I submitted my resignation to my present employer, giving them one-month's notice on April 11, but they did not reply officially until nine days later. I have worked for the company for over four years. My contract is unlimited and my designation on my visa is sales executive, but I work in the marketing department. Now HR is saying that they can make me work for three full months as per the law. So, how can I get my visa cancelled and my final settlement? My current salary is Dh6,500 per month and my contract states just Dh5,000 and that hasn't been changed to show my higher salary. The company has also deducted Dh500 from my salary since February 2017 without officially informing me. They transfer Dh5,080 to my salary account and – after a deduction of Dh20 for my mobile phone connection – the balance is paid as cash from the office. I now have a better offer from a new company and really want to leave and start with the new company. My employer is also holding my passport. ND, Abu Dhabi
There are a number of issues here. Firstly, UAE Labour Law, Article 117, states that the standard notice period is 30 days. The only time an employee must work for longer is if the contract of employment states that a longer notice period is required and that is agreed at outset. I have seen a copy of ND’s contract and this clearly states that the notice period is one month.
If an employee’s salary increases it is not necessary for a contract to be updated as the income that is processed via the Wages Protection System (WPS) is deemed a sufficient record of proof of earnings, particularly when calculating the end of service gratuity. The WPS was instigated to protect workers’ rights, so it is concerning that this employer is paying part of the salary in cash outside the system. No employer has the right to arbitrarily deduct money from any employee, so it seems the employer is breaking the law. It is assumed that the salary increase to Dh6,500 is documented in writing, so it can be proved that they are underpaying. It is not uncommon for someone to have an actual job function that is different to that shown on their visa, but provided it is of a similar level and not too dissimilar it is rarely an issue. I would also point out that it is illegal for any employer to retain an individual’s passport.
I recommend that ND contacts the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation on its helpline number 800 665 or go to his local labour office. It is clear that the current employer is not complying with the law on a number of counts and the ministry will be able to assist and instruct the company to accept his resignation and process the cancellation of his visa in a timely manner.
Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser and senior partner with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with over 20 years’ experience. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com. Follow her on Twitter at @FinancialUAE.
The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only.
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Women%E2%80%99s%20T20%20World%20Cup%20Qualifier
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BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
Dengue%20fever%20symptoms
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BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League last 16, first leg
Liverpool v Bayern Munich, midnight, Wednesday, BeIN Sports
ABU%20DHABI'S%20KEY%20TOURISM%20GOALS%3A%20BY%20THE%20NUMBERS
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if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
Karwaan
Producer: Ronnie Screwvala
Director: Akarsh Khurana
Starring: Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar
Rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
Sweet%20Tooth
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'Ashkal'
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Company%20profile
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Company%20Profile
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Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
Dubai works towards better air quality by 2021
Dubai is on a mission to record good air quality for 90 per cent of the year – up from 86 per cent annually today – by 2021.
The municipality plans to have seven mobile air-monitoring stations by 2020 to capture more accurate data in hourly and daily trends of pollution.
These will be on the Palm Jumeirah, Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, Rashidiyah, Al Wasl, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park.
“It will allow real-time responding for emergency cases,” said Khaldoon Al Daraji, first environment safety officer at the municipality.
“We’re in a good position except for the cases that are out of our hands, such as sandstorms.
“Sandstorms are our main concern because the UAE is just a receiver.
“The hotspots are Iran, Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq, but we’re working hard with the region to reduce the cycle of sandstorm generation.”
Mr Al Daraji said monitoring as it stood covered 47 per cent of Dubai.
There are 12 fixed stations in the emirate, but Dubai also receives information from monitors belonging to other entities.
“There are 25 stations in total,” Mr Al Daraji said.
“We added new technology and equipment used for the first time for the detection of heavy metals.
“A hundred parameters can be detected but we want to expand it to make sure that the data captured can allow a baseline study in some areas to ensure they are well positioned.”
2017%20RESULTS%3A%20FRENCH%20VOTERS%20IN%20UK
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The biog
Place of birth: Kalba
Family: Mother of eight children and has 10 grandchildren
Favourite traditional dish: Al Harees, a slow cooked porridge-like dish made from boiled cracked or coarsely ground wheat mixed with meat or chicken
Favourite book: My early life by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah
Favourite quote: By Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's Founding Father, “Those who have no past will have no present or future.”
PROFILE OF INVYGO
Started: 2018
Founders: Eslam Hussein and Pulkit Ganjoo
Based: Dubai
Sector: Transport
Size: 9 employees
Investment: $1,275,000
Investors: Class 5 Global, Equitrust, Gulf Islamic Investments, Kairos K50 and William Zeqiri
Dengue%20fever%20symptoms
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