Questions & Answers

Q: Dear Sir, Myself Kumar; We took one project on low-cost basis based on the client`s representative`s verbal inquiry. The contract also signed, we took 50% advance for that job also, after working in that project we found that we can not continue that job if we to do so we have to face a huge loss. Shall we claim additional variation? If they refuse to pay additional variation, shall we cancel the contract? (we are willing to pay the entire amount including advance) Kindly advise the legal consequences on above points as per UAE law.

How to check travel ban by passport number

Q: Hi, How can we know if passport number [--------] has a ban? Thanks!

Is employment offer (LOI) a legally binding document?

Q: I`m a German national who got an offer for a job in JAFZ, which I subsequently accepted by signing an "Employment LOI" starting 09.04.17. On 10.05.17 the LOI was revoked because my work permit got rejected by the DNRD. The reason for rejection was not given and I was told by company`s PRO that I`m not allowed in Dubai. I have never been in Dubai before the rejection. I contacted JAFZA and found out that the PRO made mistakes in submitting the application. A company letter was requested and was never provided. The PRO convinced the company that my father`s religion "Shiite" and my birthplace "Lebanon" is the problem. I was then told by the PRO that I`m not allowed to enter Dubai. I was able to enter on 15.05.17 without any problems. 1. Is the LOI legally binding? It does not state any conditions concerning the visa. 2. Can I sue the company under the anti-discrimination law and demand compensation? 3. Can I find out why DNRD rejected the application as the company is refusing to ask for clarification?

Gratuity calculation in case of work for different branches of the same company

Q: In regards to the UAE Labor Law and the application of End of Service Gratuity, if an individual was employed by another branch of a company before transferring to an FZE branch UAE based employment contract, would that be considered continuous employment? For example, the initial employment was in another Middle East location(s) within a European registered branch; however, all administration (HR / Management oversight) was conducted by FZE entity, after which, in acceptance of promotion, a relocation to the UAE and an FZE contract was entered.

Breach of contractual agreement

Q: A question of breach of contract; I signed a contract for my cars to be sold. They sold the cars, refuse to pay me my money. Taking it to UAE Arbitration court. What are my chances and will this drag on beyond the arbitration?

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Criminal record clearance

Q: Dear Sir, I had issued a rental cheque to the landlord while I was a partner in the company, but when I left the company I forgot to collect the cheque back and eventually the new partner did not honor the payment, which later on ended up by landlord filling case and I was apprehended at the airport in Dubai on my visit. The amount was 14,000AED which I ended up paying at the court to close the case and get back home. Now I want a Police Clearance Certificate from Dubai for my Canadian Immigration, will that case be reflected in the PCC or have an effect on the issuance of PCC? Thanks

Paper-mill degree

Q: I was silly and obtained a paper-mill degree about 10 years ago in Dubai. I have never used it or professed of having one. Since October I have been receiving calls from the Ministry of Education saying I need my files attested. I have paid numerous amounts of money into the US, who so called run the degree programme. They are now requesting more money for more documents to be attested. I have asked for a meeting and official letters, but they only call and shout. The calls numbers are from the Education Department and Foreign Affairs, but again, I have asked for ID and for meetings and they do not tell me. They keep saying they will arrest me and put me in Jail but I have never used the paperwork for any visa of CV or company. I am really scared at the moment and do not know what to do or if it is all fake.

KYC: Why banks ask for your local sponsor documents to open a business account?

Q: Hi, I own a business in Abu Dhabi (a sole establishment) where I am the 100% shareholder as per trade license. The name of the Local Service Agent also appears on the Trade License as a Sponsor. The Local Service Agent is not an Owner, Partner or Manager. While opening a business account, the bank asked me for the passport copy and Emirates ID of the Local Service Agent, is that mandatory? As the Local Service Agent is not an owner nor a partner or a manager, why the bank cannot open a business account with just my personal details? A notarized Local Service Agent agreement was provided to the bank but they still insist on getting his passport and Emirates ID copies.

Freedom of practicing religion

Q: Hello, I`m a 23 years old college student, Jordanian living in the UAE. I want to know whether it is legally permitted for a father to ban his daughter from going to her university because she decided to take off her hijab/head scarf. Thank you

Help in reviewing Terms of Use for the mobile app

Q: Hi there, I would like to seek help from a lawyer with expertise in data protection, privacy policy and reviewing terms of use for an app which gathers lifestyle/activity data about users (e.g. no. of daily steps etc) to see if our practices are compliant with requirements in the UAE. Thanks

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Issue with rental cheques paid up front

Q: Sir, I have released 7 post dated cheques for house renting on January 12. January 15 is the date of the 1st cheque which is valued 9k. But on January 15, my bank froze my account because my company terminated me. So I told them to not withdraw the cheque coz I got no money in it and I`m cancelling that property. When I asked them I need to collect my cheque, they told me I cannot. Not unless I pay them 9000. Do they have the right to do this? I am in a deep problem as they filed a case against me regarding this. So, I want to know. Thank you.

Can an employee be charged for resignation during probation period?

Q: Hi, I joined a company in Dubai free zone 3 months ago with unlimited contract and a probation period of 6 months. My current situation is that I am not comfortable with my current employer and want to come back to my home country. I have handled my resignation letter 10 days ago. My visa is still in the process of making and I have not got my passport back yet. The company does not want me to leave and now requires me to pay 30000 AED without giving any explanation. Could you please let me know if Free Zone Labor Law allows a company to charge employee resigning from work during probation period? What is the process of resignation from here? When should company return my passport? Regards, Karolis Griskevicius

The law on suicide in the UAE

Q: What is the law in UAE if someone tries to commit suicide?

Certification of passport copy

Q: Hi, I need my passport copy certified, can you advise where & cost. Thanks, Kate

Trademark protection and the meaning of "TM" and "R" symbols on a logo

Q: I have a company in a free zone and I am in propose of setting up a B2C site for a client. How can I protect my site/logo? What is the difference between symbol R and TM, which one should I do and how much does it cost?

Can I check UAE travel ban online?

Cancelation of contractual agreement