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
150
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
465
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
283
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
23881
How 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
94054
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
31077
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
9612
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
27416
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
12478

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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
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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
142
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
84
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
70
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
143

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If the Public Prosecution appeals a not-guilty verdict with no new evidence, will it stay the same? 0
Hi Sir,
My husband had a judgment where he was found not guilty, as the misdemeanor court stated that it doubts the charges against the accused and found no conclusive evidence except the statements in the report files.
The court considered this invalid because there was no translator. After this, if the Public Prosecution appeals, will the verdict remain unchanged and be upheld if there is nothing more than this
Can you shed some light from your experience on this issue and say if the result will remain the same?
May 20, 2025
19
What can I do if a contractor failed to deliver a paid renovation project? 0
Hello,
I paid a contractor (via bank transfers) to deliver a project (1BHK renovation – full), and they did not.
What action can I take against them in Dubai?
May 19, 2025
25
My lawyer overcharged me for registering my labour case. What should I do? 0
Hello,
My lawyer has charged me more than the actual amount for registering my labour case.
What should I do?
May 13, 2025
26
كيف يمكنني الاستعلام عن قضية إبعاد أمني ومحاولة العودة إلى الإمارات؟ 0
السلام عليكم،
أود الاستفسار بشأن قضية إبعاد زوج خالتي من دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة. زوج خالتي كان مقيماً في الإمارات وكان قد وُلد وترعرع هناك.
في عام 2013 تم إبعاده من الإمارات، وكان ذلك نتيجة لسياسات حكومية كانت تستهدف مجموعة من المقيمين في تلك الفترة، وهو لم يكن قد ارتكب أي مخالفة في ذلك الوقت وكان يُعتبر ضحية للسياسات المتبعة.
أرغب في معرفة الإجراءات التي يجب أن أتبعها حالياً من أجل رفع هذا الإبعاد وتمكينه من العودة إلى الإمارات.
أرجو أن توضح لي كيف يمكنني مساعدته في هذا الموضوع.
شكراً جزيلاً.
May 1, 2025
31
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
67

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Can my landlord evict me if he is selling the property to someone else? 0
Hello,
Can my landlord evict me if he is selling the property to someone else?
I am currently running a restaurant from the location.
May 14, 2025
22
How many days does it take to be deported from the UAE? 0
Hello,
Sir, how many days will it take for an Indian to be deported from the UAE?
May 21, 2025
7
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
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Can the authorities allow me to leave the UAE on my own after completing my imprisonment? 0
Hello,
Is there a way out or a possibility that the authorities don't deport me and instead give me a time period to leave the UAE on my own after I have completed my imprisonment and paid the fine?
May 7, 2025
48
Can I be convicted of driving under the influence even if the alcohol test came back negative? 0
Hello,
I was driving my car when the police stopped me at one point on the road and told me that I was driving under the influence of alcohol.
I tried hard to deny that because I had not actually consumed any alcoholic beverages that day or in the previous three days.
However, a report was filed and a case was opened, but the alcohol test report came back negative. Will I be convicted despite that?
Please answer me. It is urgent.
May 7, 2025
41

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Can my landlord evict me if he is selling the property to someone else? 0
Hello,
Can my landlord evict me if he is selling the property to someone else?
I am currently running a restaurant from the location.
May 14, 2025
22
Can I renew my trade license and visa if I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me? 0
Hello,
I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me due to financial strains last year.
My trade license and visa will expire next month, along with my Emirates ID.
Is it possible for me to renew my license and visa along with EID prior to settling the execution cases?
The trade license and visa were issued by the free zone authority.
I look forward to your response.
Thanks.
May 1, 2025
82
How can I register a complaint against my employer for holding my passport after visa cancellation? 0
My new employer is not changing my visa status and refuses to provide cancellation papers, especially when I don’t recall signing any cancellation documents and haven’t received my gratuity yet.
How can I register a complaint against my employer for holding my passport after visa cancellation?
I had completed my one-month notice period and followed all procedures properly when I resigned. I'm currently working in a free zone company.
Apr 18, 2025
59
How many days do I need to wait for company cancellation following resignation and notice? 0
Hello,
How many days do I need to wait for company cancellation following resignation and one-month notice?
Apr 29, 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
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Can I appeal a deportation in the UAE if I was unknowingly involved in a crypto scam? 0
Hello,
Please, I need help. I had a case where someone sent money to my account. I was selling USDT, but another person used me, scammed the person, and sent money to my account.
I sent the USDT. I didn't know the person who sent the money to my account, so I gave him the USDT. Later, I was arrested for scam and using cryptocurrency without a license.
The judgment came out: to pay 900 AED, 1 month imprisonment, and deportation. Please, can I appeal not to be deported?
May 20, 2025
12
How many days does it take to be deported from the UAE? 0
Hello,
Sir, how many days will it take for an Indian to be deported from the UAE?
May 21, 2025
7
How to reduce agreed salary deductions if they are too high and affect our livelihood? 0
Hello,
I work for a company in the field of technical works related to interior decorations, and during my work, for technical reasons, some materials that belonged to the company and that we use in our work were damaged, and which should have been secured in a certain way.
My coworkers and I were punished by deducting the value of the materials from our salaries, as the company deducted 15 days per month until the full amount was paid.
The first deduction was made last month, which causes us a lot of harm, as it is difficult for us to face living with the remaining amount.
We know that there was a mistake on our part and we agreed to the deduction, but the amount deducted monthly is half of our salaries, which is a very difficult matter.
If we arbitrate the work and workers in the ministry, can the matter be settled on easy terms with the company, or will our request be rejected?
With many thanks in advance!
May 20, 2025
8
Can I ask the execution court to request MOHRE to seize the labour card of a debtor? 0
Hello,
Seizure of MOHRE Labour Card by Dubai Execution Court
I am an execution requester. My execution debtor has not paid me for the last 12 years after starting the execution file.
Can I request the execution court to write a letter to MOHRE, obliging them to seize the labour card of the debtor?
If yes, from when was this procedure permitted?
May 21, 2025
8
If the Public Prosecution appeals a not-guilty verdict with no new evidence, will it stay the same? 0
Hi Sir,
My husband had a judgment where he was found not guilty, as the misdemeanor court stated that it doubts the charges against the accused and found no conclusive evidence except the statements in the report files.
The court considered this invalid because there was no translator. After this, if the Public Prosecution appeals, will the verdict remain unchanged and be upheld if there is nothing more than this
Can you shed some light from your experience on this issue and say if the result will remain the same?
May 20, 2025
19

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Can my landlord evict me if he is selling the property to someone else? 0
Hello,
Can my landlord evict me if he is selling the property to someone else?
I am currently running a restaurant from the location.
May 14, 2025
22
Can I appeal a deportation in the UAE if I was unknowingly involved in a crypto scam? 0
Hello,
Please, I need help. I had a case where someone sent money to my account. I was selling USDT, but another person used me, scammed the person, and sent money to my account.
I sent the USDT. I didn't know the person who sent the money to my account, so I gave him the USDT. Later, I was arrested for scam and using cryptocurrency without a license.
The judgment came out: to pay 900 AED, 1 month imprisonment, and deportation. Please, can I appeal not to be deported?
May 20, 2025
12
Where can I view a copy of a judgment issued by the Sharjah Court? 0
Hello,
Where can I view a copy of a judgment issued by the Sharjah Court?
May 13, 2025
25
Can I ask the execution court to request MOHRE to seize the labour card of a debtor? 0
Hello,
Seizure of MOHRE Labour Card by Dubai Execution Court
I am an execution requester. My execution debtor has not paid me for the last 12 years after starting the execution file.
Can I request the execution court to write a letter to MOHRE, obliging them to seize the labour card of the debtor?
If yes, from when was this procedure permitted?
May 21, 2025
8
Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield? 0
Hello,
Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield?
In what kinds of fields are employers required to enforce this clause? If there is a clause in the contract, what are the solutions to overcome it?
If the employer demands a huge penalty to avoid any legal mess regarding this, do I need to pay the amount?
May 20, 2025
14

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Can an LLC partner sell their shares to a third party without other partners' consent? 1
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
247
What can I do if my company is pressuring me to sign an unfair new contract? 1
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
129
How do I request my passport back from my employer after many refused requests? 1
Dear Lawyers,
How to request my passport back from my employer after many requests have been refused?
Jul 31, 2024
671
Can I return to Dubai by paying only the court fine for a 2016 debt case? 1
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
162
Can a landlord increase the rent via a WhatsApp message without prior notice? 1
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
167

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Can we legally claim unpaid dues for food supplies based on emails and invoices? 0
Hello,
We have an agreement with a company to supply food for their buffet on a daily basis, with invoices to be issued monthly and payment to be made every three months.
The relationship actually lasted for nine months, and payment was made for two periods. In the third period, due to disagreements between our company and the company to which the supply was made, they refused to pay, noting that the outstanding amount so far is fifty-four thousand dirhams.
Can we claim the amount, noting that the agreement is not written, but there are emails exchanged between us and invoices?
May 7, 2025
28
How long does Dubai Court take to seize the amount and lift my travel ban? 0
Hello,
How much time does Dubai Court usually take to seize the amount from the bank to release my travel ban?
May 3, 2025
48
Can the landlord send me an eviction notice for non-payment despite submitting an offer and deposit at RDC? 0
I’ve lived in my building for over 4 years, with the most recent rent being AED 50,000. Each year, the management collects cheques and extra AED 2,400–2,500 cash (no receipt) for management and Ejari fees.
My contract was due for renewal on 15 Feb 2025, but management delayed, demanding a 10% rent increase even though no formal 90-day notice and the RERA index did not allow it.
After a month of excuses, the manager called on 12 March, insisted increase to 55K, and threatened eviction if I refused. When I referenced RDC, he hung up. The next day, he again made unprofessional remarks, so I decided to go with RDC.
I submitted my offer and deposit on 13th March, but the management didn’t respond. The case went to the judge on 14 April he ruled in my favor.
On 30 April, I applied for the execution of the ruling, and RDC says I can renew Ejari only on 8th May at DLD with cheques given to them.
However, on 1st May 2025, I received a notarized eviction notice for non-payment of rent and communication.
My question is, what will happen at DLD now?
May 2, 2025
37
Can the debtor file a bounced cheque case against a car loan I took if it is a guarantee cheque? 0
Hello,
I'm from the Philippines, working here for 15 years. I have a big problem, and they have repeatedly given me a case of a cheque worth AED 73,000 for almost 9 years.
Recently, they filed a case again after knowing that my case was done last October. This cheque is a guarantee cheque only for my 5-year monthly car installments.
I paid for almost 2 years and have 3 years left to be paid, but I gave the person who guaranteed my car a cheque worth AED 73,000 at that time.
I don't have enough requirements to get the 5-year monthly installment car, so I asked someone to help me, but my biggest mistake is that I don't have any agreement for this cheque because I totally trust him as my family.
After delaying payment for 2 months because I went on vacation and came back, he asked me to visit their shop. When I went, they just called me and told me to get his things.
May 5, 2025
34
Can the authorities allow me to leave the UAE on my own after completing my imprisonment? 0
Hello,
Is there a way out or a possibility that the authorities don't deport me and instead give me a time period to leave the UAE on my own after I have completed my imprisonment and paid the fine?
May 7, 2025
48
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