Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allSix years of service, no pay for five months: What are my legal options?

2
Q: Good day,
My contract ended yesterday. I have been working with them for six years. I have not taken my annual leave for this year.
Am I entitled to get my paid annual leave?
In addition, I still have four months of unpaid salary with them. For two of those months, we signed a letter stating that they could not provide a salary due to the company's situation, which we understood.
However, my manager told me that she would give me the salary in cash because I was working during those two months.
For the other two months that they did not give us our salary, they asked us to sign photocopied copies of a salary slip just to show that we had already been paid.
We signed them because they were only photocopies and they told us that they needed them to settle things with MOHRE/labor.
In total, including this month, I am owed five months of salary.


Sep 25, 2023
100
The rights of an employee upon resignation due to salary delay for 8 months

2
Q: My friend was working in a Hamriyah Free Zone company for two years.
His contract expiry date is 13th Aug 2021. He has requested not to renew his contract further as his company has not paid his salary for 8 months.


Aug 11, 2021
413
Right of the employee to resign without notice in case of holding salaries
1
Q: Good morning.
My sister joined a company 2 weeks before her visit visa expired. Her company delayed processing her visa until she got overstay fines.
The company now suggested she pays for the fines before they issue her employment visa. She didn't have money and requested for the overstay fine to be deducted from her salary because she wants to work.
The company made her sign an agreement paper stating AED 6000 will be deducted from her salary as overstay fines. The company is deducting this cash monthly alongside a deduction because of COVID-19.
But for two months now, they didn't pay her salary. Every time she requested the salary, she is not given it. Now she stops working and wants to be paid before she starts working again.
She is still in her probation period and wants to request termination because the company is not terminating her. Would she have any ban if she requested termination during this probation period or if the company decided to terminate her?

Mar 10, 2021
240
Legal blog
5 available 5 • View allA Brief on the End of Service Gratuity Laws in the UAE 28
The UAE has mainly the 3 sectors which have their employment laws, like the laws of companies under MOHRE (governed by Federal Law no. (8) of 1980 Labour Law, Domestic works govern under Federal Law no. (10) of 2017 On Domestic Workers and Free Zone companies governed by their specific employment laws.
Feb 6, 2020
23620
How to File an Employment Court Case in the UAE 35
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
11231
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
90190
Recent Amendments to the UAE Labour Regulations 24
Three new ministerial decrees containing a new set of rules for the labour market were issued by the UAE Ministry of Labour last year and came into force on the 1st of January this year. The decrees are expected to alter the contractual relationship between employers and workers in the UAE.
Apr 19, 2016
30988
I Have Not Been Paid By My Employer For 3 Months, What Should I Do? 14
An interview-format article covering the topic of employment in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW. In this article, Ludmila informs readers what they should do and where they should go if they have not been paid by their employer.
Feb 5, 2020
9522
Laws & Regulations
2 available 2 • 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
26347
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
12393

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204 204 answers •
View allIn 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
77
How can I check if I have a complaint or am wanted by Dubai Police without visiting a station? 0
Hello,
How can I know if I have any complaints or am wanted by Dubai Police without visiting a police station?
Mar 17, 2025
101
Can I amend my claim amount after filing a labor case? 0
Hello,
What is the process for filing a labor case? Is there a fee to file?
If, after filing, the claim amount changes because I haven't been paid additional dues, how is that amended?
Mar 13, 2025
51
What are the working hour regulations for nursing mothers in the UAE during Ramadan? 0
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
62
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
41

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825 825 answers •
View allHow to recover unpaid fees from a client who refuses to pay for online consulting services? 0
Hello,
A client of mine used our consulting services online and is refusing to pay. Despite multiple reminders, she still has not made the payment. What legal action can I take against her?
Mar 7, 2025
73
Tenant damaged property, deposit insufficient; how to claim compensation? 0
Hello,
A tenant damaged the property I recently purchased upon their eviction, and the security deposit does not cover all of the damages.
I would like to know how I can take action against the tenant. Does any proof need to be submitted? If yes, what proofs are required since I bought an already tenanted property?
What is the timeframe and process to seek compensation for the damages?
Mar 7, 2025
77
Is it legal for a landlord to cut DEWA before the rental court verdict? 0
Hello,
I was supposed to renew my rental contract in early February, but due to harassment and threats, we agreed in rental court that we would settle and move out.
Now, while awaiting the verdict, the landlord has gone ahead and canceled DEWA.
What can I do? Isn’t that illegal?
Mar 7, 2025
48
Can a civil case delay my deportation after a criminal conviction? 0
Hello,
If I have a deportation due to a criminal case, and while serving time inside, a civil case is opened against me, does that stop my deportation?
Jan 27, 2025
66
Can I keep my shop by paying rent in installments despite an eviction case against me? 0
Hi,
I have leased out a shop in Dubai, but due to huge financial losses and my husband's job loss, I can't afford to pay the rent. Meanwhile, my landlord has filed a case for eviction and payment of rent.
Right now, my condition is getting better as my husband has got a job and is ready to pay the rent in installments.
Can I pay in installments and hold the shop even if the judgment goes against me?
Jan 9, 2025
65

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686 686 answers •
View allCan 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
53
Can I resign while my new visa is being processed before my first contract ends? 0
Hello,
I am currently working with my company and have one month remaining to complete my first contract.
However, my new visa is set to be processed in a month. Can I resign during this process?
What will happen if I resign at the end of my first contract before receiving the new visa while it is still in process?
Mar 27, 2025
78
My husband is taking a loan to get married again while my daughter and I live in a shared accommodation. What are my rights? 0
My husband has a girlfriend/fiancée. He is Muslim now, but when we got married, we were both Christians. So I know that he will not have another wife because it's not allowed in our country and religion.
Do I have the right to tell him that it's illegal?
Also, we have loans here and in our country, and he wants to get a loan just to marry his girlfriend and find a flat for her. While my daughter and I only live in a room with shared tenants.
What are my rights?
Thank you so much!
Apr 8, 2025
93
If a bank has filed an execution cheques case through the Dubai Courts. Is a travel ban automatically applied? 0
A bank has filed an execution cheques case through the Dubai Courts due to nonpayment of a personal loan and credit card.
Is a travel ban automatically applied?
I looked on the Dubai Courts website, and it says the judge has issued a “reserved” order for my case.
Furthermore, when the bank emails, they threaten me with a travel ban. So I am assuming there is no travel ban issued (but I don’t know). I haven’t received any notice of a travel ban.
If there is a travel ban, how do I find out?
I have checked the Dubai police app, and there are no financial crimes against me.
Please advise if you know.
Apr 4, 2025
138
Paid 10% for a Dubai freehold flat but can't proceed. Can I get a refund without signing the SPA? 0
Hello,
I purchased a freehold flat in Dubai and paid an initial 10% while signing the reservation agreement. However, due to financial issues, I am unable to proceed with the next payments.
My question is: Can the developer refund my funds? The 10% payment was made to the developer’s escrow account, but I haven’t signed the SPA yet.
I requested a refund from both the developer and the property agent, but they declined, stating that the money could not be refunded. Is there any way to recover my funds?
Mar 26, 2025
65

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292 292 answers •
View allMy friend’s storage burnt down in Dubai. What should he do? 0
Hello,
My friend has just come back from traveling to find his storage space burnt down in Dubai.
He is a photographer and musician with high-value items.
Everything has been burnt down. What does he do now?
Apr 11, 2025
51
هل تسقط إجراءات التنفيذ ويُرفَع المنع من السفر بعد دفع مبلغ التنفيذ بالكامل؟ 0
هل تسقط إجراءات التنفيذ ويُرفَع المنع من السفر وتُغلق الدعوى نهائيًا بعد دفع مبلغ التنفيذ بالكامل؟
Apr 11, 2025
43
I have a civil case in Dubai. Will my visa processing be affected? 0
Hi,
I have a civil case in Dubai. Will this result in my visa being rejected? Will my visa processing be affected?
Mar 28, 2025
78
Can the owner of a company escape if there is a cheque execution and travel ban on him? 0
I raised a cheque execution case against a company and its owner and won. There is a travel ban on him. I was receiving installments for three months and now he stopped paying.
The court after request summoned him. In total, he paid only 30% of the owed money. I found that his company license is expired and also in the month his visa will expire.
Does he have any option to avoid payment?
Please note he was deceived by showing no money in his bank account and no assets in his name but he is running multiple businesses.
Also a month ago, he tried to convince me to lift the travel ban but I refused to do so. But he submitted a guarantee and left UAE.
Now the status shows he is back in the UAE and the travel ban imposed again. But after that, he stopped payment.
Is there a 1% chance of him not paying me the remaining money?
Is there a way he can leave the country through the Amnesty program or any of this sort?
Mar 12, 2025
88
I lost the appeal filed by my landlord. What can I do if he illegally keeps my last cheque and deposit? 0
I got RDSC judgment in my favor awarding termination of my lease from May 2024 to May 2025. The landlord made an appeal and lied about my request for termination on 4 December.
My lawyer didn't give any response so the landlord won the appeal. Recently, the Landlord asked for the keys back and said I have overstayed since 4 Dec for not returning the key.
He said he could cash my last rent cheque and wouldn't return the deposit. I gave him my friend's address and said to pick up the key from there but to return my deposit and last rent cheque but he does not agree.
He wants to keep the deposit.
Mar 24, 2025
54

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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
62
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
57
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
42
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
90
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
63

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667 667 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
69
How 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
62
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
57
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
90
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
63

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64 64 answers •
View allCan an LLC partner sell their shares to a third party without other partners' consent? 0
Dear Lawyers,
Can a partner in an LLC company (Dubai Mainland) sell their shares to a third party without the consent of the other partners?
If one partner wants to exit the company and the other shareholders are neither responding to this request nor giving permission, what is the way forward?
We have sent an email to the other shareholders notifying them of the intention to sell the shares, but there has been no response. Please advise.
Please advise!
Aug 10, 2024
191
What can I do if my company is pressuring me to sign an unfair new contract? 0
Dear Lawyers,
I joined a company in Dubai. According to the contract agreement given to me by the company, if I leave before the fixed contract period, I have to give two months' notice and pay a sum of 6000 dirhams.
I agreed to this and continued to work under that agreement. However, the company has now introduced a new contract agreement, and all employees are under pressure to sign it.
The new conditions state that no employee can take a similar job in the UAE and must agree to pay USD 3500 (AED 12600) upon leaving during the contract period.
What actions can I take regarding the unfairness of this situation?
Aug 8, 2024
94
How do I request my passport back from my employer after many refused requests? 0
Dear Lawyers,
How to request my passport back from my employer after many requests have been refused?
Jul 31, 2024
488
Can I return to Dubai by paying only the court fine for a 2016 debt case? 0
Dear Sir,
I hope this message finds you well!
I am writing to seek your advice regarding a debt case filed in 2016 in the UAE. The debt amounts to approximately 45,000 AED (20,000 AED cheque amount and 25,000 AED credit card amount).
The associated interest has now possibly exceeded 150,000 AED. I have recently secured a job in Dubai and am eager to return; however, I am currently unable to pay the full debt amount.
I am aware of a court fine of 5,000 AED. I would like to understand if there is any possibility of returning to Dubai by paying only this court fine and lawyer fee.
Could you please advise on any available legal avenues or procedures that may allow me to resolve this matter and return to Dubai under these circumstances?
Your guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and assistance!
Best Regards,
Jul 29, 2024
121
Can a landlord increase the rent via a WhatsApp message without prior notice? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
I have been a tenant in a residential unit since 2023.
The real estate representative of the landlord sent a WhatsApp message stating that my rent is finalized at 24,200 AED, up from the previous contract amount of 22,000 AED, without any prior notice or email from the landlord.
Kindly guide me!
Jul 29, 2024
122

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702 702 answers •
View allMy 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
Request for guidance on enforcing a fnal court ruling for child support and alimony 0
Dear Respected Lawyers,
I kindly seek your assistance regarding a legal matter I initiated in August 2024, in which I filed for child support and alimony.
Since then, we have been through extensive court proceedings, and throughout this time, I have not received any financial support for my children.
The First Instance Court ruled in my favor, ordering my ex-husband to pay both alimony and child support.
However, rather than complying, he filed an appeal, which appeared to be a tactic to delay fulfilling his obligations.
The final appeal decision has now been issued, once again confirming that he must pay according to the law.
In light of this, I urgently need your guidance on how to proceed with enforcing this ruling, so that my children can finally receive the financial support they are legally entitled to.
I have already submitted an enforcement application at a typing center, but it has been a while now.
Apr 8, 2025
95
We performed services as the official channel partner for a free zone that did not pay our commission. What to do? 0
Hello everyone,
I’m seeking professional legal opinions regarding an ongoing dispute we are facing with a free zone authority in the UAE.
We are an official channel partner for the Free Zone and have generated several clients and successful business registrations through our efforts.
Despite fulfilling our responsibilities as per the agreement, the Free Zone has not released our due commission.
It's been several months now, and we've experienced repeated delays, vague justifications, and non-committal responses from their end. It appears they are intentionally using delaying tactics.
We are exploring our legal options now and would appreciate guidance on the following:
What legal steps can be taken in such a case in the UAE?
Is this considered a breach of contract or unfair commercial practice?
Would it be advisable to send a legal notice first, or directly approach the relevant dispute resolution authority?
Apr 8, 2025
63
Will you be arrested due to non-payment in a civil case if you have no assets or money? 0
Greetings,
Dear Lawyers,
If a debtor does not pay a Dubai Court judgement and has no assets in the UAE, will he be arrested due to non-payment in a civil case?
Please advise.
Thanks
Apr 7, 2025
126
Can a person with a UAE criminal case travel to another GCC country on a work visa? 0
Hello,
If a person has a criminal case in the UAE, can he or she travel to any other GCC country on a work visa?
Apr 7, 2025
169
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