Questions & Answers
Request for legal guidance regarding employer harassment and premature asset retrieval demand (2)
Cont-1) as outlined in the termination notice.
Following a recent threatening message from her sponsor, in which she mentioned filing a police complaint, she proactively contacted Dubai Police for guidance.
They advised her to visit Jebel Ali Police Station to report the matter and seek assistance regarding the harassment.
Our concern is that if she returns the laptop prematurely, her work may be deleted or altered, and this could negatively impact my End of Service Benefits (EOSB) and her professional record, as her sponsor has a pattern of making unfounded accusations.
Here is the most recent message my friend received from her: “Good morning. Hi, I urgently need my laptop and keys from the cabinet. Send me the location, I will send CAREEM. I need my laptop and keys from the cabinets immediately. If you do not send the location to pick up my stuff, I’m gonna go to the police. Sorry, but you must return my stuff. My business cannot operate properly without my computer.” (COnt-2)
Dear Client,
Thank you for providing further context and sharing the recent communications from your friend’s sponsor.
I understand your concerns about the premature return of company property and the potential impact on your friend’s End of Service Benefits (EOSB) and professional reputation, especially in light of the sponsor’s recent threats.
After reviewing the situation, I offer the following professional guidance:
1. Premature Asset Return
Your friend is not legally required to return the company laptop or cabinet keys before the official handover date (20th June 2025) as clearly stated in her termination notice.
MOHRE’s guidance supports this position, and returning the assets before the agreed date could expose her to risks, including loss or alteration of important work files, which may affect her EOSB calculation and professional standing.
Recommendation:
• Politely reiterate in writing to her sponsor that she will return all company assets on or before 20th June 2025, under the termination notice and MOHRE’s advice.
• Emphasize her intention to ensure a complete and proper handover to protect both parties’ interests.
2. Threats and Harassment
The sponsor’s repeated demands and threats to involve the police constitute workplace harassment, particularly as your friend is acting within her legal rights. The UAE Labour Law and MOHRE provide protection against such behavior.
Recommendation:
• Continue to document all communications, including the latest threatening messages.
• If the sponsor proceeds with a police complaint, your friend should be prepared to present all relevant documentation (termination notice, MOHRE guidance, and communication records) to demonstrate her compliance.
• If your friend feels unsafe or the harassment escalates, she should follow the advice given by Dubai Police and visit Jebel Ali Police Station to formally report the matter and seek their assistance.
3. Protecting Work and Reputation
Given the sponsor’s history of unfounded accusations, it is prudent for your friend to safeguard her work records:
• Ensure all work is properly documented and, where possible, maintain evidence of completed tasks and correspondence related to her duties.
• Avoid deleting or altering any company data on the laptop or other assets.
4. Suggested Written Response to Sponsor
Here is a suggested draft your friend may use to reply professionally to her sponsor:
“Dear [Sponsor’s Name],
As per the terms outlined in my termination notice and the guidance received from MOHRE, I will return all company property, including the laptop and cabinet keys, on or before the agreed handover date of 20th June 2025. This is to ensure a complete and proper transition of my responsibilities. I am committed to cooperating fully and request that any further instructions regarding the handover be provided in writing. Thank you for your understanding.”
5. Next Steps
• Maintain all records of communication and official documents.
• Respond to the sponsor in writing as suggested above.
• If harassment continues or escalates, report the matter to the police as advised.
• Seek further legal support if any formal accusation or dispute arises regarding EOSB or professional conduct.
If you require assistance in drafting formal communications or need representation in discussions with MOHRE or the police, please do not hesitate to contact me. Your friend is taking all the correct steps to protect her legal rights and professional interests.
Best regards
Dear Inquirer,
Thank you for reaching out.
In such situations where there are threats, harassment, and potential misuse of equipment, it is essential to act cautiously and protect both your legal rights and your professional integrity.
Returning the laptop without proper documentation or a neutral witness may expose your friend to further false allegations.
We recommend the following:
Do not return any company property until you receive clear legal advice.
Document all communications.
Proceed with filing a formal police report, as already advised by Dubai Police.
To ensure full legal protection and avoid risks to your End of Service Benefits or reputation, we highly recommend booking a consultation or issuing a legal power of attorney to our office to handle the matter properly.
Book your consultation now with Future Vision for Advocacy and Legal Consultancy.
We are happy at Future Vision Law Advocates and Legal Consultancy to assist you and provide the best legal services that meet your needs.
To contact us, you can call or WhatsApp us.
