Unlike many jurisdictions, businesses in the UAE are required to fulfil certain requirements with both the immigration authorities and the Ministry of Labor & Social Affairs if they wish to employ staff in the UAE or if they wish to submit visa applications on behalf of their employees or other persons. Therefore, prior to engaging employees, it is highly recommended to become familiar with the Labor laws of the UAE and, if necessary, seek legal advice. Since UAE residence visas are linked with sponsorship provided by the employer, there are a number of legal steps involved when processing the Labor and immigration documentation of new employees.

To top it all, Labor contracts vary from one to three years in duration, and the renewal of the Labor contracts and residence visas require a number of necessary procedures.

Our attorneys at Helene Mathieu Legal Consultants have extensive experience in Labor regulations and employer/employee conflict resolution.

As a "preventive law" practice, we advise clients on how to structure their recruitment, hiring, advancement, disciplinary, staff reduction, and termination policies and procedures to comply with the law.

We represent employers in disputes raised by their employees or by governmental agencies on their behalf. Along with that, we represent employees in disputes arising over unpaid dues and inadequate compensation, abuse of working hours, and other Labor law infringements by employers.

Our approach in disputed matters is to resolve them as quickly as possible and in the least costly manner, consistent with preserving the goals and rights of our clients.