Know the law: Rules are same for all types of visas

Dubai - It may be noted that holding a visa as such does not imply the application of a different set of labour regulations

Rules are same for all types of visas
I have been working in the hospitality sector for seven years under unlimited contract on a visa issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners' Affairs. My basic salary is Dh1,250 plus accommodation and duty meal. I would like to know about my rights as an employee holding immigration visa, and the difference between immigration and labour visas.
Pursuant to your question, it may be noted that holding a visa as such does not imply the application of a different set of labour regulations for you. Your employment shall still be subject to the provisions of the Federal Law No 8 of 1980 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (the "Labour Law").
Pursuant to the foregoing, the only difference in this regard, is that the competent authority regulating your employment shall be the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners' Affairs for all purposes. This would imply that in the event of any labour dispute between you and your employer, it must first be referred to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners' Affairs.
(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 theiwr questions to: news@khaleejtimes.com or send them to Legal View, Khaleej Times, PO Box 11243, Dubai)