Can somebody hire me and then fire me before I finish my probation period?

Thank you for sharing your situation.

Since you were working as a private chef for a person who did not sponsor your visa or employment legally, your employment relationship with him is considered informal and technically outside the protection of a registered contract under UAE Labour Law.

Thank you for contacting us via Legal Advice Middle East

Your situation raises a serious legal issue related to unauthorized employment and unfair dismissal.

We’ve handled a remarkably similar case involving a private chef working at a VIP residence under a different company’s sponsorship.

The court acknowledged the working relationship despite the absence of a formal contract and secured compensation for our client based on evidence of continuous service and payment.

Because you were not legally sponsored by the individual who hired you, the arrangement is technically considered a violation of labor residency laws.

However, UAE courts do recognize de facto employment relationships when there is proof—such as salary transfers, messages, or ongoing tasks performed—that establish a work arrangement.

Although you are not entitled to claim a “3-month” pay automatically without a formal contract, you may still be eligible to file a civil claim for arbitrary dismissal or unpaid dues based on the actual work performed.

The absence of a termination letter and sudden dismissal without reason could strengthen your claim, especially if supported by evidence.

The most strategic step now is to preserve all proofs of work—payments, communications, schedule logs—and consult with us to file a demand or negotiate a settlement.

We can act on your behalf discreetly, avoiding any issues with your current visa sponsor while seeking fair compensation.

To provide exact guidance, we need to review all related evidence. Our multilingual legal team—Arabic, English, Russian, Hindi, and Chinese—is available to support you fully.

This response is provided by Rashid Al Kaitoob Advocates & Legal Consultants based solely on the information you’ve provided and does not constitute a final legal opinion.

A binding legal assessment can only be given after reviewing the full documents of the case.

Hello,

According to the UAE Labor Law, if an employer terminates an employee without notice, the employee is entitled to compensation in lieu of notice.

The notice period for most employees is typically 30 days unless agreed otherwise in the contract.

However, since your employment was not officially recognized through a work permit or visa, this becomes a more complex case.

The lack of an official employment contract or a work permit complicates things, but it doesn't eliminate your rights.

The UAE Labor Law applies to all workers, including domestic workers, to some extent.

If you're working without a work permit or visa under another employer’s sponsorship, that could be a violation of immigration laws, but your labor rights still exist under the Civil Code.

The MOHRE can give you legal advice and help you file a complaint regarding unpaid wages, wrongful termination, or violation of labor laws.

If your employer has violated the labor law, you may be entitled to compensation.

The accountant may report that he deposited money into your account by mistake and open a case of unjust enrichment against you.

According to UAE labor law, you are entitled to compensation if you are terminated without notice or a valid reason.

The employer is required to provide notice or monetary compensation for the notice period. Not providing a termination letter is a breach of legal procedures.

Our center specializes in UAE labor law cases, and we offer precise legal consultations to help you recover your rights and resolve your issue.

You can contact us via WhatsApp for more details and assistance. We are here to support you!

Working for someone not listed on your visa is a violation of the UAE Labour Law and Immigration Law.

This technically makes the employment unauthorised, and both you and the employer could be penalized.

However, the UAE still allows you to claim unpaid wages or compensation if you can prove a working relationship.

Unjustified termination without notice may entitle the employee to compensation up to 3 months’ salary.

BUT: This usually applies only when the employment is official (i.e., proper labor contract and visa).

Since you did not have a visa or contract with him, you are not automatically entitled to 3 months' pay,

You May Still Claim Wages or Compensation If You Can Prove:

- You were working under his direction (WhatsApp, voice notes, location, payment records),

- He paid you monthly, which shows an employer-employee relationship,

- He terminated you unfairly and without notice.

Dear Inquirer

We are pleased to serve you and address your inquiries.

This depends on the nature of the contract between you and your employer, which regulates your labor rights in accordance with the Labor Law.

Contact us via email or call our offices in Dubai, Sharjah, or RAK.

Jasim Al Haddad Advocates & Legal Consultants

Even if you don't have a formal employment relationship, you can still file a civil labor lawsuit with the Labor Dispute Resolution Center, providing the following:

Proof of the employment relationship (such as WhatsApp messages, bank transfers, witnesses, attendance card, photos, etc.)

Claims for:

Unpaid wages (for the entire period).

Compensation for unfair dismissal (the court may award you partial compensation at its discretion, even if you don't have a formal contract).

Notice of dismissal (if you can prove that your dismissal was sudden and without notice).

For assistance, please contact us by phone or WhatsApp.