No increment in 13 years

A reader in Abu Dhabi asks: My uncle has been working in a construction company based in Abu Dhabi for the last 13 years. He never received any increment, annual bonus or cost of living allowance, and the company also deducts visa expenses from his salary. Kindly advise what he can do.

I would like to clarify that if the allowances mentioned are not stipulated in the employment contract then the company is not obliged to provide the same as per the Labour Law, only if the system of the company provides for such allowances, and already exchanged such allowances for the questioner. Deduction of visa expenses from the salary is illegal. The reader can refund the expenses from the company if he has proof.

Questions answered by advocate Mohammad Ebrahim Al Shaiba of Al Bahar Advocates and Legal Consultants