Labor Law.

Employment Contracts

• Drafting and Reviewing Contracts: Legal advisors help both employers and employees in drafting clear, legally-compliant employment contracts. This includes ensuring that the contract complies with the UAE Labor Law and any additional requirements for specific industries (e.g., free zones).
• Fixed vs. Unlimited Contracts: Advisors guide employers and employees in choosing the right type of contract, outlining the benefits and drawbacks of fixed-term contracts versus unlimited contracts based on the needs of both parties.
• Probation Period Guidance: Legal experts advise on the legal limits and implications of probationary periods, typically up to 6 months, and the rights and obligations of both parties during this time.

Labor Law Compliance

• Understanding UAE Labor Law: Legal advisors offer guidance to employers on how to comply with UAE Labor Law, including regulations concerning working hours, leave entitlements, overtime, and employee rights.
• Free Zone Employment Regulations: Businesses operating in Dubai’s free zones (like DIFC, DWC, and JAFZA) may be subject to different regulations. Legal advisors help companies ensure compliance with these free zone-specific labor laws.
• Wages Protection System (WPS): Advisors provide guidance on the Wages Protection System (WPS), which mandates that salaries are paid through electronic channels. They help employers set up and maintain WPS compliance.

Employee Rights and Benefits

• Salary and Compensation: Legal advisory services help clarify matters related to salary disputes, overtime pay, and compensation for employees, ensuring that all entitlements are being met according to UAE law.
• Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Public Holidays: Advisors explain the rights of employees regarding annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, and paid public holidays as outlined in the UAE Labor Law.
• Health and Safety: Employers receive advice on creating safe work environments and adhering to health and safety regulations to prevent accidents and occupational diseases.
• End-of-Service Gratuity: Legal advisors assist both employers and employees in calculating the end-of-service benefits due to an employee after contract termination based on the length of employment.

Workplace Policies and Procedures

• Employee Handbook: Legal advisors help companies create or update employee handbooks, ensuring that workplace policies are clearly stated, covering everything from anti-discrimination policies to sexual harassment and attendance requirements.
• Disciplinary Procedures: Legal advisors assist businesses in establishing fair and transparent disciplinary procedures, ensuring compliance with labor law and minimizing the risk of disputes related to employee misconduct.
• Employment Termination Procedures: Advising on the correct procedures for terminating employees, including notice periods, compensation, and settlement of dues. This also includes advice on handling termination during probation or contract expiration.

Work Permits and Visas

• Work Permit and Residency Visas: Legal advisors assist expatriates in obtaining or renewing work permits and residency visas for employment in Dubai. They help employers navigate the sponsorship system, ensuring compliance with UAE immigration laws.
• Visa Issues for Foreign Nationals: Advisory services also include assisting in resolving visa issues, such as overstaying or changing employers, ensuring that foreign workers are compliant with Dubai’s labor and immigration laws.

Employee Termination & End of Service Benefits

• Contract Termination: Guidance on voluntary and involuntary contract termination, including situations like resignation, redundancy, and dismissals for cause.
• End-of-Service Gratuity: Helping employers calculate and provide the correct end-of-service gratuity payments as per the UAE Labor Law, based on the employee’s length of service and contract type.
• Termination Due to Force Majeure: Advisory services can also guide employers on handling employment termination due to unforeseen circumstances, such as the impact of economic crises or global events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Employment Rights for Domestic Workers

• Domestic Worker Rights: Legal advisory services also cover the rights of domestic workers, such as housemaids, drivers, and nannies. The UAE has specific laws under the Domestic Workers Law that regulate their working hours, salaries, and other protections, which legal advisors can help clarify.

Labor Law Updates and Legislative Changes

• Legal Reforms: Legal advisors keep businesses informed about updates to the UAE Labor Law or changes in related regulations, such as reforms in paternity leave, remote work policies, and the introduction of flexible working arrangements.
• Ministry of Human Resources (MOHRE) Policies: They assist businesses in understanding any new guidelines or circulars issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and their implications for business practices.

Specialized Services

• Immigration Services: Legal advisors may also provide services related to employee visas and work permits, ensuring employers follow all necessary legal procedures for hiring foreign workers.
• Employment Audits: Firms may conduct internal audits for employers to ensure compliance with labor laws, identifying potential risks or areas where the company might be violating regulations.

Labor Disputes and Litigation

• Dispute Resolution: Labor law advisory services include providing guidance on resolving disputes through mediation or arbitration. They help both parties understand how to file claims with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) or in the labor courts.
• Termination and Severance: Advisors provide critical guidance on dismissals, ensuring that terminations are legally compliant and help avoid disputes or unfair dismissal claims. This includes advising on proper notice periods, valid reasons for dismissal, and unjustified termination.
• Repatriation and Deportation: In cases involving foreign employees, advisors assist with issues of deportation or repatriation of workers, ensuring that the process is carried out according to UAE laws, especially for expatriates with employment disputes.
• Appeals Process: If an employee or employer is unhappy with a labor court ruling, legal advisors assist in appealing the decision and pursuing the matter in higher courts.

Employment Dispute Resolutions

We provide expert advice on termination procedures, end-of-service benefits, and compliance with UAE labor laws, ensuring fair and lawful resolutions.

• Contract Termination: Guidance on voluntary and involuntary contract termination, including situations like resignation, redundancy, and dismissals for cause.
• End-of-Service Gratuity: Helping employers calculate and provide the correct end-of-service gratuity payments as per the UAE Labor Law, based on the employee’s length of service and contract type.
• Termination Due to Force Majeure: Advisory services can also guide employers on handling employment termination due to unforeseen circumstances, such as the impact of economic crises or global events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Employment Termination Procedures: Advising on the correct procedures for terminating employees, including notice periods, compensation, and settlement of dues. This also includes advice on handling termination during probation or contract expiration.