Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
4 available 4 • View allIs it legal for an employer to demand money to cancel the visa after resigning during probation?



3
Q: Dear Lawyers,
I resigned from my job during the probation period in Sharjah.
During the 14-day notice period, my company told me to pay 25,000 AED; otherwise, they would not cancel my visa. Is this legal?




Jun 26, 2024
352
My employer holds my passport and asks for visa expenses to cancel it. Should I pay?




7
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I am an expatriate in Dubai. I joined a company in Dubai, and my contract started in November 2023. It is a limited contract. Due to some issues with the management, they informed me that I would have to leave the company in March 2024, which I did.
Upon asking them to cancel my visa so I can return home, they said I have to pay around 5000 AED towards the visa expenses. I have asked them for the exact amount, but they haven’t provided it yet.
My passport is with them. I would like to check whether I have to pay the visa expense to them.
Since I am not aware of the formalities, I haven’t approached the Labour Department to get my passport back to leave. I fear they may cause more trouble if I initiate a complaint.
I would like to seek your valuable advice on how to proceed to claim my passport and exit UAE.
Please help!





May 8, 2024
492
Asking for visa expenses after termination without notice

2
Q: Dear sir/madam,
My employer terminated me without notice. She is asking for a refund of the visa expenses.
Do I need to pay them as they are the ones who broke the contract?


Feb 6, 2023
269
How can a helper transfer from a private employer to an agency after 6 months?




0
Q: Hello,
There is a helper that I would like to employ through an agency, but this helper is currently under a private contract with an employer. She has been under this contract for 6 months.
How would she be able to leave that job and come work for me under an agency?
Would she need to pay back any visa costs?
Legal advice would be much appreciated.





Apr 29, 2025
28
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
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I Have Not Been Paid By My Employer For 3 Months, What Should I Do? 14
An interview-format article covering the topic of employment in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW. In this article, Ludmila informs readers what they should do and where they should go if they have not been paid by their employer.
Feb 5, 2020
9619
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
402
Laws & Regulations
2 available 2 • 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
27464
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
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I have given a POA to a lawyer to fight my case, but now I got to know his professional license expired 20 days ago.
Is it allowed for him to represent me in court with an expired license?
May 27, 2025
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After acquittals by the first instance and appeals courts, can the case still go to the Court of Cassation? 0
Hello,
This is regarding an enquiry about a case where we were acquitted by the first instance court, that is, the trial court.
The prosecution appealed the judgment, and we also received an acquittal verdict from the misdemeanour appeal court.
I know there are still 30 days, but what are the chances it can be appealed to the Court of Cassation?
May 22, 2025
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What to do if our landlord keeps ignoring maintenance requests despite a clear contract? 0
Dear All,
We have a question related to private rental law in Dubai. We have been living in the same house (rented) for the last four years.
During those years, we have had to battle our landlord for maintenance at large. Our contract states that ALL maintenance is on his account (no deductible).
We have a lot of small maintenance issues, such as kitchen cabinets that are coming loose, a sewage smell in the house, and a toilet upstairs that still doesn't work after four years (despite attempted maintenance).
How can we deal with him and get him to honor the contract and resolve all of our issues so we can use the house properly? What legal steps can we take?
We have informed him plenty of times over the four years about the problems, but he seems to "ghost" us and does not reply very often.
We have issued him a warning to get things fixed by the end of this month (via WhatsApp), but he doesn't seem to mind.
Hope you can help with advice and maybe RERA down the line.
May 22, 2025
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Can a friend be held liable for sharing my private medical information without my consent? 0
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I have found out that a friend divulged sensitive and private medical information to others without my consent.
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May 22, 2025
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After evicting a tenant for renovation, can the landlord rent the property to another tenant? 0
Hello,
If the tenant is evicted due to renovation, once the renovation is done, can the landlord rent the property to a new tenant, or does the landlord have to wait for 2 years?
May 22, 2025
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Can I travel outside the UAE if I have a complaint for breach of trust by embezzlement? 0
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I have a complaint registered against me. The crime description is "breach of trust by embezzlement."
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May 22, 2025
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How can I avoid salary account seizure if Dubai Courts have ordered my assets to be frozen? 0
Hello,
Dubai Courts have sent a circular to freeze my assets in a cheque execution case dating back to 2023.
An installment plan was in place, but I missed payments.
The outstanding amount is AED 26,000. How can I avoid seizure of my salary bank account?
Thank you!
May 22, 2025
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After evicting the tenant for personal use and gifting the property to my son, can he rent it out? 0
Hello,
I had evicted the tenant by giving 1-year notice with the reason being for personal use.
After 1 year, the tenant vacated the apartment. I gifted this property to my son, who is 18 years old.
Can my son rent out this property?
May 21, 2025
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Can I be sued for posting an honest 1-star review about an upsetting experience? 0
Hello,
I recently made a Google review (and gave 1 star) regarding a grooming gone wrong to my fur baby's long, beautiful coat. Everything was done badly and so wrong; it was so upsetting and disappointing.
The owner reached out and gave some free vitamins to my baby boy and even offered to share my résumé with his contacts because I am currently searching for a job.
After an hour, the owner called asking me to delete my review. I messaged him not to pressure me or force me into doing something I don’t want to do, and told him I didn’t expect he wanted me to delete the review in exchange for the vitamins he gave for my fur baby.
I updated my review and mentioned that I appreciated the gesture. But he called again, threatening that his business partner might file a case against me.
Can they really do that to me, even if I didn’t directly ask for the vitamins and I didn’t say any bad word against their company?
I just made an honest review based on an upsetting and frustrating grooming service.
May 21, 2025
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Are weekends before and after leave excluded from the annual leave balance? 0
Hello,
According to UAE labor law, is it correct that weekends before the start date and after the end date of annual leave are not counted?
Example: if the leave is applied from Monday to Friday, how many days should be deducted from the annual leave balance?
May 21, 2025
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After acquittals by the first instance and appeals courts, can the case still go to the Court of Cassation? 0
Hello,
This is regarding an enquiry about a case where we were acquitted by the first instance court, that is, the trial court.
The prosecution appealed the judgment, and we also received an acquittal verdict from the misdemeanour appeal court.
I know there are still 30 days, but what are the chances it can be appealed to the Court of Cassation?
May 22, 2025
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What to do if our landlord keeps ignoring maintenance requests despite a clear contract? 0
Dear All,
We have a question related to private rental law in Dubai. We have been living in the same house (rented) for the last four years.
During those years, we have had to battle our landlord for maintenance at large. Our contract states that ALL maintenance is on his account (no deductible).
We have a lot of small maintenance issues, such as kitchen cabinets that are coming loose, a sewage smell in the house, and a toilet upstairs that still doesn't work after four years (despite attempted maintenance).
How can we deal with him and get him to honor the contract and resolve all of our issues so we can use the house properly? What legal steps can we take?
We have informed him plenty of times over the four years about the problems, but he seems to "ghost" us and does not reply very often.
We have issued him a warning to get things fixed by the end of this month (via WhatsApp), but he doesn't seem to mind.
Hope you can help with advice and maybe RERA down the line.
May 22, 2025
20
My RDC case says, "Enquire about shares and bonds." How can I request an installment payment? 0
Hello,
My RDC case says "enquire about shares and bonds," which I assume means freezing my bank accounts.
How can I approach this and request them for an instalment or initial payment?
May 22, 2025
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After evicting a tenant for renovation, can the landlord rent the property to another tenant? 0
Hello,
If the tenant is evicted due to renovation, once the renovation is done, can the landlord rent the property to a new tenant, or does the landlord have to wait for 2 years?
May 22, 2025
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After evicting the tenant for personal use and gifting the property to my son, can he rent it out? 0
Hello,
I had evicted the tenant by giving 1-year notice with the reason being for personal use.
After 1 year, the tenant vacated the apartment. I gifted this property to my son, who is 18 years old.
Can my son rent out this property?
May 21, 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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After evicting a tenant for renovation, can the landlord rent the property to another tenant? 0
Hello,
If the tenant is evicted due to renovation, once the renovation is done, can the landlord rent the property to a new tenant, or does the landlord have to wait for 2 years?
May 22, 2025
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Is it possible to get out of jail on the same day the case is withdrawn? 0
Hello,
My husband is in jail and the case is still under investigation, but the complainant wants to settle and withdraw the case.
Is it possible for my husband to get out of jail on the same day the case is withdrawn?
May 22, 2025
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If acquitted by the appeal court, is the travel ban and wanted status automatically removed? 0
Hello,
If acquitted by the appeal court, is the travel ban and wanted status automatically removed? I mean, an innocent verdict was issued by the first instance court, then it was appealed, and after that, the travel ban was there.
Now, the appeal court has issued an acquittal from all charges; so is the travel ban still there, or is it automatically removed after the judgment is issued?
May 21, 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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What to do if our landlord keeps ignoring maintenance requests despite a clear contract? 0
Dear All,
We have a question related to private rental law in Dubai. We have been living in the same house (rented) for the last four years.
During those years, we have had to battle our landlord for maintenance at large. Our contract states that ALL maintenance is on his account (no deductible).
We have a lot of small maintenance issues, such as kitchen cabinets that are coming loose, a sewage smell in the house, and a toilet upstairs that still doesn't work after four years (despite attempted maintenance).
How can we deal with him and get him to honor the contract and resolve all of our issues so we can use the house properly? What legal steps can we take?
We have informed him plenty of times over the four years about the problems, but he seems to "ghost" us and does not reply very often.
We have issued him a warning to get things fixed by the end of this month (via WhatsApp), but he doesn't seem to mind.
Hope you can help with advice and maybe RERA down the line.
May 22, 2025
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Can a friend be held liable for sharing my private medical information without my consent? 0
Hello,
I have found out that a friend divulged sensitive and private medical information to others without my consent.
Is this against the law?
May 22, 2025
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After evicting a tenant for renovation, can the landlord rent the property to another tenant? 0
Hello,
If the tenant is evicted due to renovation, once the renovation is done, can the landlord rent the property to a new tenant, or does the landlord have to wait for 2 years?
May 22, 2025
28
Can I travel outside the UAE if I have a complaint for breach of trust by embezzlement? 0
Hello,
I have a complaint registered against me. The crime description is "breach of trust by embezzlement."
Can I travel outside the UAE? I don't have any travel ban against me.
May 22, 2025
18
How can I avoid salary account seizure if Dubai Courts have ordered my assets to be frozen? 0
Hello,
Dubai Courts have sent a circular to freeze my assets in a cheque execution case dating back to 2023.
An installment plan was in place, but I missed payments.
The outstanding amount is AED 26,000. How can I avoid seizure of my salary bank account?
Thank you!
May 22, 2025
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What can I do if I missed the hearing and a judgment was made in my absence? 0
Hello,
What can I do if I was absent from the hearing because of improper information and they gave judgment in my absence?
May 21, 2025
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Can I resign during the probation period without serving a three-month notice to take another job? 0
I am working in the private sector, and currently I am in the probation period. I got a government job, so I submitted a one-month resignation notice.
My current company rejected my one-month notice and ordered me to serve a three-month notice (as per the contract).
I enquired with One Time Centre, and as per their advice, after one month, I can stop work and register a complaint against my company.
For this matter, how will the UAE law help me to solve it?
May 2, 2025
53
Is overtime applicable on work-from-home days under company’s policy? 0
Hello,
The company has a policy allowing employees to work from home once per week.
Now, employees are asking if overtime is applicable for those who work from home as well.
Could you please clarify?
Thank you!
May 2, 2025
36
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 the landlord send me an eviction notice for non-payment despite submitting an offer and deposit at RDC? 0
I’ve lived in my building for over 4 years, with the most recent rent being AED 50,000. Each year, the management collects cheques and extra AED 2,400–2,500 cash (no receipt) for management and Ejari fees.
My contract was due for renewal on 15 Feb 2025, but management delayed, demanding a 10% rent increase even though no formal 90-day notice and the RERA index did not allow it.
After a month of excuses, the manager called on 12 March, insisted increase to 55K, and threatened eviction if I refused. When I referenced RDC, he hung up. The next day, he again made unprofessional remarks, so I decided to go with RDC.
I submitted my offer and deposit on 13th March, but the management didn’t respond. The case went to the judge on 14 April he ruled in my favor.
On 30 April, I applied for the execution of the ruling, and RDC says I can renew Ejari only on 8th May at DLD with cheques given to them.
However, on 1st May 2025, I received a notarized eviction notice for non-payment of rent and communication.
My question is, what will happen at DLD now?
May 2, 2025
42

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What is the responsibility of the employee in case of leaving before the end of the notice period? 0
What is the responsibility of the employee?
The employment contract is set to conclude on 31st May 2025. The employee initiated discussions regarding a salary increment approximately 30 days prior, during which the management engaged in meetings with the employee but ultimately decided to maintain the current salary.
The employee subsequently chose not to renew or continue the employment, this decision having been finalized in a meeting held on 20th May 2025.
How does the notice period apply in this context?
Specifically:
1) Would the grace period (30 days after the contract/visa ends) be considered as fulfilling the notice period requirement?
2) Is the employee entitled to request a different salary during this grace or notice period?
May 21, 2025
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What can I do if the employer refuses to compensation and settlement after terminating me without notice? 0
I work for a Meydan Freezone employer under a limited contract. The employer has terminated my contract without notice after 1 year and is not offering to pay 3 months' compensation severance, nor a notice period, nor a correct settlement.
They are asking me to sign a contract to waive it. I contacted MOHRE, who stated you need a NOC or referral letter from Meydan, but Meydan stated they do not issue one, and private matters and disputes are between you and the employer.
May 21, 2025
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How many days does it take to be deported from the UAE? 0
Hello,
Sir, how many days will it take for an Indian to be deported from the UAE?
May 21, 2025
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What can I do if I missed the hearing and a judgment was made in my absence? 0
Hello,
What can I do if I was absent from the hearing because of improper information and they gave judgment in my absence?
May 21, 2025
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Can I ask the execution court to request MOHRE to seize the labour card of a debtor? 0
Hello,
Seizure of MOHRE Labour Card by Dubai Execution Court
I am an execution requester. My execution debtor has not paid me for the last 12 years after starting the execution file.
Can I request the execution court to write a letter to MOHRE, obliging them to seize the labour card of the debtor?
If yes, from when was this procedure permitted?
May 21, 2025
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Is it possible to get out of jail on the same day the case is withdrawn? 0
Hello,
My husband is in jail and the case is still under investigation, but the complainant wants to settle and withdraw the case.
Is it possible for my husband to get out of jail on the same day the case is withdrawn?
May 22, 2025
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Can I travel outside the UAE if I have a complaint for breach of trust by embezzlement? 0
Hello,
I have a complaint registered against me. The crime description is "breach of trust by embezzlement."
Can I travel outside the UAE? I don't have any travel ban against me.
May 22, 2025
18
Can I be sued for posting an honest 1-star review about an upsetting experience? 0
Hello,
I recently made a Google review (and gave 1 star) regarding a grooming gone wrong to my fur baby's long, beautiful coat. Everything was done badly and so wrong; it was so upsetting and disappointing.
The owner reached out and gave some free vitamins to my baby boy and even offered to share my résumé with his contacts because I am currently searching for a job.
After an hour, the owner called asking me to delete my review. I messaged him not to pressure me or force me into doing something I don’t want to do, and told him I didn’t expect he wanted me to delete the review in exchange for the vitamins he gave for my fur baby.
I updated my review and mentioned that I appreciated the gesture. But he called again, threatening that his business partner might file a case against me.
Can they really do that to me, even if I didn’t directly ask for the vitamins and I didn’t say any bad word against their company?
I just made an honest review based on an upsetting and frustrating grooming service.
May 21, 2025
6
If acquitted by the appeal court, is the travel ban and wanted status automatically removed? 0
Hello,
If acquitted by the appeal court, is the travel ban and wanted status automatically removed? I mean, an innocent verdict was issued by the first instance court, then it was appealed, and after that, the travel ban was there.
Now, the appeal court has issued an acquittal from all charges; so is the travel ban still there, or is it automatically removed after the judgment is issued?
May 21, 2025
7
Are weekends before and after leave excluded from the annual leave balance? 0
Hello,
According to UAE labor law, is it correct that weekends before the start date and after the end date of annual leave are not counted?
Example: if the leave is applied from Monday to Friday, how many days should be deducted from the annual leave balance?
May 21, 2025
13

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Other answers by
Can a lawyer with an expired professional license still represent me in court? 0
Hello,
I have given a POA to a lawyer to fight my case, but now I got to know his professional license expired 20 days ago.
Is it allowed for him to represent me in court with an expired license?
May 27, 2025
10
Can I renew my visa if I received a message from Dubai police that I have travel ban? 0
I received a message from the Dubai police in which they said that I have a travel ban on my Emirates ID, and I should contact the Dubai court.
Can I renew the visa in such a situation?
May 22, 2025
32
After acquittals by the first instance and appeals courts, can the case still go to the Court of Cassation? 0
Hello,
This is regarding an enquiry about a case where we were acquitted by the first instance court, that is, the trial court.
The prosecution appealed the judgment, and we also received an acquittal verdict from the misdemeanour appeal court.
I know there are still 30 days, but what are the chances it can be appealed to the Court of Cassation?
May 22, 2025
48
What to do if our landlord keeps ignoring maintenance requests despite a clear contract? 0
Dear All,
We have a question related to private rental law in Dubai. We have been living in the same house (rented) for the last four years.
During those years, we have had to battle our landlord for maintenance at large. Our contract states that ALL maintenance is on his account (no deductible).
We have a lot of small maintenance issues, such as kitchen cabinets that are coming loose, a sewage smell in the house, and a toilet upstairs that still doesn't work after four years (despite attempted maintenance).
How can we deal with him and get him to honor the contract and resolve all of our issues so we can use the house properly? What legal steps can we take?
We have informed him plenty of times over the four years about the problems, but he seems to "ghost" us and does not reply very often.
We have issued him a warning to get things fixed by the end of this month (via WhatsApp), but he doesn't seem to mind.
Hope you can help with advice and maybe RERA down the line.
May 22, 2025
20
Can a friend be held liable for sharing my private medical information without my consent? 0
Hello,
I have found out that a friend divulged sensitive and private medical information to others without my consent.
Is this against the law?
May 22, 2025
18
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