Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allCan the court of appeals increase the punishment if the accused appeals a judgment?
Q: Dear Experts,
General question: For example, if the court of first instance issues a judgment with a specific punishment, like 3 months in jail, and the accused appeals the decision, can the court of appeals increase the punishment?
+1
May 28, 2024
583
How can I appeal a case if I missed the hearing and defending myself?
Q: I had a misdemeanor case in Dubai last January 28, 2023, then I was released on January 30 after a judge hearing.
Now the judge asks me to submit a translated Arabic appeal letter for my explanation and seek help from the police officers.
Unfortunately, no one can help me and assist me. They just released me the same day right away after the hearing without submitting my appeal.
Then, they told me to wait for a call from Dubai Courts. Unfortunately, after waiting, no one called me so I followed up after a couple of days, but still no one replied to me.
I even mailed the Dubai Police and they just said it was forwarded already to the HQ. I have to wait for a call. 2 weeks ago I received a call from them from Barsha telling me that I have to go to Dubai Courts.
Then when I checked online, I found out that there is already a final judgment of 1 month of jail and deportation.
Ma'am/Sir, I need to defend myself and submit an appeal because I have valid reasons why things happened at that time.
Apr 13, 2023
290
How to reduce a jail sentence judgment for smoking weed to a fine?
Q: Why is the sentence for smoking weed fine and deportation in Dubai while it's two years and deportation in Abu Dhabi?
Can the sentence be appealed and reduced?
How can we get the name of the accused on the pardon list?
Sep 1, 2021
830
Laws & Regulations
2 available 2 • View allFederal Law No. (35) of 1992 Concerning The Criminal Procedural Law
The law promulgates UAE Criminal Procedural Law (Penal Procedures Law) which governs criminal procedures in the UAE. This law applies to the procedures relating to offences whose punishments are not specified, dogma and punitive offences, and blood money, if they do not violate the Sharia rules.
Jun 15, 1992
19143
Federal Decree-Law No. (31) of 2021 Promulgating the Crimes and Penalties Law
The provisions of this Federal Decree-Law No. (31) of 2021 Promulgating the Crimes and Penalties Law, known as the "New UAE Penal Code", governs criminal actions in the United Arab Emirates. The New Penal Code repeals the previous UAE Penal Code (Federal Law No. (3) of 1987 Promulgating the Penal Code).
Sep 20, 2021
510
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كيف يمكنني الاستعلام عن قضية إبعاد أمني ومحاولة العودة إلى الإمارات؟
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
4
My previous organization has not yet released EOSB because I contacted a client. Is this legal?
I recently joined a new organization in the Hamriyah Free Zone, and my previous organization has not released my end-of-service benefits.
The HR has instructed the finance team not to do so because I had contacted one of their clients.
In my DMCC contract, there is no Non-Compete clause, but the offer letter has one, and now they are not releasing the end-of-service.
Is this legal? What are my rights?
Apr 30, 2025
17
Can I renew my trade license and visa if I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me?
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
38
How to file a case against my former company for unpaid salary I was not on their visa?
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
21
Does filing an online rental dispute by a landlord lead to a travel ban on the tenant?
Hello,
Does the initiation of an online rental dispute case by a landlord in Dubai automatically lead to the imposition of a travel ban on the tenant?
This is not related to bounced cheques; the dispute concerns wear and tear versus damage claims by the landlord.
Apr 28, 2025
16
Premium
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Can the employer force the housmaid to work for unlimited hours without rest?
Hi
I'm a nanny, and at the same time, I work as a housemaid (khadama) here in the house. I work, but as I know, the nannies and housemaids have different rights, and my employer doesn't give me rest.
My work starts at 7:30 am and then finishes at 10 pm or less. It depends on whether the baby is asleep or what time they will take on me if not yet asleep. Is this right?
Also, at the time of eating, I'm still working because the baby is with me, so I just let her sit in her chair. That's how I eat.
Please answer me. I want to know my rights.
Because if I can leave during the 6-month probation, I want to take it if the employer is this kind. I don't know.
They are also expats, but they don't follow the rules of the UAE regarding a housemaid.
May 1, 2025
5
My previous organization has not yet released EOSB because I contacted a client. Is this legal?
I recently joined a new organization in the Hamriyah Free Zone, and my previous organization has not released my end-of-service benefits.
The HR has instructed the finance team not to do so because I had contacted one of their clients.
In my DMCC contract, there is no Non-Compete clause, but the offer letter has one, and now they are not releasing the end-of-service.
Is this legal? What are my rights?
Apr 30, 2025
17
Can I renew my trade license and visa if I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me?
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
38
How to file a case against my former company for unpaid salary I was not on their visa?
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
21
Employer agreed to settle before MOHRE. What if they don’t pay the promised amount?
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
41
Premium
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I want to open a company to do crypto P2P trading on Binance. How to guarantee the bank account not to be closed?
I want to do crypto P2P trading on Binance. But I want to do it safely, so I want to open a company and do it. My monthly turnover will be around 4 million AED.
I heard a lot that banks are freezing or closing business bank accounts because of this kind of activity. I want to know whether that is true or not.
Apr 2, 2025
91
How to solve the OTP issue blocking my visa change while changing jobs and get a new visa?
I need legal advice regarding the cancellation of my work permit to join a new company. Here’s a brief overview:
I have worked for a contracting company in Dubai since 2018, with my visa later transferred to Sharjah. After receiving a job offer in Dubai, I resigned, but my old employer’s attempt to cancel my work permit failed due to an OTP issue.
ICP granted permission to cancel my change-of-status visa, but when my new employer applied for my permit, they found the old one still active. I raised a labor complaint with MOHRE on 21 March 2025, but it's still under process.
My family’s grace period expired on 27 Mar 2025, so I sent them back to India. I’m now facing a daily fine of AED 50 for overstaying since my change of status was canceled on 13 Mar 2025.
Once this is resolved, I plan to bring my family back as my son’s school reopens on 07 April 2025.
I would appreciate your advice on resolving the permit cancellation and overstay fines.
Mar 28, 2025
71
Are the non-compete clauses enforceable in case of resignation to take a better offer?
Currently working at Company X in Dubai. I recently got a stronger offer from Company Y, a much larger firm in the same industry but in a different free zone.
When I asked if Company X could match the offer, they proposed a bonus, not a salary adjustment. I resigned. While I didn’t disclose where I was going, they seem to know, and their legal team has started sending letters.
My contract has restrictive clauses, including: “For 12 months post-termination, the employee shall not, without prior written consent, (a) be employed or engaged in any capacity by any business in competition in the UAE with any Restricted Business; (b) have business dealings with any Client or Prospective Client in such competition.”
Friends in law say it’s too broad to enforce. I held a manager role, AED 30k/month, not C-level, though considered a key member. Despite the pressure, I believe they’re overreaching legally.
Please advise if these non-compete clauses are enforceable.
Mar 28, 2025
88
What can I do in case of odometer tampering, false ownership information, and a flood-damaged vehicle?
What can I do in case of odometer tampering, false ownership information, and a flood-damaged vehicle?
What is the procedure for filing a fraud complaint about these issues?
Mar 21, 2025
102
Can we legally act against community management for a noisy pool unit?
Hello,
We live in a development in Ras Al Khaimah, and under our apartment block, there is a loud swimming pool heater/chiller unit that runs 24/7, producing a rattling and humming noise that disturbs our peace.
We can hardly use our balcony due to this noise. Other apartments face the same issue, but the community management refuses to take action.
What legal recourse do we have? Can we serve the community management office with a legal notice?
Mar 24, 2025
80
Premium
Other answers by
كيف يمكنني الاستعلام عن قضية إبعاد أمني ومحاولة العودة إلى الإمارات؟
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
4
Can the employer force the housmaid to work for unlimited hours without rest?
Hi
I'm a nanny, and at the same time, I work as a housemaid (khadama) here in the house. I work, but as I know, the nannies and housemaids have different rights, and my employer doesn't give me rest.
My work starts at 7:30 am and then finishes at 10 pm or less. It depends on whether the baby is asleep or what time they will take on me if not yet asleep. Is this right?
Also, at the time of eating, I'm still working because the baby is with me, so I just let her sit in her chair. That's how I eat.
Please answer me. I want to know my rights.
Because if I can leave during the 6-month probation, I want to take it if the employer is this kind. I don't know.
They are also expats, but they don't follow the rules of the UAE regarding a housemaid.
May 1, 2025
5
My previous organization has not yet released EOSB because I contacted a client. Is this legal?
I recently joined a new organization in the Hamriyah Free Zone, and my previous organization has not released my end-of-service benefits.
The HR has instructed the finance team not to do so because I had contacted one of their clients.
In my DMCC contract, there is no Non-Compete clause, but the offer letter has one, and now they are not releasing the end-of-service.
Is this legal? What are my rights?
Apr 30, 2025
17
Can I renew my trade license and visa if I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me?
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
38
How to file a case against my former company for unpaid salary I was not on their visa?
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
21
Premium
Other answers by
Can I renew my trade license and visa if I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me?
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
38
How to file a case against my former company for unpaid salary I was not on their visa?
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
21
After closing the company, can an investor stay in the UAE until the residence visa expires?
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?
Apr 29, 2025
17
Employer agreed to settle before MOHRE. What if they don’t pay the promised amount?
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
41
What can a company do if an employee agrees to stay but then stops reporting to work?
Hello,
My employee provided a resignation. Our company offered a salary raise and made a deal with him where he agreed to continue with us, but it’s not on paper.
He suddenly stopped coming to work, stating he doesn’t want to work anymore.
What rights do we have as a company, and what can we do about it?
Apr 30, 2025
26
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Can a DTC holiday home permit be used as proof that my landlord re-rented the property after evicting me?
Hello,
My landlord vacated the property with 12 months' notice, stating he would live there himself.
However, he started renting the property through the holiday homes system.
Is a permit issued by the DTC for a holiday home valid proof to prove that he is renting and to claim compensation?
Mar 18, 2025
68
I have video recording of my husband beating me. Can I show this in the child custody hearing?
I have a video recording of my husband beating me in our garden.
Can I show this in the child custody hearing?
It was filmed with my phone camera
Mar 19, 2025
73
We won the case with the RDC to evict the tenant. What happens after waiting the cooling period?
We won the case with the RDC that the tenant has to evict the property. We are told there is a cooling period before they say the date he has to leave.
How long is the cooling period he can appeal and then what happens next if he appeals and if he doesn't?
He was served the one-year notice and then refused to leave, hence the case we raised with RDC and won.
Thank you
Mar 19, 2025
59
Can a free zone visa holder work remotely across the UAE while visiting the company weekly?
Hello,
Is it legally permissible for an employee holding a Fujairah free zone visa with a job role in sales and marketing to primarily work remotely from various locations, including Dubai, while visiting the Fujairah-based company once a week?
The employee would meet clients and conduct business activities on the UAE mainland.
Does this arrangement comply with UAE labor laws?
Mar 19, 2025
72
What are the working hour regulations for nursing mothers in the UAE during Ramadan?
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
113
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