Questions & Answers
My employment contract with the company is not signed by me. Is it still considered valid?
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am a tennis coach in Dubai. I have been with my company for 9 months and am seeking to resign. I have been approached for a position with another company.
I am yet to receive an offer of employment. I would like to enquire if the issues I have with my company as stated below are legal:
1. My original employment contract between myself and the company is not signed by me. Is it deemed valid?
2. I also noticed that my job description differs from my employment contract (tennis coach) and visa (telecommunication assistant).
3. My employer has deducted funds from my salary for visa contributions that they state I am liable for. Is this correct?
4. Can I resign with immediate effect, and what are the implications thereof?
5. If yes, what is the process I need to follow?
5. What do I need to have in place before I resign?

Dear Questioner,
You can submit your resignation with a notice of resignation, whether one month or three months, depending on what is stated in the contract.
If you have any other inquiries, please contact us on phone number: [--------].
Greetings,
It is not permissible to deduct from the salary, because the costs of the residence card are the employer's obligations.
Can you share the employment contract on WhatsApp so that we can inform you correctly?
We are honored to provide you with legal support. For further inquiries about your topic, you can come to our office or contact us via phone, WhatsApp, or email.
Dear Questioner,
Thank you for reaching out to me with your questions regarding your employment situation!
I understand that navigating employment laws in the UAE can be complex, and I'm happy to provide guidance on your concerns:
1. Validity of Unsigned Employment Contract:
Generally, an unsigned employment contract may not be enforceable as it lacks your consent to the terms.
However, the Labor Law in the UAE considers several factors beyond just the signature, such as if the contract was submitted to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
We would need to look into whether you and your employer have engaged in practices that could validate the agreement.
2. Difference Between Job Description and Visa Title:
The mismatch between your job description and the visa designation can be problematic. Employers are required to provide a visa that reflects the employee's actual role.
This can impact not only your legal standing but also future opportunities. We should investigate whether this has implications for your new employment prospects.
3. Deduction for Visa Contributions:
According to UAE law, the employer is responsible for covering visa expenses. Any deductions from your salary for visa costs are generally unlawful unless there is a mutual agreement or a legal stipulation allowing this.
4. Resigning with Immediate Effect:
You can resign with immediate effect if certain conditions exist, such as mistreatment or violations by the employer.
However, resigning without notice can lead to complications, including potential penalties, depending on the terms of your contract. Careful consideration is required before taking this step.
5. Steps to Follow for Resignation:
To resign, you should:
- Submit a written notice, respecting the notice period as per your contract (unless exceptions apply).
- Ensure that any dues like salary, end-of-service benefits, and unused leave are settled.
6. Preparation Before Resignation:
Before resigning, I advise you to:
- Secure your new job offer and ensure the visa transfer process can proceed smoothly.
- Review your employment contract and gather all relevant documentation regarding your concerns.
I would recommend scheduling a consultation so we can review your contract in detail and assess your situation fully.
Please feel free to reach out to me via WhatsApp or phone at [---------] to discuss further. You can also email me at [----------].
Best regards,
Suhail Rana
Dear Questioner,
Legal Issues Regarding Employment in the UAE:
1. Unsigned Employment Contract:
An unsigned contract can still be valid if there's evidence of mutual consent, but having a signed contract is recommended for clarity and protection.
2. Job Title Discrepancy:
Ensure your job title on your visa matches your employment responsibilities. Discrepancies can lead to legal issues with labor authorities.
3. Salary Deductions:
Employers generally cover visa-related costs. If deductions are made without agreement, it may be illegal. Review your contract for terms on this.
4. Immediate Resignation:
Resigning without notice can result in penalties, such as losing end-of-service benefits. Typically, a notice period of 30 days is required.
5. Resignation Process:
To resign, review your contract for procedures, write a formal resignation letter, and discuss any final pay or property return.
6. Before Resigning:
Ensure you have a new job or plan, settle all financial matters, understand the consequences of leaving without notice, and document any issues related to job titles and salary deductions.
Dear Questioner,
UAE Labour Law states that an employment contract must be signed by both parties (employer and employee) to be considered valid.
It is essential to check if your contract was registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
If your contract is registered, even if unsigned, the government may still recognize the employment relationship.
UAE law explicitly states that visa costs must be borne by the employer, not the employee. Deducting these costs from your salary is illegal.
If you resign with immediate effect, you could be liable to pay compensation for failure to provide sufficient notice (usually an amount equivalent to your salary for the notice period).

Dear Inquirer,
If the original employment contract is not signed by you, its validity may be questioned.
Legally, a contract should be signed by all parties to be binding. If not signed, it might be considered invalid, but this depends on the specific details and legal handling.
- Discrepancy in Job Description:
If the job description on your contract differs from what is stated on your visa, it might indicate a discrepancy or error in documentation.
The job description on the visa should align with the contract to avoid legal issues.
- Salary Deductions for Visa:
Generally, the employer should cover visa costs. If your contract or company policy specifies that these costs are your responsibility, it should be clearly stated and agreed upon. Review your contract to see if there is a clause regarding these fees.
- Immediate Resignation:
You can resign immediately, but this may have consequences such as losing end-of-service benefits and not receiving due bonuses.
You are typically required to give a notice period as specified in your contract, usually 30 days. It is best to have a lawyer present to prevent any risks that may occur
If you need further clarification, you can contact us.