Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
6 available 6 • View allMaternity leave and related rights under the UAE labour law
13
Q: Hello.
I need to know my right. I was on my maternity leave and I took an additional 1-month leave along with my maternity before leaving so I can be with my little one for more time.
However, I got pain and infection in my stitches as it was my second c-section. I took a doctor leave and sent it to my company for an additional 2 weeks' leave extension, but they refused.
So I told them it's not possible for me to work at the moment hence consider it my resignation. Now, they are not paying my gratuity and end of service benefits and trying to deduct one-month salary as I didn't serve my notice.
I'm concerned because I never had intentions to resign and requested for leave. They left me no choice even I sent a proof to them the doctor's documents as support.
They shouldn't deduct one-month salary as notice because it's not my fault. Can anybody help?
Moreover, the time they don't pay or deduct I want to go legal way to challenge them.
Is it possible??
Help me, please.
Jan 13, 2019
7760
Maternity leave followed by unpaid leave, can we consider sick leave on a prorated basis?


2
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
After completing three years, an employee will go on maternity leave starting from March 4, 2024.
Following approved maternity leave, the employee will take unpaid leave. The employee has already used all available annual leave and utilized 25 days of sick leave at the beginning of the year.
If the employee goes on maternity leave followed by unpaid leave, can we consider sick leave on a prorated basis?
Mar 4, 2024
185
The rights of a pregnant lady when being terminated before delivery
2
Q: Hi,
I am a pregnant lady (7 months) working in a construction company (project base).
My issue is if I am going to be terminated before my delivery, can I demand compensation till the end of maternity leave?
What action do I need to do if this happens?
Thank you!
Dec 8, 2020
504
Should an employer pay for maternity leave during the 6-month probation period?




1
Q: Dear Lawyers,
If a female employee joins an organization and goes on maternity leave within the 6-month probation period, is the employer supposed to pay for the maternity leave?
Is there a required time duration that employees must complete in the organization to be eligible for maternity leave pay?
+1
Aug 20, 2024
191
Is parental leave applicable for a male employee whose family is outside the country?



1
Q: Dear Lawyers,
Is parental leave applicable for a male employee whose family is outside the country (child born abroad)?
Sep 5, 2024
160
How many paid maternity leave days does UAE law entitle employees to?




1
Q: Hi,
I would like to inquire about the number of paid maternity leave days an employee is entitled to under UAE law.
Could you please provide clarification on this matter?
Thank you!
+5
Oct 2, 2024
200
Legal blog
2 available 2 • View allMaternity Rights as per the UAE Labour Law 12
This Article explores the maternity rights envisaged under the UAE labour law [Federal Law No. 8 of 1980 regulating Employment Relations in the UAE (the 'Employment Law')] and also about the important points to be noted while availing the leave.
Nov 10, 2020
7684
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
92050
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
103722
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
12447
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
26822

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How can we claim our money back if the cheque we received have bounced for insufficient funds? 0
We received a cheque which has now bounced. We have tried for over a month and a half now to get a new cheque from the person, and every day he says the next day.
We need the money now. We have been to the police station, and they said they can not do anything as the reason the cheque bounced is "Insufficient funds."
We have been to Al Barsha - Dubai Courts, and they said there is nothing they can do about it.
We are not sure what we can do. We need the money asap to pay our kids' school fees, let alone all the interest we have lost.
Apr 28, 2025
28
Who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer? 0
Hello
I joined my new company on February 26, 2025. Upon joining the new company, I asked HR if it was free to join the company, and she said yes.
After working with them for 1 month, I experienced a salary delay, and I had to go to the office to ask why there was a delay in my salary.
That is when the HR told me she deducted my whole salary to recover the transfer fee.
Now my question is, who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer?
Apr 28, 2025
12
Is it possible for a foreigner to get a divorce in Dubai? 0
Is it possible for a foreigner to get a divorce here in Dubai?
Apr 28, 2025
7
After 11 months of work, how many leave days is an employee entitled to? 0
Hello,
I want to inquire regarding my leave privileges. I am now 11 months in my company. How many leaves am I privileged to?
Based on Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 regulating labour relations and its executive regulations, you are entitled to a paid weekly rest for not less than one day, as specified in the work contract or the work regulation.
The Council of Ministers may increase the weekly rest day stipulated in this article. The Decree-Law and its executive regulations also stipulate that you are entitled to an annual leave with full pay as follows:
- Thirty days for each year of your extended service.
- Two days per month in respect of any employee with more than six months and less than one year of service.
- Leave for parts of the last year of your service in case it is terminated before you use your annual leave balance.
Now my question is: do I have 22 days I can use? Can someone explain to me in detail?
Thank you!
Apr 28, 2025
22
What can I do if I got a judgment in absentia for selling medicine without a license? 0
I got an order of 6 months imprisonment and deportation for a judgment in absentia by the Sharjah court for selling medicine without a license. I was not involved in the case directly; my friend used my car, and he had my bank card.
They made a confession that they were working for me and made a false claim that they had transferred money to me. As I am outside the country, I came to the UAE to solve my case.
I got detained at the airport, and the CID asked me some questions. I mentioned they didn’t transfer me a single Dihram, so he let me go, as the case was already open for appeal.
In the first instance court, they gave me the same verdict, then I appealed and attached documents like bank statements and my company details, which were not mentioned before.
They gave a date for the judgment, but it was not issued, and they gave the next date. I have been suffering a lot for the last 3 months here in the UAE and for 6 months back home.
So my question is that what will happen next?
Will the case be open for retrial, and will the CID be convinced by my logic?
Can they drop charges, or now the court decide only?
Apr 25, 2025
38

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What can I do if I got a judgment in absentia for selling medicine without a license? 0
I got an order of 6 months imprisonment and deportation for a judgment in absentia by the Sharjah court for selling medicine without a license. I was not involved in the case directly; my friend used my car, and he had my bank card.
They made a confession that they were working for me and made a false claim that they had transferred money to me. As I am outside the country, I came to the UAE to solve my case.
I got detained at the airport, and the CID asked me some questions. I mentioned they didn’t transfer me a single Dihram, so he let me go, as the case was already open for appeal.
In the first instance court, they gave me the same verdict, then I appealed and attached documents like bank statements and my company details, which were not mentioned before.
They gave a date for the judgment, but it was not issued, and they gave the next date. I have been suffering a lot for the last 3 months here in the UAE and for 6 months back home.
So my question is that what will happen next?
Will the case be open for retrial, and will the CID be convinced by my logic?
Can they drop charges, or now the court decide only?
Apr 25, 2025
38
How to stop my employer from cancelling my visa as it needs to be active in the process of golden visa? 0
I am in the process of applying for a golden visa, and the nomination letter from Creators HQ will take up to 4 weeks.
In the meantime, my previous employer has started my labour card cancellation.
Amer has told me that my visa and labour card need to be active before my golden visa is issued.
How can I stop my former employer from cancelling my labour card and visa?
Apr 25, 2025
27
Can I keep my daughter's physical Emirates ID if the custodian already has the digital copy? 0
Hello,
Can I keep my daughter's physical Emirates ID with me? I already provided the digital copy to the custodian, my ex-wife.
Or should I hand it over to her?
Apr 24, 2025
29
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
44
Is it possible to change jobs and process visa while facing a police case and a travel ban? 0
Hello,
My husband has a police case now and a travel ban, and is still waiting for trial with the prosecutor.
Is it possible for him to transfer to a new employer within the country?
Will he be able to process his visa?
Apr 24, 2025
69

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Is a bounced rent cheque case considered a criminal record for U.S. visa applications? 0
Hello,
My rent cheque was bounced, and my landlord filed a case against me in Sharjah Court. I received a fine of 2,000 AED, which was later reduced to 1,000 AED upon appeal.
Does this case count as a criminal conviction under UAE law, or was it handled as a civil matter?
If I apply for a U.S. visa, will I need to submit court records under the requirement for applicants with past convictions?
Apr 15, 2025
63
Charged in a fight case marked as a "temporary matter." What does it mean? 0
Hello,
I have a criminal case for fighting, and it is now in prosecution. The decision shows “a temporary matter” as both parties are accused. What does it mean?
I have not received a call from the prosecution yet.
Apr 17, 2025
44
Can I stay home if my boss doesn’t pay my salary on time? 0
Hello,
Can I stay home if my boss doesn’t pay my salary on time?
Apr 10, 2025
84
Do I need to inform my current employer 2 months in advance if I plan to leave? 0
Hello,
I am planning to change to another company and I am waiting for the offer. The visa from the current company is going to end in 2 months.
Should I inform them about my leaving? I haven’t received any offer yet, so I didn’t inform them, and they’re asking about the renewal every day.
Is it mandatory to inform them 2 months in advance?
Apr 24, 2025
33
How can I pay the rent after selling the property if neither the old nor the new owner is clarifying this? 0
My current landlord has sold the building I live in, and my rent cheque was due to be presented on April 1st. I contacted the new landlord and the current landlord about my rent cheque.
My current landlord advised that they had withdrawn the cheque and presented it to the new landlord. However, the new landlord has ignored three requests for clarity on how to pay my rent, which is now overdue.
What are my options here?
I am attempting to pay the rent, but they are unresponsive.
Apr 3, 2025
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How can we claim our money back if the cheque we received have bounced for insufficient funds? 0
We received a cheque which has now bounced. We have tried for over a month and a half now to get a new cheque from the person, and every day he says the next day.
We need the money now. We have been to the police station, and they said they can not do anything as the reason the cheque bounced is "Insufficient funds."
We have been to Al Barsha - Dubai Courts, and they said there is nothing they can do about it.
We are not sure what we can do. We need the money asap to pay our kids' school fees, let alone all the interest we have lost.
Apr 28, 2025
28
What can I do if my neighbors are constantly doing construction work and constantly drilling? 0
I live in a townhouse with a shared wall with my neighbors. They are constantly doing construction work and constantly drilling on the shared wall.
They said it will last for 2 months, working 6 days a week. It is driving us crazy, and there is no way to live this way, and I have to work from home.
I am very stressed. What is the immediate solution, please?
Apr 25, 2025
35
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
44
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
23
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
28

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After 11 months of work, how many leave days is an employee entitled to? 0
Hello,
I want to inquire regarding my leave privileges. I am now 11 months in my company. How many leaves am I privileged to?
Based on Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 regulating labour relations and its executive regulations, you are entitled to a paid weekly rest for not less than one day, as specified in the work contract or the work regulation.
The Council of Ministers may increase the weekly rest day stipulated in this article. The Decree-Law and its executive regulations also stipulate that you are entitled to an annual leave with full pay as follows:
- Thirty days for each year of your extended service.
- Two days per month in respect of any employee with more than six months and less than one year of service.
- Leave for parts of the last year of your service in case it is terminated before you use your annual leave balance.
Now my question is: do I have 22 days I can use? Can someone explain to me in detail?
Thank you!
Apr 28, 2025
22
Can I sell branded replica watches online, not in a physical store? 0
Hello,
Can I sell branded replica watches online, on Facebook Marketplace, etc.?
Not in a physical store, just online.
Apr 27, 2025
19
What can I do if my neighbors are constantly doing construction work and constantly drilling? 0
I live in a townhouse with a shared wall with my neighbors. They are constantly doing construction work and constantly drilling on the shared wall.
They said it will last for 2 months, working 6 days a week. It is driving us crazy, and there is no way to live this way, and I have to work from home.
I am very stressed. What is the immediate solution, please?
Apr 25, 2025
35
هل يسجل الطفل قانونياً بالإمارات في حال كان الفرق بين عقد الزواج الشرعي والولادة تقريباً 166 يوم أقل من 6 أشهر؟ 0
السلام عليكم
هل يسجل الطفل قانونياً بالإمارات (أب إماراتي يحمل جواز من الشارقة ، أم وافدة) في حال كان الفرق بين عقد الزواج الشرعي والولادة تقريباً 166 يوم أقل من 6 أشهر؟
هل يمنع من استخراج شهاده ميلاد؟ وما هي الإجراءات والعقوبات المتوقعة؟
مع العلم بأن الأب معترف بالطفل قبل الزواج وبعده.
شكراً
Apr 25, 2025
18
Can I keep my daughter's physical Emirates ID if the custodian already has the digital copy? 0
Hello,
Can I keep my daughter's physical Emirates ID with me? I already provided the digital copy to the custodian, my ex-wife.
Or should I hand it over to her?
Apr 24, 2025
29

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What can I do if my ex-wife, who has custody of our daughter, is living with her boyfriend? 0
Hello,
My ex-wife has custody of our 3-year-old daughter. She is a converted Muslim, but she has a Christian boyfriend, and I think they are living together.
What actions can I take about it?
Apr 21, 2025
68
My tenant was supposed to vacate as per the contract. Can I rent the property to another tenant? 0
Good morning.
My tenant was supposed to vacate the property on 15th April 2025 as per the contract.
Now he is not answering the phone, and the property is still in use.
Please guide the way forward. I have already rented the property to a new tenant.
Apr 16, 2025
40
What to do if the bank filed case on me using security cheques and executed travel ban? 0
The bank filed a case against me using security cheques and executed a travel ban from Dubai Courts.
Apr 15, 2025
69
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
44
How can I enter the UAE again if I left on an outpass due to the employer fleeing the country? 0
Dear lawyer
I seek help on whether I can return to the UAE or not. I exited the UAE on an outpass due to overstaying. I have been patient for more than 7 months.
I was advised that I am able to return to the UAE. The process was successful, and I traveled to the UAE, but I was denied entry to the UAE at immigration. Why?
I was only overstaying, I hadn't been a criminal, just my boss refused to do a visa for me.
After overstaying, my employers traveled to their country. I had no idea how to resolve the issue other than to get an outpass and go back home.
Apr 3, 2025
83

Premium
Other answers by
How can we claim our money back if the cheque we received have bounced for insufficient funds? 0
We received a cheque which has now bounced. We have tried for over a month and a half now to get a new cheque from the person, and every day he says the next day.
We need the money now. We have been to the police station, and they said they can not do anything as the reason the cheque bounced is "Insufficient funds."
We have been to Al Barsha - Dubai Courts, and they said there is nothing they can do about it.
We are not sure what we can do. We need the money asap to pay our kids' school fees, let alone all the interest we have lost.
Apr 28, 2025
28
Who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer? 0
Hello
I joined my new company on February 26, 2025. Upon joining the new company, I asked HR if it was free to join the company, and she said yes.
After working with them for 1 month, I experienced a salary delay, and I had to go to the office to ask why there was a delay in my salary.
That is when the HR told me she deducted my whole salary to recover the transfer fee.
Now my question is, who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer?
Apr 28, 2025
12
Is it possible for a foreigner to get a divorce in Dubai? 0
Is it possible for a foreigner to get a divorce here in Dubai?
Apr 28, 2025
7
After 11 months of work, how many leave days is an employee entitled to? 0
Hello,
I want to inquire regarding my leave privileges. I am now 11 months in my company. How many leaves am I privileged to?
Based on Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 regulating labour relations and its executive regulations, you are entitled to a paid weekly rest for not less than one day, as specified in the work contract or the work regulation.
The Council of Ministers may increase the weekly rest day stipulated in this article. The Decree-Law and its executive regulations also stipulate that you are entitled to an annual leave with full pay as follows:
- Thirty days for each year of your extended service.
- Two days per month in respect of any employee with more than six months and less than one year of service.
- Leave for parts of the last year of your service in case it is terminated before you use your annual leave balance.
Now my question is: do I have 22 days I can use? Can someone explain to me in detail?
Thank you!
Apr 28, 2025
22
Can I sell branded replica watches online, not in a physical store? 0
Hello,
Can I sell branded replica watches online, on Facebook Marketplace, etc.?
Not in a physical store, just online.
Apr 27, 2025
19

Premium
Other answers by
My tenant was supposed to vacate as per the contract. Can I rent the property to another tenant? 0
Good morning.
My tenant was supposed to vacate the property on 15th April 2025 as per the contract.
Now he is not answering the phone, and the property is still in use.
Please guide the way forward. I have already rented the property to a new tenant.
Apr 16, 2025
40
How can we recover a salary advance to a new employee if he fails to come to duty and uses alcohol? 0
As the HR manager of a company, I have issued a salary advance to the employee. Upon joining, he failed to go to duty and used alcohol daily in the camp.
I have a signed thumb-impression cash receipt. What options do I have to recover the AED 7000 advance paid to the employee?
Please help.
Regards,
B.
Apr 16, 2025
49
Can my sister file a claim for compensation after a criminal case for sexual harassment? 0
Hello,
My sister filed a criminal case against her employer (sexual harassment), and it is already with the Public Prosecutor.
Her employer refuses to compensate her at all. Can we file a civil claim? When should we do it?
Can we still file a civil claim after the judgment of the case?
Apr 25, 2025
40
هل تقسم الأملاك بعد الطلاق بين الزوجين وفق القانون الإماراتي؟ 0
هل تقسم الأملاك بعد الطلاق بين الزوجين وفق القانون الإماراتي؟
Apr 25, 2025
18
Can I use my husband's case number to get information about his exit date? 0
Hello,
I have my husband's case number. Can I get information about his exit date using the case number?
Fujairah Jail.
Apr 16, 2025
38

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Other answers by
How to change the lease contract for an entity that changed from sole establishment to LLC? 1
Good morning.
Kindly help me out with the below query:
If a sole establishment is converted into an LLC, what would happen to the existing Lease Agreement with the Sole Establishment as the tenant?
Thank you.
Aug 23, 2024
132
Bank filed a civil case over a loan: Better to settle with the bank or in court? 1
Good day, Sir,
I have received a message from the Dubai Court stating that a bank has filed a civil case against me. The loan has been pending since February 2019.
I cleared the cheque bounce case earlier with a court fine in 2019. I am looking forward to a minimum settlement plan with the bank. The outstanding amount was around 70,000 AED, and now the message is for 115,000 AED.
What will be the best way for me to proceed: approaching the bank or dealing with it in court?
Best regards,
Jul 7, 2024
566
Is it legal for my employer to withhold my salary until I leave the country or change status? 1
Hello,
I have given my notice, and my last day is July 24, but the employer is refusing to pay my salary; even the salary for June. Is this even legal?
He claims I'll get everything at once, which is after leaving the country or changing status.
Jul 2, 2024
587
Demanding that an employee pay for visa charges a year after resigning 1
Dear Lawyers,
I worked at a bakeshop here in Dubai. I resigned exactly one year ago. Now they want me to pay for visa charges, as stated in the offer letter.
If I cannot pay for the charges, my employer will claim financial loss due to the damages, estimated to be at least 7,000 AED.
What should I do about this? My monthly salary is only 2,800 AED.
Jul 1, 2024
138
What can I do if my company terminated me without warning while I'm on probation? 1
Dear Sir/Madam,
My company terminated me with no written warning last April 5, and they said I need to work up until April 30 to receive my pay, but until now, they're holding it.
Can someone help me with what I can do, please? And is it right to terminate me with no warning?
I'm under probation with the company; I've been working with them for four months.
May 14, 2024
239
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