UAE Legal Resources - Legal Advice Middle East

Exiting the UAE for changing job in case of an outstanding loan

Q: Hi, I`m currently employed in Dubai and have a personal loan and credit card outstanding balance with a private bank in the UAE. I used to pay my EMIs on time and it is in order. Now, I got a new job offer and wanted to move. My current company will cancel my visa and I need to exit the country then come to Dubai with the new company`s visa. My doubt is since I have a personal loan, will it be a problem in immigration at the airport while I exit the country? I need your advice. Thanks in advance.

Enforcement of a lending agreement in the UAE and other countries

Q: I`m going to lend money to someone but I`m afraid they might travel. If we write a contract where he agrees to pay me back, how do I make this contract enforceable in any country the other party might be residing in? Can we write a clause that allows me to decide on the arbitrator? Thanks a lot for the help.

Debt recovery from client without a written agreement

Q: Hello, Two of my legal entities have provided services to a Dubai-based company [-----]. For over a year now, I`ve been trying to get this company to pay my invoices. The company does not dispute the invoices but always pretends that the invoices have been paid and produces meaningless proof that payments were made (whereas no payments have been made). Our agreement for the services was oral but has said the company does not dispute the need to pay but just does not. What legal options do I have? I am based in the Netherlands. Kind regards, D.

Claiming the security deposit from the landlord held illegally

Q: My landlord is stating he will hold AED 1700 from my deposit for maintenance: AED 1500 for a new bathtub and AED 200 for cleaning the bathroom after repairs. I handed over the apartment (repainted and cleaned) to the agent that I rented it from, and when I asked him for my deposit during the handover, he said I have to deal directly with the owner and gave me his number. On 4th July I sent a message to the owner asking for my money and he replied he is out of the country and when he comes back he has to go and check the apartment first. On July 18th he sent me a message informing me of the charges. When I asked for receipts (I was sure there are none as the apartment was in perfect condition), 4 days later he sent me a screenshot of "quotation", dated 20 June. When I asked for the actual payment receipts he sent me exactly same screenshot (a day later) with "receipt" instead of quotation (no payment method mentioned, or VAT, or any other mark how was the payment done). What can I do in this case?

Termination of an employee during probation without reason

Q: I started a new job on 22 May. I was asked to have my degree attested which I did by sending it back to the UK and then returned to Dubai and attested here. On 14 June I signed my employment contract and was led to believe that they were processing my visa. On 30th June I was fired with no proper reason and another person was hired who replaced me the following day. My question is; is this legal?

Can the tenant terminate the lease for discovering mould?

Q: Can a tenant break the lease early and be refunded by the landlord if the rental property has been found to have mould in several places? And it is no longer just a maintenance issue but a health hazard. The property also houses a child below the age of one.

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Defaulting on credit card payments and checking records

Q: I have 5 credit card payment issues from 4 banks. Last year, I was detained for 2 days in the police station for one of the banks bouncing a cheque for AED 55,000. I went to the prosecution and paid a fine of AED 5,000 and cleared the cheque bounce case. Now, two banks are saying that they have filed a case, but they have not provided me with any case number or other details regarding the same. I tried to negotiate with the bank as I am having a bad financial situation since December 2017. Until this, all payments were done on time on every card. I wish to know how I can check if the banks filed a civil case directly without bouncing the cheque and filing a criminal complaint. I checked on the Dubai police website to see if any criminal cases are present in my name but it showed nothing. I am in doubt if I can travel in and out of the UAE. All my card limits are under AED 25000. Please suggest what can be done to check if any travel ban or cases exist on my name.

Defaulting on the payment of dues and threat in home country

Q: Dear Sir, I was working in Jebel Ali free zone Dubai and I lost my job in 2015 due to company downsizing, and I had a loan from a bank which I was not able to pay off. I tried looking for a job when I was in Dubai during my visa cancellation process but was unsuccessful. I came back to my home country after, but when I came back and I had an accident and now after recovery. I was trying to get a job in the UAE and pay back the bank outstanding but no good luck for me. And now, I got an offer from one company in my home town. I just wanted to know how to handle the above issue after few people visited my home town and said we are from recovery and they are threatening my mother saying they will bring more people to recover the payment. Kindly advise what the UAE law said regarding the above issue. I even sent to the bank regarding paying back the payment if I will get a job in hometown and get salary in Pak. Rs. But till now, no reply from the bank regarding the above request. Please, give your expert opinion.

Removing a travel ban requested by the guardian of a child

Q: My question is about my son who has a travel ban for the past four years. I am a divorced woman and the travel ban is from his father. I want to move back to my home country as I don`t have any emotional or physical support here. My parents are old and would like to move back for good. I have tried discussing this matter with his father but unfortunately, the matter is still unresolved. I am willing to let go of all financial support in order to go back. Please let me know if this can be resolved in any way.

Procedure and time limit for enforcing DIAC arbitration award

Q: Do DIAC Arbitration awards need to be ratified by Dubai Courts for enforcement? And is there a time limit?

الاستحصال على شهادة حسن سيرة وسلوك بعد قضية شيك

س: هل الحكم بغرامة فقط في قضية شيك مرتجع يظهر في شهادة حسن السيرة والسلوك؟ هل الحكم بالغرامة يعتبر حكم نهائي؟

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Cap on leave allowance and accrual policy in the UAE

Q: Can an employer put a cap on leave accrual in the UAE, as my company put a cap of 35 days maximum? Is it legal? What is the normal cap in the UAE?

Legal action for recording conversation without consent

Q: One of my team members had her phone conversation recorded by another department without her consent. Does she have any grounds for legal action?

Alimony for the wife upon filing divorce by the husband

Q: I got married in Seychelles and we attested our marriage in Dubai. My husband had an affair and so he is divorcing me. I don’t want to get him in trouble by declaring this but I want my rights to alimony. I don’t have kids with him and I am employed (UAE residence visa). How much and how long is he supposed to support me?

Visa cancellation and exiting the country in case of travel ban

Q: Hi, I have been overstaying in the country due to a police case and now my company wants to cancel my visa. I finished the police case but still have a travel ban. My company is saying after cancellation, I need to exit or else they will file an absconding case. There is no way to exit as there is a travel ban. What are my options as I do not want to face an absconding case? Thanks

Will the daughter of a debtor be arrested while entering the UAE?

Q: My friend is planning to visit the UAE this coming August, however, she has hesitations that she might be held in immigration due to her father`s debt 10 years ago. I`d like to know your thoughts on this. Thank you

Self-help