MCA27

I understand that when starting at a company in Dubai, the employer applies for the relevant work permits etc........which mean that you are entitled to work for that employer only.

Is it common, when you wish to move between employers that they throw a spanner in the works and refuse to allow you to move. Are there many instances where people have been a victim of this?

Also in such a situation, what happens? Do you have to leave dubai for 6 months or can you stay, but just not work for another employer for that duration?

(I am not in this sitaution, but it will help me decide when chosing an employer....)

Cheers
Martin

Cherrypie

Hi Martin

Changing employers can be difficult if you are working for someone in the private sector (not including the exempt categories). We were looking to hire a web designer, who was nearing the end of his 3 year contract with another employer, thinking that because he'd completed the terms of his contract, he would then be free to work for us. However, his old employer absolutely refused to let him go(!) and insisted he renew his contract, which he didn't want to. To cut a long story short, his employer managed to get him banned from the UAE for I think 6 months...even though his contract had expired!! We're currently employing him freelance, overseas, until he can re-enter later this month. It's quite a grey really and the laws have a habit of changing quite regularly..

Also, a no objection letter often does not really stand for much, you still risk a ban if you try to leave an employer mid-contract, even if they have no objection to your leaving, though I understand there are now ways around this, if you have worked there at least a year.

This topic is discussed on page 3/4 under a thread posted by Brenster, called Local Law. Also, the Zappy Explorer book is brilliant at explaining a lot of the ins and outs of various govt. depts and their rules and laws. Well worth getting, along with the Dubai Explorer.

MCA27

many thanks......sounds like a stupid law to me.......

joseph.creative

we will have a chat about this as well as I have talked to my guys about this as well....

MCA27

cool.

I understand how it can be applied for low skilled workers from the sub continent......but to apply it to the skilled work force is a bit s$%£

Beduoin_Boy

A lot depends on your status, eg: are you an engineer, a doctor, or a plumber?

Also it depends on your contract.

Also where will you be based? In Freezone or outside the Freezone.

joseph.creative

Be interested to hesr ur POV. I am based out of the freezone's. For an LLC so what would be your comments here....

MCA27

don't know yet......just wanted to know the situation before i sign my employment death.

Beduoin_Boy

You have to be carefull, Bcoz their are stories between sentences.

Your Intial Contract will be for stamping your Visa after you complete and PASS the compulsory medical test and this Contract will be only considered in the Court or in any dispute. The employment offer letter is Void legally.

joseph.creative

also i heard the Englsih contratc means shit and only the arabic is considered....

unless u have AIDS or TB then you should be fine with the medical.

Only contracts a re legal as in any country....

Beduoin_Boy

In all the government departments the english letters and contracts are not accepted in any given situation.

In this country you always have to know the system, the culture and way of life of the people! as the system in this country is by the people, for the people and of the people! Once you get all of this then you will never face any difficulty but rather you will love everything.


and in many instances the expatriates tend to mix the Tradition with the Religion! - Which are Two different entities.

joseph.creative

more eloquent way of saying the same!

Cherrypie

You have to remember, taking on an employee is an expensive business in Dubai. Trying to prevent someone from leaving after the contract has expired is madness but otherwise, I can see the point of this law.

In general, I have found Dubai's employment contracts to be very fair to both employer and employee, though devious behaviour and problems will occur wherever there are humans involved.