Firm will be fined Dh5,000 for not issuing labour card

A reader from Ajman asks: I am working for a company in Ajman for one and a half years but till today I have not received my labour card. Is it a problem for me to work without a labour card? If I get caught by a labour inspector anywhere in the UAE, does it affect me or the company? I paid my visa expenses also. What is the solution to this problem?

Actually, the company's act of not issuing a labour card is considered as a violation of the Labour Law and for which the company will be responsible. If the employee is caught by the labour inspectors without holding a labour card, the Ministry of Labour will impose a penalty of Dh5,000 per annum against the company. The ministry will obligate the company to issue a labour card in favour of the employee.

The reader is advised to immediately demand a labour card in an amicable manner from the company, and in case no there is no positive response from the company then the reader may approach the Ministry of Labour and lodge a labour complaint.

Questions answered by Advocate Mohammad Ebrahim Al Shaiba of Al Bahr Advocates and Legal Consultants

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