Smaller crimes like petty theft are among the most common crimes committed in the UAE. For instance, the above mentioned fine may not exceed the equivalent of the employee's pay for 5 days (Article 104), and such fines may only be imposed once a year (Article 106). It doesn’t matter if you have just met your partner a week ago or if you have been with them for 20 years, if you want to share your bed with them you better do it secretly (or not at all). The law includes safeguards to protect the employee's cause and welfare as well. According to Article 132 of the UAE Labour Law on the calculation of gratuity/severance pay: An employee who has completed 1 or more years of continuous service is entitled to severance pay. A passport is a must for travel to UAE. a)   If the work involves meeting clients or the knowledge of business secrets, they cannot take part in any activity that competes with the employer's interests after the contract period (if agreed upon with the employer beforehand), and such a period may only be for a limited period of time, only allowing for the legal interests of the employer. The employment contract cannot be terminated in the event of the employer's death. But even if you find one of these spots to buy a sandwich and a cup of coffee, you won’t be allowed to enjoy both in public. Throughout the UAE there is a threat of terrorist attacks in areas that westerners would normally travel although one should not be too concerned as long as they exercise a certain degree of common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour. Punishment, the infliction of some kind of pain or loss upon a person for a misdeed (i.e., the transgression of a law or command). b)  If the termination is attributable to the worker, the latter has to be repatriated on their own expense (Article 131). The same applies in vice-versa if the employee cancels the contract (Article 116). If you want to find out more about cultural values and social customs in the UAE, check out our article on the topic. today to jump start your move, and begin the preparations with our free As confusing as it might seem to newcomers, during Ramadan eating and drinking should be reserved for your private space or the hours after sunset. (9) of 1976 Concerning Juvenile Delinquents and Homeless, AS per U.A.E.’s Law the regular minimum jail sentence for possession of drugs is 4 years followed by deportation. Upon verifying the existence of the elements of the crime, and in accordance with Article (401) of the UAE Penal Code, the Court can impose a fine and/or imprisonment for a period ranging from 1 to 3 years. The UAE has no social security laws, but make available welfare benefits such as free hospital and medical care, education subsidies, water, and electricity. Criminal Accountability – Intention VS. 8 of 1980 on regulating labour relations. Uae Laws. What are the rules on repatriation of the worker after contract termination? In this case, the employee has to be compensated as assessed and ruled by the court, based on factors such as type and duration of work and damage caused to the worker. The U.A.E. Ministry of Justice has a legal portal that contains most federal laws passed since 1971, available in both Arabic and English. However, if you need police assistance and don’t speak Arabic, you should specifically request a police officer who speaks English. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the United Arab Emirates face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT people. The worker is also entitled to their gratuity in such cases (Article 123). However, it can be if the employee dies or is completely disabled, with approved medical certificate given by the country's health authorities (Article 114). Many of the laws in the UAE are based on Sharia law and you should keep that in mind at all times. It is suggested that the increased use of technology may aid bullying. Homosexuality in the UAE Homosexuality is not just a taboo subject in Dubai – its strictly forbidden and punishable by law. The punishment does fit the crime in the UAE Cases seen as having unusually harsh or lenient penalties in the UAE have raised questions about the Penal Code. This page contains the UAE laws and resolutions concerning activities conducted online. Muslim laws and culture is very different from west or democratic nations. Video explains the law and the punishments if found guilty. While nationals of certain countries are allowed to obtain visitor visas on arrival at the airport, others will have to obtain visitor visas in advance. The UAE follows the Federal Law No. Any such disciplinary action also has to be taken and issued within 30 days of the discovery or allegations made (Article 111). Although about half of all expats worry about their safety before their move to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, most of them report feeling quite safe in this country at the Arabian Gulf. 3. (3) of 1987 Promulgating the Penal Code . Punishment of Blackmailing or Threatening a Person to perform or refrain from an Action by using an Information Network or an Information Technology Tool. Here are the punishments for offences: • At least 10 years imprisonment under Article 65 against whoever uses or exploits a child in filming, recording or producing pornographic material. Capital punishment is a legal penalty in the United Arab Emirates.. The employee also has to be 21 years of age or over for this to apply (Article 127). However, the DEA Dubai Country Office reported an increase in seizures of weapons, drugs, and human smuggling by the authorities. There are different types of scams common in the Emirates that often target expats. Our (1) of 1972 Concerning the Functions of the Ministers, the Powers of Ministries and the laws amending it,. b)  Deny the employee (if the latter requests, or at end of contract period) the certificate of the end-of-service settlement, with details of joining/leaving dates, type of work, last paid salary and benefits; hold back any of the employee's certificates, documents or items at the end of contract (Article 125). Khaleej Times capsules the labour law's stipulations on employee disciplinary rules, termination, their rights and end-of-service settlements, so you don't have to read through the fine print. Last updated on December 21st, 2020 at 11:09 am. If the worker is under an indefinite contract term and leaves work after continuous service of not less than 1 year and not more than 3 years, he or she is entitled to one-third of the severance pay. Article 16 of the UAE Cyber Crime Law. Many LGBT individuals may chose to visit Dubai or the UAE but it is extremely important to be informed of the consequences of being openly gay in this region. For example, a city may determine that it is a misdemeanor to panhandle, while the federal government decides that it is a federal crime to lie on an immigrant visa application. Punishments may include jail time, floggings, death, fines, and deportation. 5. If the employer breaches their contractual obligations made to the worker, or if they or their legal representative assault the worker (Article 121). If the employer does it, they are to compensate the employee with an amount not more than their 3 months' total salaries, or for the remaining period of the contract, whichever is shorter (unless the contract states different rules), according to Article 115. What happens if the employer or employee terminate the contract before its end-date? Your Dubai license will therefore not grant you the right to buy drinks in Abu Dhabi. 21 of 1995 “Concerning traffic” as amended is the law, which governs traffic and regulates vehicles. This publication is not intended to provide legal or othe… We have listed the most common laws expats struggle with. "The freedom of movement and residence will be granted within limits of laws" quotes from Article 29 of the UAE constitution offers freedom and simultaneously curtail it on the basis of law. For example, in the United Arab Emirates: Depositions are taken without a lawyer present. The Juveniles law follows a Restorative Justice model focusing on the needs of the young offender. It is also relevant to consider the UAE Federal Law No 8 of 1980 (as amended) (the “Labour Law”) which governs employment law in the UAE. This includes showing the finger and other inappropriate gestures, as well as foul language and spitting. As you may or may not know, it is illegal in the UAE to have sexual relations with someone you are not married to. Our team of experts is ready to help you find a home abroad, move your household goods, and settle into your new country. As an expat in the UAE, you need to keep yourself informed and abreast of your rights and responsibilities surrounding employment in the country. As per the UAE’s cybercrime laws, VPN users can face fines ranging between 500,000 and 2 million dirhams (£107,855 and £431,421) if they are “using a false IP address or a third-party address by any other means for the purpose of committing a crime or preventing its discovery”. Under article 120 of the UAE Labour Law, an employer may terminate the service of an employee who is penalised by a criminal judgement. 8 of 1980 on regulating labour relations. You might get away with some of them, but others will easily get you in trouble. There are some cafés and restaurants which discreetly serve their customers between sunrise and sunset. Drug crimes are generally not very common which is also due to harsh punishments. Crimes and chastisement punishments shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of this Law … These crimes will probably leave most expats untouched. Saudi Arabia punishments: What will get you flogged – or worse – in the conservative kingdom. This does not mean that smaller crimes do no occur, of course. Going or traveling to Dubai Better understand the laws and rules to prevent jail term. 4. Article 177 of the Penal Code of Dubai has consensual sodomy as being punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Children will be given legal protection under the final version of the Child Protection Law. and Canadian criminal law systems are significantly different. Perhaps this is the approach of the United Arab Emirates with relation to their recent amendment (the Federal Law Number 8 of 2016), amending the long-standing Federal Law Number 14 of 1995 on the Countermeasures against Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. All expatriates are subject to UAE immigration laws, which can seem complex and demanding at times. What happens in case of death or disability of the worker? This article describes the UAE Traffic Law on drunk and drive. A work promotion also cannot be withheld for more than one promotional cycle (Article 107). The United Arab Emirates has ended lenient punishments for so-called “honour” killings, lifted a ban on unmarried couples living together and decriminalised alcohol, in reforms to personal laws. In 2006, The Dubai Government came up with a landmark Human Resources Law for government employees that include code of conduct, work environment, recruitment and employment policies and … For certain scheduled drugs, the punishment is death only upon recidivism. The UAE follows the Federal Law No. Organizing an international relocation is not something you should do on your own. Subscribe to the mailing list to receive the weekly newsletter. Get to know about the traffic fine and other punishment one may get if he/she drives while influenced by alcohol or narcotic substance in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & other emirates in UAE. This includes their travel ticket, and any contractual obligations on travel expenses for their family, cost of shipping of personal items etc. When may the employee quit work without notice? A British grandfather faces 350 lashes for possessing … 2. While the police does not treat expats with kid gloves — in 2014 several expats were arrested for consuming alcohol without a permit — calling the police when you become the victim of a crime is a good idea. The labour law does not prejudice the right of the worker in contesting such compensations in court. Federal Law 5 of 2012 on Combatting Cybercrimes (PDF, 61.2 KB) Federal Law No. JUNE 11 — The wave of fatal drunk driving accidents in recent weeks has triggered a series of reactions from many parties especially the citizens, urging the government to enforce stricter laws and stern punishments in efforts to reduce or better eliminate this kind of incident. Especially violent crimes and property crimes are rare and hardly ever affect expats or tourists. When can the employer dismiss the worker without prior notice? UAE. Punishments may include jail time, floggings, death, fines, and deportation. The amendments allows for the laws of a person's country of origin to be used for divorces and inheritance in the UAE. This Law promulgates the Federal Penal Code (Criminal Law) of the United Arab Emirates. When can an employment contract be terminated? However, drunken behavior in public is not allowed and if the alcohol makes you feel particularly romantic, you should switch to water or soft drinks before you get yourself into trouble. Bullying has always been difficult to punish. *, a)   If the employee assumes a false identity or nationality, or submits false certificates or documents, b)  Within or at the end of the employee's probation period, c)   If the employee makes errors resulting in major material or financial loss to employer, and the Labour Department is informed of it within 48 hours of the incident, d)  In the event of violation of safety or workplace rules, communicated in prior to the worker clearly, e)   If the employee fails to perform his or her duties as stipulated in the contract, and not improve their performance in spite of warnings, f)    If they reveal any confidential information regarding the company or workplace to the public, g)   If they are charged with a crime of honour, honesty or public ethics by a court, h)  If found under the influence of alcohol or drugs during work hours, i)    If they assault the employer, manager or coworkers, j)    If they are absent without leave or valid cause for over 20 non-consecutive working days in a year, or over 7 consecutive days. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Judicial and Prison CP. UAE laws and customs are very different to those in the UK. You should be aware that disrespectful behavior, even if it is not sexual, can get you in a lot of trouble quickly. We, Zayed Bin Sultan, President of the State of the United Arab Emirates, Having taken cognizance of the provisional Constitution,. Majorie van Leijen; Published Tuesday, February 28, 2012. UAE sets out legal overhaul of personal and family law New regulations cover divorce, inheritance and alcohol, as well as tougher punishments for men who harass women and a Good Samaritan law A raft of changes will ensure that UAE laws cater for … c)   Take up other employment if they leave work without valid cause (with or without notice given) before the end of contract period (for non-UAE nationals only), for 1 year from the date of leaving (Articles 128, 129). The aim of the portal is to improve understanding of the UAE's laws and legal system. The UAE’s legal portal. Here are some general principles to understand, especially in relation to aggravating circumstances: By. (3) of 1987 Promulgating the Penal Code. There are different types of scams common in the Emirates that often target expats. Ministry of Justice has a legal portal that contains most federal laws passed since 1971, available in both Arabic and English. You may have lived with your partner before you came to the Emirates together, but as far as the police is concerned, you better get your own place. Make It Easy with Our Home-Finding, Moving, Settling-In, and Other Essential Services. The United Arab Emirates Saturday (November 7) announced a slew of legal reforms relating to personal freedoms that seek to move the country away from its hardline interpretation of Islamic law. The UAE government has introduced changes to personal and family law. As expats, we understand what you need, and offer the 3. Some emirates are stricter than others, but the minimum jail time for this is one year, usually followed by deportation. Of course, it’s not a problem to hold your spouse’s hand in public or give them an innocent peck on the cheek. Law enforcement is rather strict in the UAE and the police pay attention to every breaking of the law, no matter how benign it might seem. All sexual relations outside of heterosexual marriage are criminalized. Even compared to first-world countries and Western cities, the UAE has a rather low crime rate. Publicising a fundraiser on social media and appealing for donations without … This can increase the stress and practical problems arising from arrest and imprisonment in the United Arab Emirates. UAE Cybercrime Law No. The legal portal has a menu which enables you to search under following links: If an employee contests the end-of-service settlements and repatriation expenses in court against the employeer, the labour department will specify these entitlements in a week from the date of notification. Only restaurants and bars with a proper license (usually those attached to a four- or five-star hotel) can serve alcohol and, of course, you are allowed to drink as much as you wish there. This article describes the UAE Traffic Law concerning driving under the influence of an alcoholic or narcotic substance or the like and the penalties.. Federal Law No. 2. 3 of 2016) affirms that all children have the right to education and basic protection in the UAE. c)   If company accommodation is provided, the employee has to vacate it within 30 days from date of termination, provided the employer pays the above expenses, end-of-service settlements or any other entitlements as previously agreed upon. The UAE copyrights law contemplates this possibility as Article 22, stating “without prejudice to the moral rights of the author provided for in this law, the author may not prevent third parties, after the publication of his work, from performing any of the following acts”, … Answer: For the purposes of relevance, Cyber Crime Law no 5 of 2015 does not define what constitutes cybercrime. But some of the country's leading legal minds say the code lays down clear parameters for judges - while allowing some leeway in sentencing. The UAE, including Dubai which is known as a party hub, have rather strict alcohol law. Cyber laws. 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