Guide

Image credit: Joby Aviation.

RTA Finally Confirms Launch Date of Dubai's Flying Taxis

UAE Visa Amnesty Explained: What Is It and How to Apply For It

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

First-Ever Baseball Park in the Middle East Will Be Opening in the UAE

Smash Rooms in the UAE: Best Places to Go and Vent Out

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Where to See Animals in the Wild in the UAE

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

Dubai's Best Ladies Nights That Doesn't Involve Clubbing or Alcohol

Classifieds

Jobs

Dubai Announces Pilot Launch of 4-Day Work Week For Employees

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

How to Claim UAE Job Loss Insurance: Eligibility and Step-by-Step Guide

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

Can I Get Fired in the UAE For My Mental Health Condition?

Dubai Dedicates AED 150 Million Government Support Fund For Influencers

How to Deal With Workplace Harassment in the UAE

Reduced Ramadan Work Hours Confirmed for UAE Private Sector Workers

The UAE's New End-of-Service Programme, Explained for Residents

Events

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday 2024: Will the UAE Get a Public Holiday?

Auditions Are Now Open for the Biggest Battle of the Bands in Dubai

These Are the UAE-Based Female Athletes Playing at the Paris Olympics

A Guide To the UAE's Union Pledge Day: What Is It and When Is It Celebrated?

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2024: Confirmed and Expected Dates

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Will There Be a UAE Public Holiday for the Islamic New Year?

DAZ Festival Takes Over Al Ain Zoo for 10 Days of Family Fun

9-Day Eid Public Holiday Announced for UAE Public Sector

Education

Nurturing Compassionate Leaders: 8 Ways Dibber Preschools Prepares Your Child

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

What Are the Benefits of Academic Scholarships in Dubai?

Dubai School Inspections Will Be Skipped for One Year

Build Your Child's Education Your Way, With King's InterHigh

How to Get Your University and College Degrees Attested in the UAE

UAE Students Cheating Can Risk a Fine of Up to AED 200,000

The Learning Garden at South View School: Cultivating Curiosity and Joy in Early Education

Why is the Early Years Stage Important for Children's Development?

Money

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

5 Signs You've Been Scammed Over the Phone, and What to Do Next

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

Minimum AED 5,000 Fine for Smoking Near Children in the UAE

Are Family Members Required to Pay Their Relative's UAE Debt?

How to Anonymously Report Illegal Activities in Dubai Through Al Ameen

Being a Dubai Housewife: The Rights of Stay-At-Home Wives in the UAE

Home

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Hiring a Maid in the UAE: 5 Legal Red Flags

Ask a UAE Flower Shop: Your Most Common Questions, Answered

FYI Dubai is Banning All Single Use Bags From June 1

Carrefour's 'Choose Better' Programme is Here to Reward Healthier Choices With 10x the Points

Are UAE Domestic Helpers Allowed to Work on a Trial Period and Hired After?

Pet Breeding in the UAE: Is it Allowed and Where to Find Legal Pet Breeders

Choithrams Announces Launch of All-Women Operated Store in the UAE

Where to Order Same-Day Valentine's Day Flowers in the UAE

Car

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

UAE Petrol Prices Will Increase in August 2024

Head's Up! Dubai Taxi Fares Will Increase in May 2024

UAE Announces New Fuel Prices For May 2024

Missing UAE License Plates: How to Report a Lost Plate or Reclaim Yours

Authorities to Waive All Dubai Traffic Fines Incurred on April 16

A Guide to Driving in Foggy Weather in the UAE

Higher Fuel Prices Announced in the UAE for March 2024

Wellness

Dr. Kamil Al Rustom's September Offers in Dubai You'll Love

Top Tips to Have a Healthy Heart in the UAE

Cosmetic Semi-Permanent Make-up in Dubai: All About the Lips

Discover "The New You" at Zieda's Aesthetic Clinic in Dubai

Cosmetic Semi-Permanent Makeup in Dubai: Where to Go For a Natural Look

Hair Loss Due to Medication: What Causes Thinning Hair & How to Treat It

Top Ladies-Only Gyms and Fitness Centres in Dubai

Say Goodbye to Wrinkles With Mediclinic's Botox Mondays Offer

These Bodysculpting Treatments in Dubai Will Burn Fat and Build Muscle in No Time

Shop

Shopping In Dubai

Best Online Shopping Sites in Dubai and UAE

An A-Z Guide to Dubai's Popular Malls

What To Wear At The Beach In Dubai

14 Hilarious Realities of Visiting Dubai Mall

Every Day is a Discount Day on THIS Deals Site

Cityland Mall Preview: Dubai's New Nature-Inspired Shopping Mall

EWmums

EWfood

ewmoda

Would I be working legally?

32

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 22 February 2017 - 11:12

Hi there, is anyone able to help me with an employment query?

I have been offered a job to work part-time as an accountant for an individual. I am sponsored on my husband's visa and have an NOC from him.

The contract I have been asked to signed says that I am to be considered a consultant and not an employee and therefore have none of the associated employee rights. The contract is for 2 years and requires me to give 12 weeks' notice. It also says it is governed by English law and it hasn't been issued in Arabic.

Will the contract be enforceable? Do I need a work permit? Is the employer being naughty here, should they really be employing me? Do I need to set myself up as a company?

Any advice would be gratefully received!

Log in to post new content in the forum.

Countess Wrinkle

96

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 26 February 2017 - 09:09

It's only the Abu Dhabi freezone, that requires you to work within the freezone, the rest don't care. UAE, Fujairah, DMC, DSS really aren't that bothered. NB freezones don't issue labour cards, because they're freezones and self governing with their own labour laws, so as far as I'm aware MOL rules don't always apply. I don't have a labour card and haven't had one for a couple of years now, I'm not working illegally, as my permits and licenses are legal. It's certainly not one hard and fast rule. All well and good until there is a dispute or complaint, such as the poster's above case.

2264

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 26 February 2017 - 08:48

It's only the Abu Dhabi freezone, that requires you to work within the freezone, the rest don't care. UAE, Fujairah, DMC, DSS really aren't that bothered. NB freezones don't issue labour cards, because they're freezones and self governing with their own labour laws, so as far as I'm aware MOL rules don't always apply. I don't have a labour card and haven't had one for a couple of years now, I'm not working illegally, as my permits and licenses are legal. It's certainly not one hard and fast rule.

ServantsQuarters2

16

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 25 February 2017 - 00:57

I'm quite confused by this. Of course you need a Labour card to work for someone. You can't work from home unless you have an Intlaq license. Freelancers are supposed to work within the freezone I believe. Anyway, if I was you I would just take this months salary and not give anything in writing. If she challenges you then you can just tell her to meet you at the MOL and take it from there. She won't do that, I am sure of it. Be careful about taking a consultancy license, it is very restrictive.

2264

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 23 February 2017 - 19:13

Sorry saralou, but not strictly true. fluffyfrank, what they're basically doing is employing you as a freelancer - I have one of these contracts, as I am freelance and have my own visa, as do many of the others that work with me - those in spouse visas are required to provide an NOC. Our contracts are only in English, and it lays out our key responsibilities and what is expected. 30 days notice is what written for us. This is normal, not at all illegal. But you don't have any rights as an employee, as you're not on the company's sponsorship and they'll just pay you the agreed shift rate. It's fine. Basically because it's a freelance contract - that's why they've put you as a consultant, none of the labour laws really apply and in that respect they can't ask you for 12 weeks notice, which is ridiculous. I'd say approx 30% of the staff in my department work under these contracts, so definitely not illegal - and ours is a company that does everything by the book. Hi FD So does that mean that anyone can work from home and no form of permit is required other than an NOC from Husband? Everything I have ever read or heard from the authorities has stated that you would need some form of work permit/licence to freelance It would be great to know this for clarification Thanks Working from home is a whole different area and NOT what we're talking about here. Because if you're running a business and earning a living from a residential property, it puts you in breach of your tenancy contract - hence why a whole load of home tutors got fined a couple of years a go. As I said many of our freelance staff are on their husbands visa, all they had to do was provide an NOC and a copy of their visa and EID to HR and there's been no issues at all. But the NOC is a must, unless you have your own visa. I don't even think they issue temporary labour cards anymore. I have a consultancy visa and a trade license.

32

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 23 February 2017 - 14:12

Thanks all for the replies and giving a different angle on things. I must admit it would be very unlike my boss to put herself on the wrong side of the law. I'm hoping I don't need a consultant's licence as this is purely a part-time flexible role that I work around my family. My husband earns more in a month than I do in a year so 20k for a licence is not worth my while and I don't need employee rights. My research online gives conflicting advice but most seems to suggest I need a labour card and to have an employment contract, which I don't have. I'm being employed by an individual not a company so don't know if that's an issue.

2

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 23 February 2017 - 12:33

Sorry for being off topic, but is freelancer job worth doing? How much one can earn monthly min on average? Was going through some job ads on this site and thinking of giving it a try if its worth your time and effort.

8965

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 23 February 2017 - 11:31

Sorry saralou, but not strictly true. fluffyfrank, what they're basically doing is employing you as a freelancer - I have one of these contracts, as I am freelance and have my own visa, as do many of the others that work with me - those in spouse visas are required to provide an NOC. Our contracts are only in English, and it lays out our key responsibilities and what is expected. 30 days notice is what written for us. This is normal, not at all illegal. But you don't have any rights as an employee, as you're not on the company's sponsorship and they'll just pay you the agreed shift rate. It's fine. Basically because it's a freelance contract - that's why they've put you as a consultant, none of the labour laws really apply and in that respect they can't ask you for 12 weeks notice, which is ridiculous. I'd say approx 30% of the staff in my department work under these contracts, so definitely not illegal - and ours is a company that does everything by the book. Hi FD So does that mean that anyone can work from home and no form of permit is required other than an NOC from Husband? Everything I have ever read or heard from the authorities has stated that you would need some form of work permit/licence to freelance It would be great to know this for clarification Thanks

193

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 23 February 2017 - 10:32

Hi there, Another option for you to feel "legal" is to obtain a consultants license. This would allow you to legally issue invoices and work for several companies at once if you wish as well as open a corporate bank account. I would advise this option if you have several assignments coming in as it's an investment of approx. 20.000 AED/ yearly.

2264

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 23 February 2017 - 09:14

Sorry saralou, but not strictly true. fluffyfrank, what they're basically doing is employing you as a freelancer - I have one of these contracts, as I am freelance and have my own visa, as do many of the others that work with me - those in spouse visas are required to provide an NOC. Our contracts are only in English, and it lays out our key responsibilities and what is expected. 30 days notice is what written for us. This is normal, not at all illegal. But you don't have any rights as an employee, as you're not on the company's sponsorship and they'll just pay you the agreed shift rate. It's fine. Basically because it's a freelance contract - that's why they've put you as a consultant, none of the labour laws really apply and in that respect they can't ask you for 12 weeks notice, which is ridiculous. I'd say approx 30% of the staff in my department work under these contracts, so definitely not illegal - and ours is a company that does everything by the book.

8965

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 22 February 2017 - 13:29

Thanks for replying sarahlou. The contract has a clause saying: "The relationship of the Consultant to the Client will be that of an independent contractor. The Client and the Consultant acknowledge that nothing in this Agreement shall render the Consultant an employee, worker, agent or officer of the Client, and the Consultant shall not hold herself out as such." As far as I know they did not obtain a Labour Card. What if, hypothetically, I have already been working for this individual for a year? I only work for her and work 15 hours a week part-time from home. The job was advertised on this website and I also went through a reputable recruitment consultant. I had no reason to suspect I was doing anything wrong. Getting cold feet now and want out but my employer wants 12 weeks' notice and for me to recruit my own replacement (!) as stipulated in the contract. I've got a feeling the contract isn't worth the paper it's written on and I could/should quit immediately. Personally speaking I wouldn't of touched it with a ten foot barge pole I too work in recruitment however I wouldn't entertain an employer that didn't provide a visa or labor card. Sadly you are also culpable as you are working for them illegally however I do not know how that would play out if your employer went to the MOL etc. Your employer is getting the better end of the deal as she does not have to pay any gratuity/maternity/holiday pay I personally don't think she can make you work 12 weeks notice as your employment isn't legal and the business of English law baffles me completely as it isn't valid here

32

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 22 February 2017 - 12:32

Thanks for replying sarahlou. The contract has a clause saying: "The relationship of the Consultant to the Client will be that of an independent contractor. The Client and the Consultant acknowledge that nothing in this Agreement shall render the Consultant an employee, worker, agent or officer of the Client, and the Consultant shall not hold herself out as such." As far as I know they did not obtain a Labour Card. What if, hypothetically, I have already been working for this individual for a year? I only work for her and work 15 hours a week part-time from home. The job was advertised on this website and I also went through a reputable recruitment consultant. I had no reason to suspect I was doing anything wrong. Getting cold feet now and want out but my employer wants 12 weeks' notice and for me to recruit my own replacement (!) as stipulated in the contract. I've got a feeling the contract isn't worth the paper it's written on and I could/should quit immediately.

8965

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 22 February 2017 - 12:19

Hi there, is anyone able to help me with an employment query? I have been offered a job to work part-time as an accountant for an individual. I am sponsored on my husband's visa and have an NOC from him. The contract I have been asked to signed says that I am to be considered a consultant and not an employee and therefore have none of the associated employee rights. The contract is for 2 years and requires me to give 12 weeks' notice. It also says it is governed by English law and it hasn't been issued in Arabic. Will the contract be enforceable? Do I need a work permit? Is the employer being naughty here, should they really be employing me? Do I need to set myself up as a company? Any advice would be gratefully received! hello 1 Is the employer providing you with a labor card as they should under the law 2 UAE labor does state 30 days notice period however companies are able to extend that however you both have to agree 3 Yes you need a contract and the company has to lodge an Arabic version with the MOL or FZ entity 4 I am not sure about the governed by English law as that would not be applicable here and if you had to seek advice how could you go to the MOL as they don't follow English law

Log in to post new content in the forum.

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

RTA Dubai flying taxi official launch date

Image credit: Joby Aviation.

RTA Finally Confirms Launch Date of Dubai's Flying Taxis

September 2024 discounts at Dr. Kamil Al Rustom Skin and Laser Clinic Dubai

Dr. Kamil Al Rustom's September Offers in Dubai You'll Love

How to book Dubai taxi through WhatsApp

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

What is UAE Visa Amnesty and how to get it

UAE Visa Amnesty Explained: What Is It and How to Apply For It

Region's first ever baseball park to open in the UAE

First-Ever Baseball Park in the Middle East Will Be Opening in the UAE

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

Are "own visa" Domestic Workers legal in the UAE?

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Serenity Spa review at Fairmont the Palm in Dubai

This Dubai Luxury Spa's Organic Facial Does Wonders For Your Complexion

Where to See Animals in the Wild in the UAE

Where to See Animals in the Wild in the UAE

Prophet Muhammad’s birthday 2024 UAE public holiday

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday 2024: Will the UAE Get a Public Holiday?

UAE food delivery scam news

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

A Guide to Smash Rooms in Dubai and UAE

Smash Rooms in the UAE: Best Places to Go and Vent Out

How to get a car loan in Dubai and UAE

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

Dubai pilot launches 4-day work week for government employees

Dubai Announces Pilot Launch of 4-Day Work Week For Employees

Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE

Soak Up the Summer With the Ultimate UAE Staycation Special

Spa packages at Saray Spa in JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Step Into the Ultimate Relaxation Bliss With Saray Spa's Pampering Packages

Health insurance will be included in UAE tourist visa

Visitors Will Soon Get Health Insurance With Their UAE Tourist Visas

Top things to do in Dubai for ladies that doesn't involve alcohol

Dubai's Best Ladies Nights That Doesn't Involve Clubbing or Alcohol

Illegal domestic helpers in the UAE

Hiring a Maid in the UAE: 5 Legal Red Flags

List of confirmed UAE public holidays in 2025

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Cosmetic Semi Permanent Makeup for Lips in Dubai | Dr. Kamil Al Rustom Skin and Laser Centre

Cosmetic Semi-Permanent Make-up in Dubai: All About the Lips

Healthy heart tips in the UAE

Top Tips to Have a Healthy Heart in the UAE

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejections Explained

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

Dubai officials announce plans to have 140 Metro train stations by the year 2040

Image: Dubai Media Office

Dubai Plans to Have 140 Metro Stations By 2040, Officials Announce

KHDA Dubai schools inspections paused for 2024-2025 academic year

Dubai School Inspections Will Be Skipped for One Year

How to block unwanted sales calls in the UAE

How to Block Telemarketing and Unwanted Sales Calls in the UAE

Semi permanent eyebrows makeup in Dubai

Cosmetic Semi-Permanent Makeup in Dubai: Where to Go For a Natural Look

Dibber Nurseries UAE | Scandinavian curriculum nurseries in Dubai

Nurturing Compassionate Leaders: 8 Ways Dibber Preschools Prepares Your Child

Top free indoor things to do in Dubai during summer 2024

Image: Dubai Media Office

Top 10 Free Indoor Things to Do in Dubai This Summer

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

How to renew UAE Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) insurance online

How to Renew Your Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) Insurance in the UAE

Fines for cold calling in the UAE

Unwanted Sales Calls Will Soon Be Fined in the UAE