Questions & Answers - Legal Advice Middle East

Is the employee required to follow the end date on the labor contract or labor card?

Q: My employer insists I must follow the date on my UAE labor card and work an extra month after the labor card date before I stop working. Please, I wish to know if an employee is supposed to follow the UAE labor contract or UAE labor card to stop working when the contract is finished.

Can the landlord freeze my bank account after a judge approved my payment plan?

Q: Hi, I have a rental case in Sharjah, and I appealed for a 30% down payment and 6 installments. The Honorable Judge approved my request, and I have a copy of the order. However, at the same time, the landlord approached the court and obtained another order to seize my bank accounts. My bank account is now frozen, and I can`t receive my salary. Is this proper procedure? Is it possible for two orders to be passed in a single case? Can I request the landlord to withdraw the bank account freeze because I need to honor the 30% down payment judgment? Kindly help with a solution.

Can I file a case against my husband for maintenance and attend it online?

Q: Dear Lawyers, Can I file a case against my husband for maintenance and attend it online since I no longer reside in Dubai?

Does signing a new contract after receiving an eviction notice make it invalid?

Q: Dear Lawyers, My landlord issued an eviction notice dated 31st July 2023, stating that I should vacate the property by 31st July 2024. However, on the same day, the agency acting on behalf of the landlord sent an email saying the landlord agreed to sign a new contract with a 5% increase. On 2nd August 2023, I signed a new contract, which is valid from 14th November 2023 to 13th November 2024. It was signed by the landlord, and Ejari was issued until 13th November 2024. Now I want to renew the current contract, but the agency is saying there is an eviction, and I need to vacate the property. My understanding is that I signed a new contract after the eviction notice, and therefore, the eviction is no longer valid. Am I entitled to renew the current contract, or do I need to comply with the eviction and leave the property?

What are the requirements, procedures, and costs to lift a medical ban?

Q: Dear Lawyers, What are the requirements and procedures to lift a ban due to medical reasons? My spouse was deported last year due to a scar found on his lungs during an X-ray. Also, what is the estimated cost for processing this?

Requesting an employee to provide a new offer letter to release their passport

Q: Hello, My employer is unwilling to return my passport, saying he needs a new offer letter from a different company to release it. Could you please advise what action can be taken to address this?

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Can a landlord enforce a higher rental increase if the initial notice had a wrong percentage?

Q: Hello, I`d like to ask: What if a landlord mistakenly mentioned the wrong increase percentage when sending the 90-day renewal notice to their tenant? The correct percentage should be higher according to the RERA Rental Index Calculator and the tenant is now refusing to accept this additional increase. Can the landlord still fight for it if the tenant insists on renewing through the DLD instead?

Is it legal to give a 10% deposit cheque to an agent before signing Form F?

Q: Hello, I`m about to buy a property in Dubai on the secondary market and have some questions. The agent sent me a link to the Real Estate Brokerage Contract with the following note: A 10% deposit cheque will be given to our agency under the seller`s name for the XX apartment. It is non-transferable without consent from both parties and will be returned only by judicial order in case of a dispute. Is it legal to hand over a physical deposit cheque to the agent under the owner’s name before signing Form F, with the mentioned note? If I give this cheque before signing Form F, will I get it back if I change my mind? My rights are not protected here if the owner changes his mind before signing Form F. I tried to verify the title deed ownership on the DLD site, but it shows "Records not found." The agent said this happens sometimes because the owner didn`t update their details two years ago when they bought the property, and everything will be validated at the trustee office. Is this correct, or should I insist on updating the details to see validation on the DLD site?

Complaining to Land Department about poor communication on an India-based project

Q: Dear Lawyers, I have been paying for a project in India through a real estate company located in Dubai (under DED). There is no proper communication regarding the project status despite follow-ups, and the staff is not available to meet at the office. Can I file a complaint against them with the Dubai Land Department?

Does the term "Dubai Courts" or "Courts of Dubai" also include DIFC Courts?

Q: Dear Lawyers, Does the term "Dubai Courts" or "Courts of Dubai" also include DIFC Courts? Are there any previous judgments from the Dubai Courts that mention this? I`m aware of the DIFC judgment, but I need a Dubai Court judgment.

When can I file an eviction case if my tenant refuses to vacate?

Q: Dear Lawyers, I am a landlord in Dubai and issued a 12-month eviction notice 9 months ago for the purpose of sale. However, my tenant has replied that he cannot agree to vacate. When can I file the eviction case with the RDC?

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Am I legally responsible for preparing insurance-related reports as a nurse?

Q: Dear Lawyers, I hope all is well! I work as a staff nurse at a hospital in Dubai. My main duties involve assisting patients based on their medical needs within my scope. I also prepare medical reports for insurance approvals, which are signed by the doctor. However, I’m concerned whether preparing these medical reports falls within my responsibilities under UAE law. I’m worried that if I make an error in the report, it could lead to significant problems.

Any issues traveling to Dubai for work with a loan in Qatar?

Q: Dear Lawyers, I had a bank loan/credit card in Qatar back in 2015, which I paid off until I was there (March 2017). After losing my job, I was unable to secure a well-paid position to cover the remaining debts. Numerous agents from a collection agency contacted me, even threatening me with a travel ban in the GCC, legal action, etc. Now, I have received a job offer in Dubai, and I would like to accept it. Will I face any issues when I land in Dubai? I`m willing to pay the outstanding debt if the bank allows me to work and repay it.

Can I back out of a labor contract renewal after signing it?

Q: Dear Lawyers, My contract finished on August 14th. I signed the renewal labor contract, but due to personal reasons, my boss put the renewal on hold because of his anger toward me. Can I still not proceed with the renewal even though I have signed the contract, or can he file a case against me?

Should an employer pay for maternity leave during the 6-month probation period?

Q: Dear Lawyers, If a female employee joins an organization and goes on maternity leave within the 6-month probation period, is the employer supposed to pay for the maternity leave? Is there a required time duration that employees must complete in the organization to be eligible for maternity leave pay?

Do I need a license or legal steps to launch my independently developed app?

Q: Hi everyone, I`m a mobile app developer for iOS and Android. I have a mobile app idea that helps people find daily commutes. I’ve completed the Android application and want to launch it on the Play Store. Before going live, I have some concerns—do I need to apply for a license, or is there any legal process I should follow? I developed the app independently, with no company involvement. The app will be free for everyone, with no revenue model attached yet. I would appreciate any suggestions or guidance. Thank you!