 on Consumer Protection.