Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
5 available 5 • View allCan I terminate my contract for no overtime pay and no day off?


2
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
If I am working more than 8 hours a day without overtime pay or any day off, can I terminate my contract with the employer?



Apr 30, 2023
163
An employer is forcing an employee to work overtime. What are the options?
6
Q: Dear Lawyers,
I am being required to work overtime without being paid for it, and if I don't comply, my salary will be cut and my visa will be canceled. They have also threatened to mark my passport as "absconding."
What should I do in this situation?

Jan 9, 2023
850
The company contract states that no overtime payment will be made. Is this legal?
1
Q: Hi,
My company closed and terminated everyone and is willing to pay for a 14-day notice period, but not willing to pay overtime which is more than 50 hours.
Its contract states: "Overtime work may be required in peak periods to meet deadlines, and this may in some cases include weekends and public holidays. No overtime payment will be made."
Isn’t having such statements in the contract against the law, as the law states differently?
How can I go about this?

May 7, 2024
94
Should I report excessive overtime beyond labor law limits that impacted my well-being to MOHRE?


1
Q: Dear UAE legal team,
My last working day is today. While working for my ex-employer, I have consistently worked overtime, often exceeding the legal limits outlined in UAE Labor Law (Articles 17, 18, and 19). This includes working on weekends and late into the night specifically in April 2024.
While I have submitted overtime requests and received payments for these hours, I believe that the excessive workload has negatively impacted my well-being and may have violated labor laws.
Should I report this to MOHRE, and will this be beneficial to other employees?
Would appreciate your responses/guidance!



Nov 1, 2024
126
Is overtime applicable on work-from-home days under company’s policy?


0
Q: Hello,
The company has a policy allowing employees to work from home once per week.
Now, employees are asking if overtime is applicable for those who work from home as well.
Could you please clarify?
Thank you!



May 2, 2025
21
Legal blog
1 available 1 • View allAn 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
92562
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allFederal 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
26960
Federal 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
103759
Ministerial Decree No. (765) of 2015 On Rules and Conditions for the Termination of Employment Relations 8
This Decree sets the rules and conditions for the termination of fixed-term (limited) or unlimited (not term-bound) employment contract between employer and worker in the United Arab Emirates.
Sep 27, 2015
12466

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Can a debt agency access AECB reports without consent for a 15-year-old closed case? 0
Dear Respected Lawyers,
Subject: Request for Legal Advice Regarding Unlawful Practices by a Debt Collection Agency
I would greatly appreciate your advice and guidance regarding a troubling issue my colleague is facing with a collection agency.
The company has been contacting the employer, urging them to ask my colleague to get in touch with them regarding a supposed liability.
This claim is related to a 15-year-old closed dispute with a bank credit card, and the issue seems to stem from outdated and inaccurate information on the AECB report.
Our main concerns are as follows:
Unauthorized Access: The company is accessing her AECB report without her consent. She has never given permission for them to retrieve or view her personal financial information.
How is it possible for a third-party agency to openly access and track AECB reports, especially for a dispute that was resolved 15 years ago?
Apr 8, 2025
113
I was evicted from my apartment to be sold but it was gifted and rented at a higher price. What can I do? 0
I was evicted from my apartment after living there for five years. My landlord informed me a year in advance that the lease would not be renewed because he intended to sell the property.
Prior to this, he attempted to impose a rent increase that was not compliant with RERA regulations, which I refused to accept. He then served me with an official Dubai Court eviction notice, citing the need to take back the property for sale.
Five months after I moved out, I discovered the property was rented out at a much higher price. Upon further investigation, I found that the ownership was transferred as a "Gift" rather than a sale.
This makes it seem like the eviction was only to raise the rent rather than a genuine need to sell.
Do I have a valid case for wrongful eviction against my landlord?
Also, under Dubai law, does transferring ownership as a "Gift" hold the same legal grounds as selling in justifying eviction?
Dec 18, 2024
114
Can I file a case for cyberbullying or defamation after my ex-wife's abusive messages? 1
Hello,
My ex-wife has abused me in chat and called me the following: illiterate, beggar, and said that I don’t have [------].
She called me a bad parent and a bad son.
Can I file a cyberbullying, defamation, or abuse case against her? What are my options?
Jan 3, 2025
136
I invested money in a business but my partner is removing me out from partnership. Can I pursue legal action? 0
Hi
I'm an Irish citizen and a resident of the United Kingdom. I got investment fraud in Dubai. I invested money into a business with a Pakistani national guy in March 2024 via bank transfer into his business account.
Now he's giving back the money which I invested in business after 9 months. He's preparing a letter from a local lawyer to kick me out of the business. I do not have any other option than to take out at least my money.
But it's unfair to me that he used my money in business and took all the advantage.
Some people say to me that if you claim money or take legal action against him, it will take too much time and I need to travel to Dubai to appear in court because it is a civil matter. But I'm not a resident.
How can I follow the civil case there?
That's why my partner knows that I can not do anything and this case keeps running long time and in the end nothing happens. But I'm thinking that I will submit a complaint through my embassy and I also have a solicitor in the United Kingdom.
Dec 24, 2024
72
Seeking justice and compensation for wife's loss due to medical negligence during childbirth 1
Dear Lawyers,
My relative lost his wife during childbirth due to clear medical negligence, as stated in the report from the DHA medical committee.
He had to relocate to India due to the situation and is currently working there.
Please guide us on the steps to take for justice and compensation.
Dec 19, 2024
94

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My landlord increased my rent more than RERA Index and refused my offer and deposit. What to do? 0
Good morning,
My landlord notified me 90 days before my contract’s end of a 15% rent increase, raising it from AED 55,000 to AED 63,250. However, according to the RERA index, the maximum increase should be 5%. I tried to negotiate, but they refused.
On October 15, I made an offer and deposit of AED 57,250 (including the RERA-approved increase). The judge accepted it, but the landlord rejected it, claiming their other 1-bedroom units rent for AED 75,000.
My contract expired on October 31, 2024. Recently, the landlord emailed saying I’m now staying illegally and will be charged AED 100 per day for not signing a new contract.
Last week, I requested a new contract based on the RERA index, but they responded by refusing my offer and deposit, demanding full payment.
My question:
Should I be concerned, or should I let them pursue a case?
Or just wait and see?
Thank you for your assistance.
Nov 14, 2024
170
The landlord insists on increasing the rent more than RERA Index. What can I do? 0
Hi everyone,
I’m facing an issue with my rental situation and would appreciate any advice.
I purchased a company in July that’s renting a shop space, and the tenancy contract (under the company’s name) is ending on November 22.
The landlord is insisting on a 40% rent increase, even though the RERA Index clearly indicates a 0% increase for this area.
I’ve informed the landlord that this increase isn’t in line with RERA regulations, requested a new contract, and asked him to come by to collect the cheques—but he’s been unresponsive.
To protect our position, I filed an offer and deposit with the rental dispute center, but it was automatically closed because the landlord didn’t respond.
My question is: what should I do next?
Filing a case for renewal will cost 5% of the rent, which is a significant amount right now.
Are there any alternatives to proceed without incurring that cost, or any other steps to ensure the landlord adheres to the regulated rental terms?
Nov 14, 2024
411
Is it mandatory for a self-represented applicant to sign the memorandum of defense in a civil dispute? 1
Dear Lawyers,
Is it mandatory for a memorandum of defense to be signed by an applicant representing themselves without an attorney in a civil dispute in Dubai?
If not, what are the potential consequences of submitting a memorandum of defense without a signature?
Thank you!
Oct 14, 2024
89
Can an innocent person's name be dropped during the investigation before court referral? 1
Hello Experts!
Kindly assist with the below:
In a penal case that is still at the investigation stage, if your statement was taken and they realized you are truly innocent, with your name included only by association, is there a chance that your name can be dropped before being referred to court?
Or does the fact that they took your statement mean you must appear in court?
Oct 15, 2024
146
How can a wife file for khula when she is financially dependent on her husband? 1
Dear Lawyers,
How can a wife file for khula when she is financially dependent on her husband and has no funds to support it?
Oct 14, 2024
194

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What legal action can a company take to recover an amount from a non-paying customer? 0
Hello,
We are a building materials trading company based in the UAE. We supplied materials worth AED 50,000 to a customer around 8 months ago, but despite repeated follow-ups and reminders, no payment has been made to date.
We would appreciate guidance on the following:
1. What legal action can we take to recover the amount?
2. What documents should we have ready (e.g., delivery notes, invoice, emails)?
3. How long does the legal process typically take in the UAE for such cases?
4. Is there a recommended timeline or deadline after which legal steps should be initiated?
Thank you in advance for your advice!
Apr 25, 2025
55
Can the husband put a travel ban on his two minor daughters after divorce? 0
Husband and wife are expats from Pakistan. The marriage gave 2 minor daughters first one is 3 years age, the second is 1 year age.
Now the husband has given a divorce to the wife two shots first in 2024 and second in 2025.
If the husband puts a travel ban on minor kids, how long and when can the wife get the removal of the travel ban?
If my wife has to travel abroad in an emergency, how can she take her minor children on a long trip?
After divorce confirmation by the UAE court and custody awarded to the mother, please advise and clarify in detail.
Apr 23, 2025
41
A pharmacy gave me the wrong set of medicine that was not prescribed by my doctor. Can I file a complaint? 0
A pharmacy gave me the wrong set of medicine that was not prescribed by my doctor.
Can I file a complaint?
Apr 24, 2025
31
Can I submit a medical report for a surgery I did in my country so that the annual leave won't be affected? 0
I have undergone a surgical treatment in India and got a medical leave report from there for 15 days.
Can I submit the same medical leave report in the UAE so that the annual leave won't be affected?
The HR is responding that the same 15 days of medical leave will be counted from my annual leave.
Kindly assist
Apr 24, 2025
35
How to file a civil case to reclaim my car after a manager’s check bounced? 0
Hello,
I sold a car and was given a manager’s check, which bounced. The car was recovered after filing a complaint.
How can I file a civil case to get my car back, as the sale condition was not met?
Apr 23, 2025
62

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In how many days can we file a criminal case and what is the role of the public prosecutor? 0
In how many days can we file a criminal case and what is the role of the public prosecutor?
Mar 18, 2025
117
What notice to follow while resigning if there is contradiction, the company contract or MOHRE contract? 0
I'm trying to resign from my company and found out there's incorrect information between my employment contract, my government contract, and the employee handbook.
I was under the impression of having a week's notice period but I'm being told it's 3 months and I'm losing a month's worth of salary.
On top of that, it's showing a non-compete clause for the same industry. I'm trying to change companies in the same industry, how much of an issue is that?
Mar 18, 2025
74
Is the employee responsible for the expenses of changing his visa status from tourist to employment? 0
My friend is currently in the UAE on a visit visa and has received a job offer from a company.
However, the employer is asking him to pay for the visa status change from a visit/tourist visa to an employment visa since he is inside the country.
According to UAE labor law, who is responsible for covering these charges—the employee or the employer?
Mar 19, 2025
65
What are the working hour regulations for nursing mothers in the UAE during Ramadan? 1
Hello lawyers,
Could you please clarify the regulations regarding working hours for nursing/breastfeeding mothers in the UAE during Ramadan?
How many hours are they entitled to?
Mar 20, 2025
116
In an RDC enforcement case, what is the best way to pay, on the RDC app or directly to the landlord? 0
Hi
In an RDC enforcement case, what is the best way to pay?
1. On the RDC app or directly to the landlord?
2. I will pay today 1/3 of the outstanding, can I apply for a payment plan and how shall I do this?
Please advise.
Also, what will it cost me to get assistance in this process?
Thank you
Mar 17, 2025
126

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Can a DTC holiday home permit be used as proof that my landlord re-rented the property after evicting me? 1
Hello,
My landlord vacated the property with 12 months' notice, stating he would live there himself.
However, he started renting the property through the holiday homes system.
Is a permit issued by the DTC for a holiday home valid proof to prove that he is renting and to claim compensation?
Mar 18, 2025
71
I have video recording of my husband beating me. Can I show this in the child custody hearing? 0
I have a video recording of my husband beating me in our garden.
Can I show this in the child custody hearing?
It was filmed with my phone camera
Mar 19, 2025
75
We won the case with the RDC to evict the tenant. What happens after waiting the cooling period? 0
We won the case with the RDC that the tenant has to evict the property. We are told there is a cooling period before they say the date he has to leave.
How long is the cooling period he can appeal and then what happens next if he appeals and if he doesn't?
He was served the one-year notice and then refused to leave, hence the case we raised with RDC and won.
Thank you
Mar 19, 2025
61
Can a free zone visa holder work remotely across the UAE while visiting the company weekly? 1
Hello,
Is it legally permissible for an employee holding a Fujairah free zone visa with a job role in sales and marketing to primarily work remotely from various locations, including Dubai, while visiting the Fujairah-based company once a week?
The employee would meet clients and conduct business activities on the UAE mainland.
Does this arrangement comply with UAE labor laws?
Mar 19, 2025
73
What are the working hour regulations for nursing mothers in the UAE during Ramadan? 1
Hello lawyers,
Could you please clarify the regulations regarding working hours for nursing/breastfeeding mothers in the UAE during Ramadan?
How many hours are they entitled to?
Mar 20, 2025
116

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What does it imply when public prosecution puts an arrest warrant and no travel ban? 1
Hello lawyers!
Please help me, what does it imply when public prosecution puts an arrest warrant and no travel ban?
Thank you in advance
Dec 30, 2024
150
مغربي يريد الزواج مرة ثانية في الإمارات. هل يُطبَّق القانون المغربي الذي يشترط موافقة الزوجة الأولى؟ 1
السلام عليكم،
أنا مغربي وزوجتي مغربية، نقيم في الشارقة. أريد أن أتزوج امرأة ثانية مغربية. تجب موافقة الزوجة الأولى على التعدُّد في القانون المغربي.
هل يُطبَّق هذا القانون عليّ إن تم الزواج في الإمارات؟
Sep 26, 2024
208
كيف نتعامل مع عامل غادر العمل وتغيب لمدة أسبوع؟ 1
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته،
عامل ترك العمل نتيجة سؤال التحريات عنه، ولا يوجد مكان له نعلمه، وتغيب لمدة أسبوع. ماذا نفعل؟
Oct 2, 2024
146
How do I evict a tenant from a commercial property I purchased for personal use? 1
Dear Lawyers,
If I purchase a commercial property with a tenant but wish to evict the tenant for my own personal use, what is the process, and how much notice do I have to give them?
Sep 22, 2024
294
Is the manager or shareholder liable to pay the debts of a limited liability company? 1
Dear Lawyers,
Is the manager or shareholder liable to pay the debts of a limited liability company?
How can a manager or shareholder be exempted from paying the company's debts?
Please advise!
Sep 21, 2024
135
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