I am currently employed by a free-zone company in Dubai Silicon Oasis and I am on an unlimited contract. The company has a three-month probation period, and I have only completed one month so far. My employment visa is under process. I want to leave the company due to professional and personal issues with my boss and have received an offer from a company in another free zone. Is it a viable option to leave my current job during the probation period? BB, Dubai
While UAE Labour Law is not entirely clear on this point, it is generally accepted that an employee must work an agreed notice period even if they resign during their probationary period, unless agreed otherwise with their employer. Note that a probationary period can be for a maximum of six months. That said, it is unusual to expect someone who has only just joined a company to work a three-month notice period, but if this is set out in the contract of employment and agreed by both parties it is enforceable. While there are no issues with changing employer within the same free zone – no matter how long someone has been with a company – moving to a company in a different free zone, as in this case, presents the same issues as any other job change. If the move is within two years of taking up the position – or one year for those with higher educational qualifications and higher salaries – a ban of six months could apply. Mr B says his visa is “under process” and whether a ban will apply may depend on how far that process has progressed. The employer should have put in the visa application the moment Mr B started work, but many companies are slow to do so, despite this being illegal. So if no application has been registered with the Ministry of Labour and he is permitted to leave sooner he may be able to avoid an employment ban.
Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with more than 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. Readers are encouraged to seek appropriate independent legal advice.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
Kill%20Bill%20Volume%201
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TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
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Company%20Profile
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Race results:
1. Thani Al Qemzi (UAE) Team Abu Dhabi: 46.44 min
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3. Sami Selio (FIN) Mad-Croc Baba Racing Team: 31.43sec
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The view from The National
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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A German university was a good fit for the family budget
Annual fees for the Technical University of Munich - £600
Shared rental accommodation per month depending on the location ranges between £200-600
The family had budgeted for food, books, travel, living expenses - £20,000 annually
Overall costs in Germany are lower than the family estimated
As proof that the student has the ability to take care of expenses, international students must open a blocked account with about £8,640
Students are permitted to withdraw £720 per month
PROFILE BOX
Company name: Overwrite.ai
Founder: Ayman Alashkar
Started: Established in 2020
Based: Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai
Sector: PropTech
Initial investment: Self-funded by founder
Funding stage: Seed funding, in talks with angel investors
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THE BIO
Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.
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