Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
5 available 5 • View allCan a house worker leave her current sponsor because of overwork and join another?
6
Q: Dear sir/madam,
I am planning to tell my sponsor that I can no longer work in their home because of overwork. My health is not good in their home due to overtime and no off days.
I am hired as a nanny. Can I work outside and tell them?
They hold my passport. What will I do?

Apr 23, 2022
645
Working for 20hrs a day without vacations. What to do?
1
Q: Dear sir/madam,
Is It possible to complain about my working hours?
I am 3 years and a half worker; working as a domestic helper with the same employer and my working hours are still not changed. I work almost 20hrs a day. There are no weekly off days.
For almost 4 years, my passport is with them.

Jun 12, 2022
272
The right of the domestic workers to keep hold on their passport and documents
15
Q: Hello,
I'm a domestic worker, and recently I realize that my EID is different from all my friends from the same agency. Mine doesn't have an indication about sponsor name or occupation, it's just plain.
I never saw my residence visa since the employer is keeping my passport. I also haven't seen the ID up close, they only sent me a digital picture of it.
I once called the labor office to enquire about my contract since the office I came from refused to send it to me, unfortunately, I'm not in the labor system.
So my question is, will this be a problem in near future?
Let's say when the visa is being canceled, and what visa am I on because it doesn't look like a domestic worker one to me.

Feb 15, 2022
1001
A housemaid wants to return to her country, but her sponsor refuses. What to do?


1
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
My female relative has been recruited as a housemaid in Ras Al Khaimah. Her passport and Emirates ID have been held by her sponsor.
She is saying that she isn't fit for this work physically and mentally and needs to be relieved. However, the sponsor is not allowing her to return to her country.
What should she or I do for her return?



May 6, 2024
135
Can the employer force the housmaid to work for unlimited hours without rest?



0
Q: 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
38
Legal blog
2 available 2 • View allHow to File an Employment Court Case in the UAE 36
An interview-format article covering the topic of filing an employment court case in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.
May 10, 2021
11346
An 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
93988
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
103837
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
27397
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
5093

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Other answers by
Am I required to replace an old fridge owned by the landlord if it can't be repaired? 0
Hello,
My rental here in Dubai comes with a fridge and cooker. I believe these to be at least 10 years old. The fridge has now stopped working and requires a part to be replaced.
This comes at a cost of 540 AED, which is over the agreed amount that I am responsible for. My Ejari comes with an extra addendum provided by the landlord, which states:
1. The landlord is responsible for major maintenance of the apartment (namely structural, electrical, and plumbing) exceeding 500 AED + 5% VAT. The tenant is responsible for any minor maintenance as needed as a result of wear and tear.
2. The property is leased with the following assets (fridge and cooker) owned by the landlord in working condition and should be returned in the same condition. Any maintenance required is the tenant’s responsibility.
My question is:
If I'm unable to fix this fridge, do I have to provide a new one? The company looking to repair the fridge is having an issue finding the part needed, as it is old.
May 19, 2025
12
How to clear name and go back if you left the UAE with an unpaid personal loan? 0
My brother had a personal loan of 300k.
He lost his job, and the company terminated him, and his visa was cancelled, so he moved back home in 2015. He is trying to find a job back in the UAE.
Is there any way to get him cleaned, paying the court fine?
The bank he had a loan with has been merged with other groups, and he doesn't know who to contact.
Repayment is impossible without a job, and finding a job at the age of 50 is not an easy task.
Appreciate your advice.
Thanks
May 19, 2025
12
My sister passed away, leaving her son. How can I transfer his visa to my name? 0
Hello,
My sister passed away and left her son. Her husband has given me power of attorney and a legal heir certificate.
How can I transfer the son's visa to my name in the UAE?
May 19, 2025
19
How can I cancel my partner visa without the sponsor in Dubai? 0
Hello,
How can I cancel my partner visa without the sponsor in Dubai?
May 19, 2025
16
Can my parents take legal action if I move out without their consent while under my father’s sponsorship? 0
Hello,
I'm 23, female, Pakistani, under my dad's sponsorship on a residence visa for the next 2 years.
During these 2 years, I hope to leave my house, but my abusive parents would raise hell if I even brought up the topic. So my only option is to leave without them knowing.
My concern is: what legal action can they take against me if I move out without their approval?
I don’t want to do anything illegal or risk my residency.
May 16, 2025
14

Premium
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Is it possible to pay a fine instead of serving 1 month imprisonment and still face deportation? 0
Hello,
I got 1 month imprisonment, a 100 AED fine, and deportation.
Is there a way out if I can pay instead of serving 1 month imprisonment and still get deported?
May 7, 2025
54
How can I change my visa status if my ID is about to expire and the company is blocked? 0
Hello,
My ID will expire on 14th May. The company is blocked.
I want to change my status. How can I do this?
May 9, 2025
24
Can I go on vacation after resigning if my visa is not yet canceled? 0
Hello,
Can I go on vacation even though I have already resigned from my employer and my visa is not yet canceled?
May 9, 2025
46
What is the Stop/Suspend EXT transaction in the Labour Court? 0
Hello,
What is the Stop/Suspend EXT transaction in the Labour Court?
May 8, 2025
18
Do I have to pay a penalty if terminated after completing my contract period? 0
Sir,
As per my contract period, they mentioned that if I leave the company before 1 year, I have to pay 5000 dirhams. But I have already completed more than 1 year and 3 months.
The company has given me a warning letter saying my work performance is low, and if I continue like this, they will terminate me. They didn't mention any charges, but they mentioned in the letter a top penalty procedure.
So I need to know whether I have to pay them any charges or not.
May 9, 2025
29

Premium
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Can I exit the country after being notified by ADJD of a civil claim against me? 0
I was notified by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department that a civil claim had been filed against me. I’m ignoring it.
Can I just run away and exit the country easily?
I guess no travel ban has been imposed against me yet.
Thank you.
May 19, 2025
16
How to clear name and go back if you left the UAE with an unpaid personal loan? 0
My brother had a personal loan of 300k.
He lost his job, and the company terminated him, and his visa was cancelled, so he moved back home in 2015. He is trying to find a job back in the UAE.
Is there any way to get him cleaned, paying the court fine?
The bank he had a loan with has been merged with other groups, and he doesn't know who to contact.
Repayment is impossible without a job, and finding a job at the age of 50 is not an easy task.
Appreciate your advice.
Thanks
May 19, 2025
12
My sister passed away, leaving her son. How can I transfer his visa to my name? 0
Hello,
My sister passed away and left her son. Her husband has given me power of attorney and a legal heir certificate.
How can I transfer the son's visa to my name in the UAE?
May 19, 2025
19
How can I cancel my partner visa without the sponsor in Dubai? 0
Hello,
How can I cancel my partner visa without the sponsor in Dubai?
May 19, 2025
16
What can I do if I cleared the travel ban at the police station but it still cannot get a clearance certificate? 0
I had a case at Al Barsha Police Station, Dubai, for one year.
On 22 April, the court announced a verdict and imposed a fine of AED 5000, which I paid on the very next day and got the certificate from DPP, which I took to the Al Barsha Police station and submitted there.
The police officer told me that they have removed the travel ban, and the records will be updated in other emirates within 24 hours.
It's been more than 48 hours now since I applied for a clearance certificate on the MOI app, and it has turned into status "review with the concerned party."
I don't have any other cases, only this case, for which I paid the penalty already.
Seeking expert advice, please.
May 16, 2025
27

Other answers by
Do I have to pay the value of training to the company in case of terminating the contract? 0
Salam,
My company has filed a complaint against me in MOHRE related to training fees.
This is the clause mentioned in my contract:
"The Second Party shall be obliged to pay back the value of the training (which is estimated at an amount of 10000 AED) when they terminate the employment contract based on their own free will (within One Year) from the date of commencement of their contract, without prejudice to the First Party's legal or contractual obligations. (the amount agreed on for the value of the training period must be commensurate with the employment period of the employee)"
My question is:
1. I served 11 months in the company. Can they demand the full 10,000 or it should be less due to 11 months (as per the last line of the clause)?
2. I didn't even get training from the company. I learned normally by working on projects with seniors. No training session was conducted for me. Should I still have to pay?
My case is in MOHRE.
Thanks
Nov 13, 2024
338
Can I apply for Amnesty 2024 with a bounced cheque and credit card debt? 5
Hi,
Amnesty 2024 has just started, and I really want to apply for it, but I have a company bounced cheque and personal credit card debt.
Is there any solution to avail of the amnesty and legalize my status? If yes, what is the step-by-step procedure?
Thank you to those who can enlighten me on this question, and God bless us all!
Sep 2, 2024
1014
How can I resolve a travel ban with an expired passport and a bounced check case? 1
Hello,
I have a civil case for a bounced check and a travel ban. My passport has expired and can only be renewed in my home country.
Due to the travel ban, it is not possible to exit and renew the passport. With an expired passport, I can't work.
What are the options in this situation? Can my wife take this case and start paying in installments so that I can go to renew his passport and come back?
Thank you!
Jun 28, 2024
191
I have an unpaid credit card in the UAE and I will be traveling to Qatar. Will I be arrested? 1
I have an unpaid credit card of approximately AED 45000 in the UAE.
I will be traveling to Qatar due to work.
Will I be arrested in Qatar?
Jun 21, 2024
172
I had a drug case against me and it has been closed. Can I get a new employment visa? 1
I have had a drug case against me recently and it has been closed. I have paid my fine and I am cleared from the travel ban.
I am still working with the same employer but I am thinking about changing jobs.
Will I be able to get a new employment visa and be hired in a new firm despite the record?
Mar 28, 2024
579
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