What to do if you get terminated on the day your UAE visa expires

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What to do if you get terminated on the day your UAE visa expires

It would be a good practice for both the employer and employee to inform the other if they don't intend to renew the employment contract.

By Ashish Mehta

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Published: Sun 3 Feb 2019, 1:00 PM

Last updated: Mon 4 Feb 2019, 8:26 AM

Q-My employer gave me a termination notice on the last day of my residence visa's validity, giving me only the grace period of 30 days. I couldn't find the job within this period but I would like to stay longer to continue looking for a job. Now, my concern is about the consequences of an extended stay. How will it affect my rental and Sewa contract? How much would the overstay fines be and what are the conditions that have to be considered if I decide to exit the country and come back on a visit visa?  
A-It is understood that your employer served you with a notice to terminate your employment on the last day of validity of your UAE residence visa. You were not able to find a new employment within the 30-day grace period after the expiry of your visa.
You have not mentioned whether your employment contract has expired or not. The residence visa to stay in the UAE and the employment contract are two separate issues, even though they are connected to each other. We assume that your employment contract has expired prior to the expiry of your residence visa. There is no requirement for an employer or an employee to serve a termination notice if the employment contract is to expire. However, it would be a good practice for both the employer and employee to inform the other if they don't intend to renew the employment contract.
Even though your residence visa has expired, your rental contract may remain active if it is within the validity period and you should pay the rent on time. Further, the bills of Sewa (Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority) will continue to be generated until you get it cancelled. You may cancel your residence visa through your employer and exit the country. You may re-enter the UAE on a visit visa or employment visa once your current visa is cancelled. Should you overstay in the country, you shall have to bear a fine that is generally Dh125 for the first day and Dh25 for each day thereafter. However, you may approach the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs for further advice.
KNOW THE LAW
Even though a UAE resident's visa has expired, his or her rental contract may remain active and utility bills will continue to be generated. He or she will still have to pay on time
Ashish Mehta is the founder and Managing Partner of Ashish Mehta & Associates. He is qualified to practise law in Dubai, the United Kingdom, Singapore and India. Full details of his firm on: www.amalawyers.com. Readers may e-mail their questions to: news@khaleejtimes.com or send them to Legal View, Khaleej Times, PO Box 11243, Dubai.


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