Fujairah firm ‘refuses to pay employee’s visa cancellation fees’

Keren Bobker advises a worker who has resigned and been told to pay Dh1,800 to cancel the visa.

I resigned from my company at the end of last month, giving proper notice and making sure that they had a full month to find my replacement. My employer has now declined to pay the visa cancellation fees and also wants me to pay Dh1,800. This is a big amount for me, especially as he has not paid my last salary. What can I do? BG, Fujairah

It is the employer’s responsibility to cancel visas and they are not permitted to pass on the costs to employees. This has been stated by the authorities on many occasions and is covered in Ministerial Order 52 of 1989, Article 6 which makes it clear that all expenses incurred in taking on an employee must be borne by the employer and cannot be passed on. If a salary payment has not been made this is also in breach of UAE Labour Law and I suggest that BG registers a case against the employer either directly with the Ministry of Labour (helpline 006655) or at his local labour office.

Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with over 20 years’ experience. Contact her at [e-mail]. 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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