Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
6 available 6 • View allA company delayed my visa, can I leave without notice period?
1
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I joined a company in Abu Dhabi during the first week of February.
My offer letter states that if I wish to leave before one month, no salary will be given, and if I leave within six months, one month's salary will be deducted.
However, the company has not yet started to process my visa, and it has been two months.
Can you please advise if I can leave the company immediately without serving the notice period?

Mar 27, 2023
154
Issuing a work visa after visit visa expiry and overstay
20
Q: I have been on a visit visa. I found a job with a company. My visa expired.
The company is telling me to lie to immigration that they just hired me. They told me that I should cry so immigration has mercy and forgive the overstay.
The manager said that I should go to the airport and cry there. I am Ugandan.
Please advise me!

Feb 22, 2020
4317
How to act against delay of hiring process and threatening to bear overstay penalty
1
Q: Hi,
I am a female physiotherapist and I got a job offer from my facility on October 15th 2020, after which they delayed the medical licensing process until February.
I got my licence activated under their facility on February 21st 2021 and again they delayed the joining process and they asked me to cancel my visa (spouse) on March 21st 2021.
My grace period will expire tomorrow and they want me to take a visit visa now or they will cut the penalty from my future salary. What am I supposed to do?
Also, I am not willing to pay a penalty as it's not my fault and a visit visa can't be taken as my husband has already lost his job.
Please give me an advice.

Apr 18, 2021
450
I haven’t taken a visa or signed a contract with the company. Can I leave immediately?

1
Q: Dear Lawyers,
I am working at a company, but I have my own visa. I want to leave this company because of my studies.
It's only been one month, and I haven’t taken a visa from the company, nor am I under their labor contract.
Can I leave the company today?


Aug 8, 2024
81
Can I back out of a signed employment contract before starting work or visa processing?




1
Q: Hi,
I signed an employment contract but haven't started yet as I am still serving my notice period at my current company. My visa has not yet been processed, and I am still on my current company's visa.
Now I don't want to continue with the other company. Do I face any legal obligations?





Aug 19, 2024
203
I signed an employment contract with a company and the visa was rejected. Can I seek other opportunities?


0
Q: Good day,
Pardon my lengthy question.
I had an interview on 21 December and accepted the offer letter on 26 December. The company claims to have proceeded to process my work permit with me signing the MOHRE contract on 5 January.
I have incurred costs in extending my visit visa since it expired on the 14th of January while attending work. I asked for an update on the visa situation, but they keep saying it has been rejected without giving a solid reason for rejection so we can rectify it.
A search on the MOHRE website shows the contract is there but without my signature and it's listed as "Transaction under process, unattested contract" yet I signed it.
My question is, without transparency from the employer, can I seek other opportunities?
I'm currently legally on a visit visa to avoid incurring losses.
Thank you



Jan 21, 2025
277
Legal blog
3 available 3 • View allWhat 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
49219
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
90237
UAE Amnesty Scheme 2024: What You Need to Know 16
The UAE attracts a large population of expatriates from around the world for business or leisure. It occurs sometimes that those expatriates violate the rules of their visas and incur overstay fines which accumulate the longer they stay beyond their visa's expiry date. This may result in travel restrictions, banning violators from entering the UAE for a certain period or lifetime. The UAE authorities have now announced a two-month scheme for violators to rectify their situations.
Aug 30, 2024
3586
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
103592
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
5058
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
26354

Premium
Other answers by
1578 1578 answers •
View allHow much time do I have to start paying after the verdict in the appeal court? 0
Hello,
How much time do I have to start paying after the verdict in the appeal court?
And what's the probability of freezing my account or traffic file if I’m paying?
Apr 11, 2025
70
Can I put a financial guarantee to remove a travel ban in a rental case at RDC? 0
I used to work as a manager in a company, and my name was removed by the Dubai court of execution.
Now, on the paid rent, I got a travel ban, which I objected to at RDC.
The RDC accepted and gave the next hearing date, as I will have all the court papers.
Is there any way to remove the travel ban, as the objections I made at the execution hearing are next month, almost one month?
Is there any way you can put the amount as a deposit, and once the objection case is over, you can take it back?
Apr 9, 2025
83
How can you reach a settlement to avoid legal action by the bank if you lose job and can not repay your loan? 0
My brother lost his job in the UAE 8 months ago and has a debt of AED 170,000 to a bank.
He is finding it extremely difficult to make monthly loan payments to the bank, as he has been unable to find a job even after 8 months.
What options does he have to reduce/settle his bank debt without having restrictions on him, like a travel ban, etc?
Please help him find the best possible solution considering his current financial situation.
Apr 9, 2025
109
My husband and I are Canadian Muslims and he passed away in the UAE. How to open an inheritance case? 0
Hi there,
My husband and I are Muslims. My husband passed away recently.
We have a Canadian will, but I understand that it won’t be honored as I am named the sole beneficiary, and that does not align with Sharia laws in the UAE. He was not a UAE resident but had a small apartment with no Will in the UAE.
We have 3 children. I am planning to go to Dubai to start an inheritance case. I don’t know the exact order of events and what needs to be done first.
1) Do I initiate anything from overseas before making travel plans to Dubai, or do I start once I arrive in Dubai?
Mind you, we cannot afford to stay in Dubai for too long, as the kids have school.
2) Do I need a lawyer, or can this be done by myself?
3) I understand all foreign documents need to be authenticated before presenting them to the court. But I don’t know at what stage I would need these documents authenticated.
I would appreciate it if you could provide a breakdown of the steps, the forms that are needed, and where I can find them.
Thank you
Mar 27, 2025
60
Can the employer ask me for visa expenses if I resign after completing the probation period? 0
I am working in a Dubai private company and I have completed six months of the probation period. Now, I have decided to resign due to a physical problem.
My MOHRE contract mentions one month's notice, and I am willing to serve the notice period, but the employer asks for visa expenses.
My passport was also retained by the employer. How can I cancel my visa by chance?
I filed a complaint at the labour court. How many days does it take to get a verdict?
Apr 7, 2025
162

Premium
Other answers by
3180 3180 answers •
View allHow to file an online defamation case from the Philippines against someone in Dubai? 0
Hello,
I'm currently looking for legal advice regarding an online defamation case. I am a Filipino citizen currently residing in the Philippines. The person I want to file a complaint against is also a Filipino citizen and is currently based in Dubai.
I have already sought legal consultation, but it cost me a lot for just a simple session. Unfortunately, I don’t think I can afford to proceed with the fees required for sending a warning or demand letter to the person I’m complaining about.
I would really appreciate any help, guidance, or information about possible free or low-cost legal services.
Thank you for your time!
Apr 11, 2025
66
What does Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 mean with exempting supervisory roles from the provisions of the Labour Law? 0
Dear colleagues,
According to Article 15 of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 (“Executive Regulations”), employees occupying supervisory roles are exempt from the provisions of the Labour Law and the Executive Regulations in relation to maximum working hours only if they possess powers equivalent to those of the employer.
Could you please clarify what is meant by "if they possess powers equivalent to those of the employer"?
Currently, we have heads of departments who report to the directors. Will they be eligible for overtime?
Also, those who have a POA to sign contracts will they be eligible?
Or, those who temporarily replace the CEO while he is out, will they be eligible?
Apr 10, 2025
60
Can I request delaying my visa cancellation due to medical unfitness until I retake my medical test? 0
I got a work permit and moved to the UAE. I had a work permit for 2 months, which was supposed to be changed to residency. But I got medically unfit, and the company off-boarded me the same day.
They gave me a grace period of 15 days before cancelling the visa. In these 15 days, I have managed to get my test redone and am in the process now.
Can I ask my agency to let me stay till I get my reports updated, and not to cancel the visa as it's already in the legal limits?
I entered on 2 March, so my visa expired on 2 May. I have taken 1 test and the results are due by the next two weeks (between 14 April and 21 April).
Can I ask them to hold the cancellation because I am pretty sure my reports will be revised?
Apr 10, 2025
43
I have unpaid bank loan and credit cards in Dubai and got a job offer from Kuwait. Can I go there? 0
I have a bank loan in Dubai of AED 20000 and two credit cards from different banks (5000+5000), and the total is AED 30000.
The liability is in Dubai. I left Dubai 10 years ago. Now I have a job offer from Kuwait.
Can I go there?
Apr 10, 2025
91
نزاع بين شركاء مفوضين بالتوقيع على المعاملات البنكية للشركة بشأن شيك وتحويل أموال 0
زوج وزوجة، الزوجة مالكة لشركة بنسبة 50% ولديها شريك أجنبي يملك بنسبة 50%. الشريك مخول بالتوقيع في كافة المعاملات البنكية للشركة والزوجة كذلك لها ذات الصلاحية.
بعدها، غاب الشريك الأجنبي عن الشركة وسافر. ومازالت الشركة نشطة والعمال لايستلمون رواتبهم والشريك قام بتحويل جميع أموال الشركة إلى حسابه الخاص دون علم الشريك الآخر.
ثم تحصلت الزوجة الشريكة على شيك، فقام الشريك الأجنبي بفتح بلاغ خيانة أمانة واستلم زوجها الشيك.
فما هو الحل القانوني من ناحية جزائية وتجارية؟
Mar 27, 2025
69

Other answers by
35 35 answers •
View allIs party C bound by the JV agreement between parties A and B after subcontracting its work to them? 0
Dear Lawyers,
There is a JV agreement between Party A and Party B. An Addendum was made in which Party C was added and subcontracted all its work to both Party A and Party B, forming a wholly separate contract.
There is an arbitration clause in the JV agreement. Is Party C bound by that clause? DIAC.
Sep 23, 2024
66
If an employee resigns, are they eligible for gratuity and annual leave? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
What happens if an employee resigns after 1 year and 4 months of service?
Are they eligible for gratuity and annual leave?
Jul 11, 2024
395
Is it legal to resign after a recent visa renewal if I haven't been paid for months? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
I've been working at our company for more than 8 years. Is it legal to resign if my visa was just renewed last March 2024?
My reason for resigning is that the owner hasn't given me a salary since March.
Jul 11, 2024
1749
Shipping company holding goods due to floods, storage charges increasing. What now? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
Seeking legal help for a dispute with a shipping company.
They are holding onto our goods because, during the Dubai floods, they were closed and refused delivery. We urgently need legal help to resolve this, as the storage charges are increasing each day.
Can you please advise on how to proceed?
May 14, 2024
134
My employer holds my passport and asks for visa expenses to cancel it. Should I pay? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am an expatriate in Dubai. I joined a company in Dubai, and my contract started in November 2023. It is a limited contract. Due to some issues with the management, they informed me that I would have to leave the company in March 2024, which I did.
Upon asking them to cancel my visa so I can return home, they said I have to pay around 5000 AED towards the visa expenses. I have asked them for the exact amount, but they haven’t provided it yet.
My passport is with them. I would like to check whether I have to pay the visa expense to them.
Since I am not aware of the formalities, I haven’t approached the Labour Department to get my passport back to leave. I fear they may cause more trouble if I initiate a complaint.
I would like to seek your valuable advice on how to proceed to claim my passport and exit UAE.
Please help!
May 8, 2024
439
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