Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allIs it legal to work without a contract or visa if you are on the father sponsorship?
Q: Is it illegal to work without an offer letter or work permit on the father sponsorship?
Nov 12, 2019
1899
How can I remove overstay fines so that my new employer can issue my visa?
Q: I am writing to seek your legal advice regarding a complex immigration issue involving a person currently overstaying in Abu Dhabi.
His visa has expired, and although he received a job offer from a company in January 2025, the new visa process has not moved forward due to outstanding fines.
To resolve the issue, he applied to the court in November 2024 to request a reduction in the overstay fine.
He received a notification/link in January 2025 to visit immigration, but unfortunately, he could not attend due to serious health issues related to uric acid, which left him unable to walk.
Additionally, he was unable to seek medical help due to the lack of health insurance and severe financial difficulties.
He is now in a position where he wants to regularize his status in the UAE, clear any pending issues, and find a job to support his family.
We kindly request your guidance.
We would greatly appreciate your support in helping to resolve this matter in the best possible way.
Thank you
+2
Jun 30, 2025
43
Is an employee under an absconding case in the UAE entitled to all labor benefits?
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
If an employee is put under an absconding case in the UAE, is he entitled to all the benefits from the employer?
Or does he have to pay a fine to the company as he left for reasons beyond his control without giving notice?
Jul 17, 2024
305
Legal blog
3 available 3 • View allI Have Not Been Paid By My Employer For 3 Months, What Should I Do?
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
9653
An Overview of the New UAE Labor Law and Recent Amendments of 2024
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
96330
How to File an Employment Court Case in the UAE
An interview-format article covering the topic of filing an employment court case in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.
May 10, 2021
11407
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allMinisterial Decree No. (764) of 2015 On Ministry of Labour Approved Standard Employment Contracts
According to this Decree, tentative approval to admit a foreign worker for the purpose of employment in the UAE cannot be granted until an Employment Offer that conforms with the Standard Employment Contract is duly signed by the employee and presented to the Ministry of Labour.
Sep 27, 2015
5118
Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 On the Regulation of Labor Relations
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
27929
Ministerial Decree No. (765) of 2015 On Rules and Conditions for the Termination of Employment Relations
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
12528
Premium
Other answers by
Terminated without warning for unsatisfactory performance. What are my rights?
Hello,
I have been terminated by my employer suddenly with the reason of unsatisfactory performance; however, I did not receive any feedback in this area.
In fact, I received an increment last month with no prior warning letters. I am really shocked by this decision, and during the meeting, I was pressured by the line manager and HR Director, due to which I got overwhelmed and signed the termination.
They gave me a 3-month notice period under Article 43. Also, in my EOS calculation, they only included the gratuity but did not add the annual leave pay or the 3-month notice period salary.
It’s my third year in the organization, and I am on company sponsorship under a limited contract. I want to know my rights as an employee and what action I should take in this regard.
Jul 14, 2025
7
Why is my Abu Dhabi police clearance certificate still under review?
Hello,
I applied for a police clearance certificate in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday this week.
Up to now, I haven't received it yet; the status is still under review by the concerned party.
Please guide!
Jul 14, 2025
13
Can I cancel the deal if an advertised 2-bedroom apartment is officially a 1-bedroom?
Hello,
I'm in the process of buying an apartment. The apartment was listed as a 2-bed, and when I asked to see the floor plan, it was marked as a 1-bed.
I was told by the agent that this was a mistake/mislabel and that the seller is trying to get it fixed. In the process of obtaining the NOC from the developer, the apartment was again listed as a 1-bed, and when I asked for it to be updated, the developer mentioned that the apartment is officially registered as a 1-bed.
Since it was spacious, it was offered as an internal modification, but the official classification is 1-bed and that can't be changed. I checked with the DLD, and the apartment is registered as a 1-bed as well.
I was not aware of any modifications and was not told any of this by the agent when signing Form F.
Are the above facts grounds for me to back out of the deal, or does the classification not matter in this case?
Jul 11, 2025
30
Can a CEO sue for defamation just because I reported his misconduct to HR?
Hello,
I work in Abu Dhabi in a non-managerial position. I got into an argument with the CEO of the company, as he was blaming me for something that was not my fault or within my control.
He then proceeded to tell me I would be written up for it. My immediate manager is on leave, so I informed him and went to HR to file a complaint of wrongdoing.
He then immediately terminated me and told me that he would sue me for defamation. How is it defamation when I only brought the incident to the notice of the two people who are supposed to be involved anyway?
Who do I speak to, and can I take him to court?
Jul 11, 2025
44
I made a complaint about my stolen money and could not attend the hearing. Will I be penalized?
Salaam alaikum,
I made a complaint at the police station in Barsha about my stolen money 2 months ago.
I left the country for a short while soon after that, but since I don't know the process, I got missed calls from Dubai prosecution and a message from them to visit them on June 15th.
I didn't go since I was outside the UAE, and when I called them back, no one answered the call.
Anyhow, 3 days ago, the Dubai Public Prosecution portal shows the person was sentenced for theft, and I also got a message that a judgment has been passed.
I just want to know if I'll be penalised for not attending prosecution, or stopped at immigration when I'm returning.
Jazakallah Khair!
Jul 14, 2025
5
Premium
Other answers by
Terminated without warning for unsatisfactory performance. What are my rights?
Hello,
I have been terminated by my employer suddenly with the reason of unsatisfactory performance; however, I did not receive any feedback in this area.
In fact, I received an increment last month with no prior warning letters. I am really shocked by this decision, and during the meeting, I was pressured by the line manager and HR Director, due to which I got overwhelmed and signed the termination.
They gave me a 3-month notice period under Article 43. Also, in my EOS calculation, they only included the gratuity but did not add the annual leave pay or the 3-month notice period salary.
It’s my third year in the organization, and I am on company sponsorship under a limited contract. I want to know my rights as an employee and what action I should take in this regard.
Jul 14, 2025
7
Why is my Abu Dhabi police clearance certificate still under review?
Hello,
I applied for a police clearance certificate in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday this week.
Up to now, I haven't received it yet; the status is still under review by the concerned party.
Please guide!
Jul 14, 2025
13
Can I cancel the deal if an advertised 2-bedroom apartment is officially a 1-bedroom?
Hello,
I'm in the process of buying an apartment. The apartment was listed as a 2-bed, and when I asked to see the floor plan, it was marked as a 1-bed.
I was told by the agent that this was a mistake/mislabel and that the seller is trying to get it fixed. In the process of obtaining the NOC from the developer, the apartment was again listed as a 1-bed, and when I asked for it to be updated, the developer mentioned that the apartment is officially registered as a 1-bed.
Since it was spacious, it was offered as an internal modification, but the official classification is 1-bed and that can't be changed. I checked with the DLD, and the apartment is registered as a 1-bed as well.
I was not aware of any modifications and was not told any of this by the agent when signing Form F.
Are the above facts grounds for me to back out of the deal, or does the classification not matter in this case?
Jul 11, 2025
30
Can a CEO sue for defamation just because I reported his misconduct to HR?
Hello,
I work in Abu Dhabi in a non-managerial position. I got into an argument with the CEO of the company, as he was blaming me for something that was not my fault or within my control.
He then proceeded to tell me I would be written up for it. My immediate manager is on leave, so I informed him and went to HR to file a complaint of wrongdoing.
He then immediately terminated me and told me that he would sue me for defamation. How is it defamation when I only brought the incident to the notice of the two people who are supposed to be involved anyway?
Who do I speak to, and can I take him to court?
Jul 11, 2025
44
I made a complaint about my stolen money and could not attend the hearing. Will I be penalized?
Salaam alaikum,
I made a complaint at the police station in Barsha about my stolen money 2 months ago.
I left the country for a short while soon after that, but since I don't know the process, I got missed calls from Dubai prosecution and a message from them to visit them on June 15th.
I didn't go since I was outside the UAE, and when I called them back, no one answered the call.
Anyhow, 3 days ago, the Dubai Public Prosecution portal shows the person was sentenced for theft, and I also got a message that a judgment has been passed.
I just want to know if I'll be penalised for not attending prosecution, or stopped at immigration when I'm returning.
Jazakallah Khair!
Jul 14, 2025
5
Premium
Other answers by
Can I cancel the deal if an advertised 2-bedroom apartment is officially a 1-bedroom?
Hello,
I'm in the process of buying an apartment. The apartment was listed as a 2-bed, and when I asked to see the floor plan, it was marked as a 1-bed.
I was told by the agent that this was a mistake/mislabel and that the seller is trying to get it fixed. In the process of obtaining the NOC from the developer, the apartment was again listed as a 1-bed, and when I asked for it to be updated, the developer mentioned that the apartment is officially registered as a 1-bed.
Since it was spacious, it was offered as an internal modification, but the official classification is 1-bed and that can't be changed. I checked with the DLD, and the apartment is registered as a 1-bed as well.
I was not aware of any modifications and was not told any of this by the agent when signing Form F.
Are the above facts grounds for me to back out of the deal, or does the classification not matter in this case?
Jul 11, 2025
30
Can a CEO sue for defamation just because I reported his misconduct to HR?
Hello,
I work in Abu Dhabi in a non-managerial position. I got into an argument with the CEO of the company, as he was blaming me for something that was not my fault or within my control.
He then proceeded to tell me I would be written up for it. My immediate manager is on leave, so I informed him and went to HR to file a complaint of wrongdoing.
He then immediately terminated me and told me that he would sue me for defamation. How is it defamation when I only brought the incident to the notice of the two people who are supposed to be involved anyway?
Who do I speak to, and can I take him to court?
Jul 11, 2025
44
I made a complaint about my stolen money and could not attend the hearing. Will I be penalized?
Salaam alaikum,
I made a complaint at the police station in Barsha about my stolen money 2 months ago.
I left the country for a short while soon after that, but since I don't know the process, I got missed calls from Dubai prosecution and a message from them to visit them on June 15th.
I didn't go since I was outside the UAE, and when I called them back, no one answered the call.
Anyhow, 3 days ago, the Dubai Public Prosecution portal shows the person was sentenced for theft, and I also got a message that a judgment has been passed.
I just want to know if I'll be penalised for not attending prosecution, or stopped at immigration when I'm returning.
Jazakallah Khair!
Jul 14, 2025
5
Our CEO made a defamatory comment about me to our staff. Can I file a complaint?
Hello,
Our CEO made a defamatory comment about me to our staff. Can I file a complaint?
Jul 10, 2025
23
I’ve paid half of my hospital bill in installments. Can they sue me for the rest if I cannot pay?
Hello,
I have already paid half of my hospital bill of 12,990 AED in installments.
Now the hospital wants me to pay the entire remaining amount, but I don't have much money.
Can they sue me for that?
Jul 9, 2025
25
Premium
Other answers by
Terminated without warning for unsatisfactory performance. What are my rights?
Hello,
I have been terminated by my employer suddenly with the reason of unsatisfactory performance; however, I did not receive any feedback in this area.
In fact, I received an increment last month with no prior warning letters. I am really shocked by this decision, and during the meeting, I was pressured by the line manager and HR Director, due to which I got overwhelmed and signed the termination.
They gave me a 3-month notice period under Article 43. Also, in my EOS calculation, they only included the gratuity but did not add the annual leave pay or the 3-month notice period salary.
It’s my third year in the organization, and I am on company sponsorship under a limited contract. I want to know my rights as an employee and what action I should take in this regard.
Jul 14, 2025
7
Why is my Abu Dhabi police clearance certificate still under review?
Hello,
I applied for a police clearance certificate in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday this week.
Up to now, I haven't received it yet; the status is still under review by the concerned party.
Please guide!
Jul 14, 2025
13
Can I cancel the deal if an advertised 2-bedroom apartment is officially a 1-bedroom?
Hello,
I'm in the process of buying an apartment. The apartment was listed as a 2-bed, and when I asked to see the floor plan, it was marked as a 1-bed.
I was told by the agent that this was a mistake/mislabel and that the seller is trying to get it fixed. In the process of obtaining the NOC from the developer, the apartment was again listed as a 1-bed, and when I asked for it to be updated, the developer mentioned that the apartment is officially registered as a 1-bed.
Since it was spacious, it was offered as an internal modification, but the official classification is 1-bed and that can't be changed. I checked with the DLD, and the apartment is registered as a 1-bed as well.
I was not aware of any modifications and was not told any of this by the agent when signing Form F.
Are the above facts grounds for me to back out of the deal, or does the classification not matter in this case?
Jul 11, 2025
30
Can a CEO sue for defamation just because I reported his misconduct to HR?
Hello,
I work in Abu Dhabi in a non-managerial position. I got into an argument with the CEO of the company, as he was blaming me for something that was not my fault or within my control.
He then proceeded to tell me I would be written up for it. My immediate manager is on leave, so I informed him and went to HR to file a complaint of wrongdoing.
He then immediately terminated me and told me that he would sue me for defamation. How is it defamation when I only brought the incident to the notice of the two people who are supposed to be involved anyway?
Who do I speak to, and can I take him to court?
Jul 11, 2025
44
I made a complaint about my stolen money and could not attend the hearing. Will I be penalized?
Salaam alaikum,
I made a complaint at the police station in Barsha about my stolen money 2 months ago.
I left the country for a short while soon after that, but since I don't know the process, I got missed calls from Dubai prosecution and a message from them to visit them on June 15th.
I didn't go since I was outside the UAE, and when I called them back, no one answered the call.
Anyhow, 3 days ago, the Dubai Public Prosecution portal shows the person was sentenced for theft, and I also got a message that a judgment has been passed.
I just want to know if I'll be penalised for not attending prosecution, or stopped at immigration when I'm returning.
Jazakallah Khair!
Jul 14, 2025
5
Premium
Other answers by
Terminated without warning for unsatisfactory performance. What are my rights?
Hello,
I have been terminated by my employer suddenly with the reason of unsatisfactory performance; however, I did not receive any feedback in this area.
In fact, I received an increment last month with no prior warning letters. I am really shocked by this decision, and during the meeting, I was pressured by the line manager and HR Director, due to which I got overwhelmed and signed the termination.
They gave me a 3-month notice period under Article 43. Also, in my EOS calculation, they only included the gratuity but did not add the annual leave pay or the 3-month notice period salary.
It’s my third year in the organization, and I am on company sponsorship under a limited contract. I want to know my rights as an employee and what action I should take in this regard.
Jul 14, 2025
7
I made a complaint about my stolen money and could not attend the hearing. Will I be penalized?
Salaam alaikum,
I made a complaint at the police station in Barsha about my stolen money 2 months ago.
I left the country for a short while soon after that, but since I don't know the process, I got missed calls from Dubai prosecution and a message from them to visit them on June 15th.
I didn't go since I was outside the UAE, and when I called them back, no one answered the call.
Anyhow, 3 days ago, the Dubai Public Prosecution portal shows the person was sentenced for theft, and I also got a message that a judgment has been passed.
I just want to know if I'll be penalised for not attending prosecution, or stopped at immigration when I'm returning.
Jazakallah Khair!
Jul 14, 2025
5
I’ve paid half of my hospital bill in installments. Can they sue me for the rest if I cannot pay?
Hello,
I have already paid half of my hospital bill of 12,990 AED in installments.
Now the hospital wants me to pay the entire remaining amount, but I don't have much money.
Can they sue me for that?
Jul 9, 2025
25
I received a notice from Dubai Court’s Amicable Settlement. Can I negotiate the payment terms?
Hello,
I received a notice from the Amicable Settlement Department at Dubai Court regarding a financial amount I need to pay to an individual who lent me the amount.
I’m willing to pay it back; however, I am negotiating the payment terms. I have two questions:
1. What is the procedure of the Amicable Settlement Department, as I only received a notification without any other information?
2. Will I be able to negotiate a settlement, and how?
Please advise.
Thank you!
Jul 9, 2025
48
The agent promised me cashback, but he’s left the company and they won’t pay. What can I do?
Hello,
An agent from a company in the housing space promised me a percentage cashback from the brokerage if I booked the house through him.
He sent this understanding via both his company and personal email. After regular follow-ups, he paid a certain percentage but claims the company is not willing to release the remaining amount.
The agent has since left the organization and started his own business, and I am left hanging to deal with the company on my own. I have never visited or had any contact within the company.
Please help or guide me in the right direction, as the amount is my hard-earned lifetime savings and is considerably large.
Jul 9, 2025
23
Premium
Other answers by
Terminated without warning for unsatisfactory performance. What are my rights?
Hello,
I have been terminated by my employer suddenly with the reason of unsatisfactory performance; however, I did not receive any feedback in this area.
In fact, I received an increment last month with no prior warning letters. I am really shocked by this decision, and during the meeting, I was pressured by the line manager and HR Director, due to which I got overwhelmed and signed the termination.
They gave me a 3-month notice period under Article 43. Also, in my EOS calculation, they only included the gratuity but did not add the annual leave pay or the 3-month notice period salary.
It’s my third year in the organization, and I am on company sponsorship under a limited contract. I want to know my rights as an employee and what action I should take in this regard.
Jul 14, 2025
7
Our CEO made a defamatory comment about me to our staff. Can I file a complaint?
Hello,
Our CEO made a defamatory comment about me to our staff. Can I file a complaint?
Jul 10, 2025
23
Is health insurance required for Golden Visa holders?
Dear all,
Is health insurance required for Golden Visa holders?
They are not employed by a company and do not work in the UAE.
Please provide the reference to the applicable law or a source confirming this.
Thank you!
Jul 10, 2025
27
I’ve paid half of my hospital bill in installments. Can they sue me for the rest if I cannot pay?
Hello,
I have already paid half of my hospital bill of 12,990 AED in installments.
Now the hospital wants me to pay the entire remaining amount, but I don't have much money.
Can they sue me for that?
Jul 9, 2025
25
Can I get my overstay fines waived after a case was recently closed?
Hi,
I would like to seek legal assistance. I am currently overstaying due to a complaint registered against me last year, which was not closed even after it was settled.
Only today, I received a letter from Dubai Prosecution about the lifting of my travel ban and the closure of the case. Is there any way I can file to claim a waiver for my fines or at least a fine reduction?
I only came to know about this case/complaint when I was trying to renew my visa last April, and due to this, I was not able to renew it on time.
Please assist.
Thank you!
Jul 10, 2025
30
Premium
Other answers by
Terminated without warning for unsatisfactory performance. What are my rights?
Hello,
I have been terminated by my employer suddenly with the reason of unsatisfactory performance; however, I did not receive any feedback in this area.
In fact, I received an increment last month with no prior warning letters. I am really shocked by this decision, and during the meeting, I was pressured by the line manager and HR Director, due to which I got overwhelmed and signed the termination.
They gave me a 3-month notice period under Article 43. Also, in my EOS calculation, they only included the gratuity but did not add the annual leave pay or the 3-month notice period salary.
It’s my third year in the organization, and I am on company sponsorship under a limited contract. I want to know my rights as an employee and what action I should take in this regard.
Jul 14, 2025
7
I made a complaint about my stolen money and could not attend the hearing. Will I be penalized?
Salaam alaikum,
I made a complaint at the police station in Barsha about my stolen money 2 months ago.
I left the country for a short while soon after that, but since I don't know the process, I got missed calls from Dubai prosecution and a message from them to visit them on June 15th.
I didn't go since I was outside the UAE, and when I called them back, no one answered the call.
Anyhow, 3 days ago, the Dubai Public Prosecution portal shows the person was sentenced for theft, and I also got a message that a judgment has been passed.
I just want to know if I'll be penalised for not attending prosecution, or stopped at immigration when I'm returning.
Jazakallah Khair!
Jul 14, 2025
5
Our CEO made a defamatory comment about me to our staff. Can I file a complaint?
Hello,
Our CEO made a defamatory comment about me to our staff. Can I file a complaint?
Jul 10, 2025
23
Is health insurance required for Golden Visa holders?
Dear all,
Is health insurance required for Golden Visa holders?
They are not employed by a company and do not work in the UAE.
Please provide the reference to the applicable law or a source confirming this.
Thank you!
Jul 10, 2025
27
I’ve paid half of my hospital bill in installments. Can they sue me for the rest if I cannot pay?
Hello,
I have already paid half of my hospital bill of 12,990 AED in installments.
Now the hospital wants me to pay the entire remaining amount, but I don't have much money.
Can they sue me for that?
Jul 9, 2025
25
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