Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allEmployment clauses obliging employees to pay visa and labour expenses
28
Q: Hello,
I received a job contract and I'd like to know if it is legal in terms of the UAE labour law to put such a statement in it:
"The employee will bear the visa expenses, relocation expenses and all other applicable expenses incurred by the agency during the recruitment phase, in case of leaving before completing the first year".
In case I sign such a contract, will I be legally obliged to pay visa expenses for leaving the job before completing one year period?
Thank you.

Dec 24, 2017
6212
Forcing an employee to pay visa costs in case of resignation before visa expiration
15
Q: Hi,
In my offer letter, which I signed, it is written that the visa cost of AED 5000 will be incurred if the employee leaves before visa expiration.
After 6 months, I have given resignation with two months’ notice period according to my unlimited term employment contract.
Do I have to give AED 5000 as a visa penalty?
My boss says that he won’t accept my resignation until I pay the company 5000 AED. It has been 16 days since he didn't accept my resignation.
He is forcing me to give 5000 AED and threatened to ban me if I do not pay. Can I go to MOHRE?
If I launch a complaint to MOHRE and the matter is still not resolved and it is referred to the court, do I have to hire a lawyer then?

Dec 2, 2019
3053
Obligation to pay employment charges in early resignation
0
Q: Am I responsible for paying all expenses like visa which my employer paid for me?
Because I want to quit the job, I'm just 4 days working under probation.

Jun 3, 2019
678
Legal blog
2 available 2 • View allAn Overview of the New UAE Labor Law and Recent Amendments of 2024 235
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
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Procedures of Litigation and Execution in the UAE 42
Many people opt to go for litigation without hiring a legal professional, mainly because they can't afford it. This article provides a brief summary of the steps and procedures of litigation. As the process itself can be confusing to many, even after getting a favorable judgment, we present some tips to help them execute judgments issued by the court and get their rights if an amicable solution has not been reached.
Aug 5, 2021
21139
Laws & Regulations
2 available 2 • 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
103871
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
27500

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Request for legal guidance regarding employer harassment and premature asset retrieval demand (3) 0
(COnt-2) Given the above, I kindly request your professional guidance on how to proceed legally to protect my friend's rights and ensure a safe and documented handover of company property.
(The laptop the lady sponsor is referring to is authorized by her to my friend when she joined the company on 15 December 2023)
Thank you for your support.
(Already our friend [----] has posted the same concern, but her complete message hasn't been delivered to this platform ) Therefore, I am resubmitting our concern; we just need the correct direction, please.
Thank you so much for your help!
May 30, 2025
10
Request for legal guidance regarding employer harassment and premature asset retrieval demand (2) 0
Cont-1) as outlined in the termination notice.
Following a recent threatening message from her sponsor, in which she mentioned filing a police complaint, she proactively contacted Dubai Police for guidance.
They advised her to visit Jebel Ali Police Station to report the matter and seek assistance regarding the harassment.
Our concern is that if she returns the laptop prematurely, her work may be deleted or altered, and this could negatively impact my End of Service Benefits (EOSB) and her professional record, as her sponsor has a pattern of making unfounded accusations.
Here is the most recent message my friend received from her: “Good morning. Hi, I urgently need my laptop and keys from the cabinet. Send me the location, I will send CAREEM. I need my laptop and keys from the cabinets immediately. If you do not send the location to pick up my stuff, I’m gonna go to the police. Sorry, but you must return my stuff. My business cannot operate properly without my computer.” (COnt-2)
May 30, 2025
10
Request for legal guidance regarding employer harassment and premature asset retrieval demand (1) 0
Respected Law Team Members, I am writing to seek genuine legal advice and guidance for our friend regarding an ongoing issue with her employer.
On 23rd May 2025, she received a termination notice via WhatsApp from her sponsor, which clearly states that she is required to complete her handover by 20th June 2025.
Since receiving the notice, however, her sponsor has been repeatedly contacting her via WhatsApp and phone calls, pressuring her to immediately return the company laptop and office cabinet keys, despite the agreed-upon handover date.
In addition, she has been verbally accusing my friend and making threatening remarks, creating a hostile environment, and causing her emotional distress.
To clarify her legal position, she contacted MOHRE, who advised her to reshare the termination notice to the lady employer about the handover date (20th June 2025) as she outlined in the (Cont-1)
May 30, 2025
11
My friend was caught by CID inside a massage centre. What will be the next step they will take? 0
Hi
My friend was caught by CID inside a massage centre in the waiting area while he was waiting for a massage. Now his Emirates ID is with the Ajman police.
What will be the next step they will take?
May 29, 2025
20
How can I remove a travel ban or avoid arrest if I left the UAE with an unpaid rent case? 0
In 2018, I was involved in a dispute concerning unpaid rent related to a property managed by [-----] under the jurisdiction of the Land Department. [----] proceeded with legal action, resulting in a civil case and the imposition of a travel ban.
A civil case had been reported in an Arabic-language newspaper. Not being fluent in Arabic, I missed the Land Department hearing, and the obvious outcome included an order for payment and a travel ban, but I had already left the country by that time.
questions:
Statute of Limitations: After how many years does such a civil case expire under UAE law, thereby allowing me to legally return to Dubai without facing arrest or enforcement actions?
International Travel: Am I currently at risk of arrest or extradition if I travel to non-GCC countries like India or Pakistan?
Forgive my brevity and rudeness due to 1000-character limits
May 29, 2025
30

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How can I remove a travel ban or avoid arrest if I left the UAE with an unpaid rent case? 0
In 2018, I was involved in a dispute concerning unpaid rent related to a property managed by [-----] under the jurisdiction of the Land Department. [----] proceeded with legal action, resulting in a civil case and the imposition of a travel ban.
A civil case had been reported in an Arabic-language newspaper. Not being fluent in Arabic, I missed the Land Department hearing, and the obvious outcome included an order for payment and a travel ban, but I had already left the country by that time.
questions:
Statute of Limitations: After how many years does such a civil case expire under UAE law, thereby allowing me to legally return to Dubai without facing arrest or enforcement actions?
International Travel: Am I currently at risk of arrest or extradition if I travel to non-GCC countries like India or Pakistan?
Forgive my brevity and rudeness due to 1000-character limits
May 29, 2025
30
How can my kids learn about their father's condition without contacting his family? 0
Good morning,
I have two kids. Their father is in critical care and is not able to communicate, and we have been divorced for more than seven years.
The other side of the family is not communicating with the kids about the father's whereabouts for them to visit him, and they have not been in touch with the kids for the past two weeks due to family issues that took place in court regarding guardianship of the kids.
How can I find a way for our kids to know what is going on with their father and his condition without reaching out to them, to avoid any further escalation?
My daughter has tried to call them, but there was no response.
Please advise!
May 29, 2025
11
Can my husband take our 2-year-old daughter abroad without my consent? 0
Hello,
My husband has been threatening that he will take my 2-year-old daughter to Pakistan and leave her there with his family.
He has said this several times and has confirmed to my dad that he will be taking my daughter in the coming few weeks. We are both on his sponsorship.
What are my rights in the UAE? Can my husband travel with a minor without the mother's consent? How can I stop him from taking my daughter to Pakistan? Do I have any legal standing if I am under his sponsorship?
May 29, 2025
13
Tenant demanding more than RDC verdict. Must I pay before the execution file is issued? 0
Good day,
I am a landlord, and my tenant filed a case with the RDC. The verdict was in his favor, and I am to pay the financial claim, which is the fees and expenses of the case.
The tenant asked for a specific amount, which is higher than the official receipt that the RDC provided. So, I have paid that exact amount directly to the tenant.
Naturally, the tenant asked for more. May I ask for guidance regarding the procedure?
It has not been 15 days since the verdict, so I have been told by the RDC that the case is not final, and I must wait for the execution file to determine the exact amount.
While I am happy to wait for that, my tenant has been threatening to open an execution file if I do not pay before the 15th day. She mentioned a travel ban as well. I feel lost and uncomfortable with the situation.
Please help me understand the procedure.
May 29, 2025
14
UAE credit card was used fraudulently abroad. Bank and police won’t act. What can I do? 0
Hello,
I had a fraudulent and unauthorized transaction on my credit card, but the bank is saying no action can be taken as it happened outside the country.
We approached the police, but they are saying to proceed legally as it happened outside the country.
May 28, 2025
21

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Can I get a new job and employment visa while under a false embezzlement case and travel ban? 0
Hello,
My previous employer filed a case against me for embezzlement and imposed a travel ban. I know for myself it was all a lie, but since the case is already filed and the police investigation is still ongoing, I need to find a job.
However, first, I am worried that my new employer will come to know I have an active case. Second, I am worried that I cannot get an employment visa.
Can someone help me?
May 29, 2025
14
Is it obligatory to issue an invoice for my customer to process his down payment? 0
Hello sir,
Is it obligatory to issue an invoice for my customer to process his down payment?
Our system doesn't allow us to issue an invoice unless the goods exist in our inventory. We also require this advance or down payment as confirmation of his order.
My customer is insisting on issuing him an invoice and says that this is required by UAE laws.
May 29, 2025
13
How can my kids learn about their father's condition without contacting his family? 0
Good morning,
I have two kids. Their father is in critical care and is not able to communicate, and we have been divorced for more than seven years.
The other side of the family is not communicating with the kids about the father's whereabouts for them to visit him, and they have not been in touch with the kids for the past two weeks due to family issues that took place in court regarding guardianship of the kids.
How can I find a way for our kids to know what is going on with their father and his condition without reaching out to them, to avoid any further escalation?
My daughter has tried to call them, but there was no response.
Please advise!
May 29, 2025
11
Can I challenge my child's custody again after losing the first trial and appeal? 0
Hello,
Is it possible to try again to challenge my child's custody even if I lost in the first trial and appeal?
May 29, 2025
12
Deported after being acquitted in a drug case. Can I apply to have the deportation lifted? 0
Hi,
I am an Indian and have been working in Dubai for the last 8 years. I had a criminal case (drug case).
I proved my innocence in court and was released from jail after 10 months, but the federal authority deported me from the country.
Can I remove my deportation?
May 30, 2025
11
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