Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
5 available 5 • View allHow to get my passport back from my employer after being terminated?


2
Q: Good day to all,
My employer is still refusing to release my passport. They say I need to show them an exit paper or a new visa, but I was already terminated from their employment last March 2023.
What is the right way to get my passport back?
Thank you for your advice!



May 3, 2023
114
How to get the passport back from an employer?


3
Q: Hi,
I want to know how can we take an order on a petition in Sharjah to take my passport back from my employer. And how much does it cost?
My visa is in the free zone but my passport is with the HR department in the head office outside the SAIF Zone.



Sep 8, 2022
343
Withholding passport by the employer after cancellation


4
Q: Can I sue my employer for not giving me back my passport?
I requested the contract cancellation which I was granted at the labour office, but my employer refused to handover the cancellation paper after I exceeded my 30 days grace period.



Jan 6, 2020
674
Requesting an employee to provide a new offer letter to release their passport




1
Q: Hello,
My employer is unwilling to return my passport, saying he needs a new offer letter from a different company to release it.
Could you please advise what action can be taken to address this?





+1
Aug 21, 2024
110
Is the employer supposed to keep the employee passport during his/her contract?




0
Q: Is the employer supposed to keep the employee's passport during his/her contract?





+3
Apr 23, 2025
72
Legal blog
3 available 3 • View allAn 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
93783
Can My Employer Hold My Passport? 10
An interview-format article covering the topic of an employer demanding to hold an employees passport. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of LAWGICAL with LYLAW.
Jan 15, 2020
8499
UAE Labor Laws; Rights of Employees and Procedures for Termination 2
There are laws and international conventions in place to protect workers’ rights and ensure their wellbeing. Specifically, under the UAE Labor Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), there are established procedures for terminating employment contracts.
Oct 4, 2023
396
Laws & Regulations
4 available 4 • 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
27335
Ministerial Decree No. (764) of 2015 On Ministry of Labour Approved Standard Employment Contracts 5
According to this Decree, tentative approval to admit a foreign worker for the purpose of employment in the UAE cannot be granted until an Employment Offer that conforms with the Standard Employment Contract is duly signed by the employee and presented to the Ministry of Labour.
Sep 27, 2015
5092
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
103822
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
12476

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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
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If my boss reports me for absconding, how can I remove it without being deported? 0
Hello,
If my boss reports me for absconding, what is the best way to remove it without being deported?
May 15, 2025
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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
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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
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Employer agreed to settle before MOHRE. What if they don’t pay the promised amount? 0
Hello,
I already have a dispute order with MOHRE. Then my employer became willing to settle the case.
What should I do in case they do not follow through with the promised amount to pay?
Apr 29, 2025
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What can I do if I cleared the travel ban at the police station but it still cannot get a clearance certificate? 0
I had a case at Al Barsha Police Station, Dubai, for one year.
On 22 April, the court announced a verdict and imposed a fine of AED 5000, which I paid on the very next day and got the certificate from DPP, which I took to the Al Barsha Police station and submitted there.
The police officer told me that they have removed the travel ban, and the records will be updated in other emirates within 24 hours.
It's been more than 48 hours now since I applied for a clearance certificate on the MOI app, and it has turned into status "review with the concerned party."
I don't have any other cases, only this case, for which I paid the penalty already.
Seeking expert advice, please.
May 16, 2025
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Why was my first UAE employment visa rejected if there’s no travel history? 0
Hi,
My employment visa was rejected without any reason stated. I contacted MOHRE, and they said it was rejected by ICP Abu Dhabi. I have never been to the UAE or any other country.
This is my first visa application. I am from Pakistan, and I heard there is a shadow ban on some cities in Pakistan.
I contacted ICP, but they said there is no ban on any nationality.
May 16, 2025
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Am I allowed to travel to my home country during the probationary period? 0
Hello,
Is it okay if I travel to my home country during the probationary period?
I have 7 days pending (days off and public holidays). My manager agreed to give all 7 days together, and I am planning to go see my family.
Do I need to get approval for traveling?
May 16, 2025
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Can the collection agencies pursue a legal action against me in my country for unpaid debts in the UAE? 0
Dear Sir
One of my friends took a loan and credit cards from various banks and ran away to Pakistan as he lost his job.
Can anyone chase him in Pakistan?
Actually, he was a victim of fraud, and the person who did this is in jail, and the other ran to Pakistan.
My friend made civil cases and won both. One is in jail for the first case, and the other ran to Pakistan. That's why he defaulted on payment.
May 16, 2025
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What is the procedure to stay in the UAE if the medical test showed unfit due to HIV? 0
Seeking legal advice.
I was working in the UAE for almost 12 years, and I am on a visa renewal. However, my medical is unfit due to HIV.
My employer is willing to help me if there is any way to process the renewal of my visa.
What can be the procedure for me to be able to stay and renew my visa and be able to seek medical treatment in the UAE?
May 15, 2025
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What can I do if I cleared the travel ban at the police station but it still cannot get a clearance certificate? 0
I had a case at Al Barsha Police Station, Dubai, for one year.
On 22 April, the court announced a verdict and imposed a fine of AED 5000, which I paid on the very next day and got the certificate from DPP, which I took to the Al Barsha Police station and submitted there.
The police officer told me that they have removed the travel ban, and the records will be updated in other emirates within 24 hours.
It's been more than 48 hours now since I applied for a clearance certificate on the MOI app, and it has turned into status "review with the concerned party."
I don't have any other cases, only this case, for which I paid the penalty already.
Seeking expert advice, please.
May 16, 2025
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What to do if the free zone refused to cancel partner visa for myself and an employee due to license expiry? 0
I received this email response from Sharjah Publishing Free Zone when I asked to cancel the visa for myself and an employee so that we may take up work with a new company:
Dear Valued Applicant,
Greetings from Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone
We regret to inform you that we are currently unable to proceed with the visa cancellation for Mr. O*** F***** (Visa - Cancellation - ************) for the following reasons:
1. The company's trade license is suspended, necessitating coordination with the SPC team to address this issue.
2. The company has an existing violation, as B**** W**** M*** has exceeded their visa duration by 171 days. The company must either cancel the visa for the violator or renew it accordingly. Alternatively, late renewal or cancellation fines can be settled through an application on the portal.
3. The E-Channel has expired as of 01/06/2023, and it must be renewed before processing any visa cancellation.
4. The Establishment Card is approaching its expiry date
May 16, 2025
2
Why was my first UAE employment visa rejected if there’s no travel history? 0
Hi,
My employment visa was rejected without any reason stated. I contacted MOHRE, and they said it was rejected by ICP Abu Dhabi. I have never been to the UAE or any other country.
This is my first visa application. I am from Pakistan, and I heard there is a shadow ban on some cities in Pakistan.
I contacted ICP, but they said there is no ban on any nationality.
May 16, 2025
8
Am I allowed to travel to my home country during the probationary period? 0
Hello,
Is it okay if I travel to my home country during the probationary period?
I have 7 days pending (days off and public holidays). My manager agreed to give all 7 days together, and I am planning to go see my family.
Do I need to get approval for traveling?
May 16, 2025
17
Can the collection agencies pursue a legal action against me in my country for unpaid debts in the UAE? 0
Dear Sir
One of my friends took a loan and credit cards from various banks and ran away to Pakistan as he lost his job.
Can anyone chase him in Pakistan?
Actually, he was a victim of fraud, and the person who did this is in jail, and the other ran to Pakistan.
My friend made civil cases and won both. One is in jail for the first case, and the other ran to Pakistan. That's why he defaulted on payment.
May 16, 2025
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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
241
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
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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
161
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
165
Is the RERA rental index calculator applicable to hotel apartments? 1
Dear All,
I currently have an annual rent contract with a hotel apartment in Al Barsha, Dubai. I have a separate Ejari and pay my unit's DEWA bills. My current yearly rent is the same as the rent advertised for new units in the same building.
However, my contract renewal is due in three months, and the building management has informed me that a 10% increase in rent will be applied if I wish to renew.
According to the RERA rental index calculator for the Al Barsha area, my current annual rent is already higher than the average rent, so no increase in rent is permissible.
The building management has stated that they don't fall under the RERA rental index because they're hotel apartments. I wish to verify whether they fall under RERA rent index guidelines or not. Please advise.
I am willing to open a rental dispute case and seek legal help, but I need to check if it will be valid.
Thank you!
Jul 29, 2024
117

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I paid for a partner visa but never received it. How can I recover my money? 0
Hello,
I have a friend who has an agency that promised me a partner's visa. She told me the payment would be 7800 AED full package, then I paid over half, 4900 AED, last October 2024.
But up until February 2025, I still didn’t receive any documents from her. So I decided to apply somewhere else, and I got my investor's visa already.
Now, I am asking for a refund, but until now, she is not giving it to me and not replying to my messages. What do I do with this?
May 14, 2025
15
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
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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
20
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
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After closing the company, can an investor stay in the UAE until the residence visa expires? 0
Hello,
An investor has a residence visa valid until February 2027; however, he wishes to close the company before the current license expires in December 2025.
Can the investor still legally reside in the UAE until the residence visa expires?
May 2, 2025
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Other answers by
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
241
Is the RERA rental index calculator applicable to hotel apartments? 1
Dear All,
I currently have an annual rent contract with a hotel apartment in Al Barsha, Dubai. I have a separate Ejari and pay my unit's DEWA bills. My current yearly rent is the same as the rent advertised for new units in the same building.
However, my contract renewal is due in three months, and the building management has informed me that a 10% increase in rent will be applied if I wish to renew.
According to the RERA rental index calculator for the Al Barsha area, my current annual rent is already higher than the average rent, so no increase in rent is permissible.
The building management has stated that they don't fall under the RERA rental index because they're hotel apartments. I wish to verify whether they fall under RERA rent index guidelines or not. Please advise.
I am willing to open a rental dispute case and seek legal help, but I need to check if it will be valid.
Thank you!
Jul 29, 2024
117
I received a job offer in Dubai. Can I go there with my HIV condition? 1
Dear Lawyers,
I am from India, and I am an HIV patient undergoing treatment. Recently, I received a job offer in Dubai. Can I go to Dubai with this condition?
Is it possible to work in Dubai with this issue?
Can you give me suggestions, please?
Jul 29, 2024
669
How to recover money lost in an online scam on a matrimonial website? 1
Dear Lawyers,
Is there any way to take action or legal proceedings in cases of online scams?
One of my friends was cheated by a lady on a matrimonial website, and he is still seeking to recover his money.
Jul 25, 2024
155
A tenant agreed via email to vacate but later declined. What to do as the new landlord? 1
Dear Lawyers,
The former owner of a unit sent an email to the tenant stating he wouldn't renew the contract as the unit was being sold.
The tenant acknowledged the email and agreed to vacate the property at the end of the contract, so no eviction notice was issued. Now, the property has been sold.
The tenant has been reminded about the email exchange but no longer acknowledges it and refuses to leave, claiming it has nothing to do with the new owner.
Does the new owner have a claim if they go to the RDC to evict the tenant? Will the email exchange hold in court?
Jul 24, 2024
134

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Can the employer report absconding if an employee went to their home country and failed to return? 2
Can the employer report absconding if an employee goes to their home country on leave but does not come back to UAE?
Dec 7, 2024
271
Can I sue my landlord if he cuts off DEWA and forces me to leave before my non-Ejari contract ends? 2
Dear Lawyers,
I rented a studio on a monthly basis, and my rent included all utilities and bills, with a contract that isn’t Ejari.
Now, the landlord has cut off the DEWA and is asking me to vacate the unit and take the rest of my rent three months before the contract expires.
Is there any legal action I can take against him?
Nov 15, 2024
102
Does a tenancy contract supersede the laws of the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA)? 3
Dear Lawyers,
Dubai Tenancy Question
Addendum:
1. In case of not renewing the contract, the tenant shall inform the landlord 3 months prior. If the tenant fails to do so, they shall bear a penalty of 2 months' rent for not notifying the landlord.
2. Failure to execute the renewal (at the sole discretion of the landlord) shall result in the automatic termination of this agreement.
3. The landlord unequivocally objects to the tenant's continued occupation of the premises after the expiry of this agreement. An overstay fee shall apply from the day following the expiry of the term. The tenant’s continued occupation shall not result in the automatic renewal of this agreement.
Questions:
A. Does this addendum supersede the laws of the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA)?
B. Does the contract automatically renew, or is it considered terminated as per the conditions of the addendum?
C. How much should be paid to the landlord if the tenant vacates a week after the expiry of the contract?
Nov 14, 2024
202
Can a husband renew only his 6-year-old child's visa and refuse to renew his wife's visa? 1
Dear Lawyers,
Can a husband renew only his 6-year-old child's visa and refuse to renew his wife's visa?
What happens in that case?
Oct 14, 2024
76
Who receives the security deposit during the property sale, the tenant or the new owner? 2
Dear Lawyers,
During the sale of the property, to whom is the security deposit returned? The tenant or the new owner?
Oct 9, 2024
135
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