Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allHow do I request my passport back from my employer after many refused requests?




1
Q: Dear Lawyers,
How to request my passport back from my employer after many requests have been refused?





+2
Jul 31, 2024
628
How can I get an outpass if my passport is held by my employer?




1
Q: How can I get an outpass if I don’t have my original passport because my company is holding it?





+1
Jun 25, 2024
183
My employer won't accept my resignation or return my passport. What are my options?




6
Q: Good evening, Mam/Sir,
I have been working at a contracting company for almost 1.5 years. Recently, I received an offer letter from another company, and I have decided to pursue this new opportunity.
I submitted my resignation with a notice period of 10 days. However, my employer is not allowing me to resign and has not returned my passport.





+1
Jun 25, 2024
622
Legal blog
3 available 3 • View allCan 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
8491
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
11323
An Overview of the New UAE Labor Law and Recent Amendments of 2024 234
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
93104
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allFederal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 On the Regulation of Labor Relations 34
The provisions of this Decree-Law, known as "New UAE Labor Law", govern labour relations in the private sector of the United Arab Emirates. The New Labor Law repeals the previous UAE Labor Law (Federal Law No. (8) of 1980).
Sep 20, 2021
27094
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
5089
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
12468

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Can a company terminate an employee for refusing to do work not in the contract? 0
Hello,
Is it allowed for a company to terminate an employee because the employee refused to do work not stated in the contract?
May 7, 2025
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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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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
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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
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How can I go back to the Philippines if my visa expired and I’ve overstayed in the UAE? 0
Hello,
I'm from the Philippines. I work here as a maid. My employer didn't process my visa.
I overstayed here, and my visa expired on January 23, 2025. Today is May 6, 2025. I want to go home to the Philippines.
What should I do?
May 7, 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
55
What can I do if my tenant is not providing rent cheques nor responding to renew the tenancy contract? 0
Hi,
I am a landlord and need advice on the following scenario.
- The contract with my tenant expired in Sep 2024. Upon requesting the renewal, the tenant mentioned that she is out of the country and will sign the renewal contract and provide the rent checks. In the meantime, she paid the first quarter of rent through a bank transfer.
- After 3 months, when the next quarter's payment was due, she deposited the next quarter's rent into my bank but did not sign the contract renewal despite my follow-up with her multiple times. At this time, she had returned to Dubai.
- Now the next quarter payment is due, however, the tenant is not responding to WhatsApp or answering calls. She is NOT paying rent or renewing the contract.
What action can I take since she is not answering my calls or messages?
She does not have a valid contract or Ejari, and her rent is delayed by 1 month. All WhatsApp messages are delivered, but she chooses not to respond.
Apr 18, 2025
51
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
53
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
45
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
53

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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
14
How can I go back to the Philippines if my visa expired and I’ve overstayed in the UAE? 0
Hello,
I'm from the Philippines. I work here as a maid. My employer didn't process my visa.
I overstayed here, and my visa expired on January 23, 2025. Today is May 6, 2025. I want to go home to the Philippines.
What should I do?
May 7, 2025
19
Does my employer have the right to send me back to my home country after I resign? 0
Hello,
I'm currently on a probation period. However, since the environment is toxic, I have decided to resign. I also agreed to pay for the visa costs incurred.
I was hired here in the UAE and not from the Philippines. However, my employer told me that he will send me back to the Philippines.
Does he have the right to do that?
May 7, 2025
13
What can I do if the landlord has not been responding to renew the commercial lease contract and Ejari? 0
Good day.
For the last 3 years, the landlord's office has not responded to renew the contract, so I contacted RERA for renewal.
The office doesn't respond to emails related to renewal, even though I started sending emails and reminders 2 to 3 months before expiry, and I have no choice but to contact RERA and send a notice.
Once the renewal was processed by law, the landlord's office delayed in releasing the Ejari. Since it is a commercial property, my renewals are related to a staff visa, and I have to pay delay penalties.
The landlord's office staff tried to take advantage of the Emirati owner, and no direct meeting was fruitful.
What is the law that safeguards expats and sorts out issues without mutual compromise as they try to force their terms to be acceptable by law and not supported by any documentation?
May 6, 2025
19
How can we find out why the Abu Dhabi court is deducting my husband’s salary? 0
Hello,
My husband's salary is automatically debited by the Abu Dhabi court as per the bank statements.
However, we do not know exactly what case has been filed against him, and we also do not know the total amount we need to pay; they are just debiting it.
Could someone please advise us on what we should do?
May 6, 2025
26

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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
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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
45
Despite a waiver, the case is still with the public prosecution. Can I travel? 0
Hello,
I had a case regarding fraud by technical means, and we did a tanazul.
It was attested and submitted to the court, but the case still hasn’t been dropped and is now with the public prosecution.
What do I do now, as I need to travel urgently?
Apr 28, 2025
36
A hair salon caused serious damage to my hair and scalp. What can I do to sue them? 0
I’m looking for legal advice regarding a hair salon incident that caused serious damage to my hair and scalp.
I visited a salon for a colouring treatment, during which two rounds of bleach, which is not what I booked in for, were given to me without proper approvals, and were applied back-to-back without a strand test or proper consultation.
As a result, I’ve been experiencing extreme hair breakage, daily hair loss, and ongoing scalp irritation. This has been especially distressing as I’m currently pregnant.
It’s now been over 20 days since the incident, and despite multiple polite follow-ups, the salon has ignored all communication.
I’m now exploring legal action to pursue compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused. I have full documentation, messages, and photos.
Any guidance on the best next steps or legal routes I can take would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
May 6, 2025
21
What can I do if the landlord has not been responding to renew the commercial lease contract and Ejari? 0
Good day.
For the last 3 years, the landlord's office has not responded to renew the contract, so I contacted RERA for renewal.
The office doesn't respond to emails related to renewal, even though I started sending emails and reminders 2 to 3 months before expiry, and I have no choice but to contact RERA and send a notice.
Once the renewal was processed by law, the landlord's office delayed in releasing the Ejari. Since it is a commercial property, my renewals are related to a staff visa, and I have to pay delay penalties.
The landlord's office staff tried to take advantage of the Emirati owner, and no direct meeting was fruitful.
What is the law that safeguards expats and sorts out issues without mutual compromise as they try to force their terms to be acceptable by law and not supported by any documentation?
May 6, 2025
19

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Other answers by
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
55
How to file a case against my former company for unpaid salary I was not on their visa? 0
Dear Legal Advice Middle East,
I hope you are well.
I am seeking legal advice regarding an unpaid salary issue with my former employer, [-----]2 LLC. I was employed with them from December 4, 2024, to January 7, 2025, on a monthly salary of 5,000 AED.
However, I only received a partial payment of 2,473 AED on February 24, 2025. The remaining 2,527 AED is still unpaid.
I submitted a complaint to MOHRE on March 2, 2025, but I am unable to proceed further through their official channels.
This is because I was working under the visa of my previous employer, [---] LLC, and not under [----]’s sponsorship.
As a result, I do not meet the criteria to file a labor complaint via the MOHRE app or hotline.
Given this situation, I would appreciate your guidance on how I can legally pursue the recovery of my remaining salary, considering the complications related to my visa status during the employment.
Apr 30, 2025
28
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
19
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
15
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
14

Premium
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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
262
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
97
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
198
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
131
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