Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to seek guidance regarding my work visa cancellation dilemma. Two months ago, my employer placed me on an involuntary, unpaid leave due to business constraints, and this was communicated verbally. Recently, I have secured a new job, and my new employer has expressed the need for me to transfer my visa under their sponsorship. Despite repeated requests to my previous employer to cancel my visa, I have been consistently delayed with promises of "tomorrow" for almost a month. In light of these circumstances, I have two primary concerns: 1. What measures can I take to expedite the cancellation of my old visa? Should I consider reporting this delay to the relevant authorities such as the Dubai Police or the Dubai Court? 2. Alternatively, is there a legal avenue that allows me to retain my existing visa until its expiration date and commence work with my new employer concurrently? I would greatly appreciate your insights and guidance on this matter.

Q: Good morning, sir I have paid an agency to process my visa, but unfortunately, I received a job offer and was instructed to cancel the visa to be on the company's visa. Although I have paid for everything, including cancellation fees, the agency refuses to proceed with the cancellation. My new company is waiting within the timeframe provided for me to start work, threatening termination if not met. I lodged a complaint with the Labor Department, and they informed me it would take 5 to 10 days to resolve the issue and provide me with the cancellation letter for the new company. However, by then, the time will have elapsed. Can my agency still cancel it after my complaint to labor, or must we continue to wait for labor? Additionally, I intend to file a lawsuit against the agency if I lose my job and visa. Kindly advise. Thank you!

Q: Greetings. I am working in an Abu Dhabi-based company. I have three months pending salaries since Dec 2021. The fourth month is ongoing. I got a new job and I submitted my resignation by mail on 24-Feb-2022. Now the company says our WBS system is blocked and they can cancel my visa by paying a penalty. But I have to sign that I received all pending dues, then they will provide my pending dues whenever they received money from a client. Any chance to join my new company without any problem? If I go to the labor court, can I get my pending dues immediately? How much does it cost? Requesting your kind guidance.

Q: My employment visa was renewed in October, but I got another opportunity. Then I submitted my resignation and I am currently on notice period for almost 2 weeks. But my PRO is angry and asking why did I renew and then resign later. What should I do next to get my cancellation at the earliest?

Q: My former employer in DIFC is delaying my visa cancellation process even after the completion of my notice period. They want me to sign the cancellation paper without getting paid the final clearance. What are my legal options?

Q: Hello, I am planning to change to another company and I am waiting for the offer. The visa from the current company is going to end in 2 months. Should I inform them about my leaving? I haven’t received any offer yet, so I didn’t inform them, and they’re asking about the renewal every day. Is it mandatory to inform them 2 months in advance?

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.

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).

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.

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.