Host
There’s just so much more to hear. Our podcast is at DubaiI1038.com.
Host
We should do it that way. What was that again? I don’t know; it came out wrong. I have a problem with my throat. I think I’ve got your lurgy, and I’m sorry if you’ve got it. It is my fault. Well, moving back. Your friendly legal voice, Ludmila, is here. If you want to talk to her, call 423 1010, text 4001, or use the free app.
Host
Let’s launch straight in with the news announced overnight—a series of tweets from His Highness. These are sweeping changes.
Ludmila Yamalova
Sweeping changes, indeed.
Host
“Truly sweeping changes”—that’s the phrase everyone’s using. Potential 10-year visas. Do you know anything more than what’s been heard?
Ludmila Yamalova
In all fairness, not very much. Not more than what’s been published in the media. What’s really important to highlight is that, for now, the decision to introduce these changes has been approved. That’s the sweeping change we’re talking about. However, the regulation outlining the legislation for these changes hasn’t been issued yet.
Ludmila Yamalova
According to public statements regarding these new regulations, which affect various types of laws and industries, we should expect something finalized by the third quarter of this year or the end of the year. So, by the end of the year, we should see regulations outlining procedures for the 10-year visa, the five-year student visa, and 100% ownership law in further detail.
Ludmila Yamalova
Until such notice, all we know is that the decision has been made, but the laws have not changed yet. Don’t rush out tomorrow to set up a company with 100% ownership outside a free zone because you won’t qualify yet. Similarly, with visas, nothing has changed yet. I’d say the earliest effective implementation would be by the third quarter of this year.
Host
It seems likely, but we don’t know what it might cost to have a 10-year visa or whether there will be tax implications to setting up onshore rather than offshore in a free zone.
Ludmila Yamalova
Exactly. Currently, visas inside free zones are for a maximum of three years, and outside free zones under DED, it’s two years. The so-called “investor visa” in Dubai, which is based on owning property, is also for three years. That’s the longest term for a visa currently.
Ludmila Yamalova
According to the announcement, the 10-year visa would apply to specific professionals, such as doctors, scientists, and engineers. There are also references to valuable professionals contributing to society. Students will be eligible for five-year visas, and parents under sponsorship will also have longer stays after graduation.
Host
Okay, let’s take a call from Mohammed on line four. Mohammed, thanks for waiting. You’re a computer scientist, is that right?
Mohammed
Yes, thank you for having me. I have a major in computer sciences and have been working in the technology field for eight years. I read through the news, and it mentions “technical fields.” I want this term elaborated. Does it include backgrounds like mine?
Ludmila Yamalova
This is why we need to be cautious. As of now, we don’t have detailed definitions. While references are made to scientific and innovative professions, we’ll need to wait for the legislation to know how these specifications are defined.
Mohammed
Do you think there will be clarification in the next few days?
Ludmila Yamalova
Clarifications deemed reliable will come with the law’s publication. Current announcements are simply that—announcements. Based on the timeline shared, we may see the law by the third quarter of this year, closer to its implementation date at the end of the year.
Mohammed
Thank you so much.
Host
Thank you for calling, Mohammed. Lots of people are excited but need to manage expectations. For example, my friend in the UK, who owns a salon, is asking if she qualifies as an investor.
Ludmila Yamalova
It’s great to see excitement, and rightly so. However, until the law is implemented, concrete plans cannot be made.
Host
That’s fair. So, for now, people should carry on as usual and wait for the finer details. Meanwhile, we’ve got Ruby on line five with a question about visa renewals. Ruby, welcome. What’s your question for Ludmila?
Ruby
Hi. This is for a friend. She’s worked in Dubai for eight years, but her visa is expiring. She was recently informed that the government will no longer renew her visa due to her citizenship status. My question is, will she still be liable for loans and credit cards that she needs to pay? And can she still get a police clearance or a good moral character certificate?
Ludmila Yamalova
Good questions. These are two separate issues. The fact that her visa isn’t being renewed is an immigration decision under UAE immigration laws. However, her financial obligations, such as loans or credit card repayments, are governed by commercial laws. She is still fully liable to settle those debts, regardless of her visa status.
Ludmila Yamalova
As for obtaining a police clearance or a good moral character certificate, she would need to ensure that she has no outstanding debts or legal issues. Authorities typically require proof that all financial obligations are settled before issuing these clearances.
Ruby
Got it. Thank you so much.
Host
Thank you, Ruby. Next, we’ve got Salim with a couple of tenancy-related questions. Salim, go ahead.
Salim
Hi. My first question is about our maid, who’s under my father’s sponsorship. Is it okay if she comes to my house to help out, even though my parents live in a separate apartment?
Ludmila Yamalova
Yes, that’s generally fine because your parents and you are considered close family. Domestic staff sponsored by a family member can typically assist other family members within reasonable limits.
Salim
Great, thank you. My second question is about tenancy contracts. Is it possible to have two names on the lease agreement and the Ejari?
Ludmila Yamalova
Yes, it’s possible to have two names on the tenancy contract and Ejari. However, you may need to show proof of the relationship between the two parties, such as spouses, siblings, or other close connections. If it’s unrelated flatmates, the landlord’s approval is essential, and the property must be deemed suitable for sharing under Dubai’s rental regulations.
Host
Thanks for calling, Salim. Let’s jump to a text message. Someone says, “I’ve resigned and believe my employer owes me money for unused vacation days from 2017. If my visa gets canceled after transferring to another company, can I still pursue the owed money legally, or does visa cancellation mean I’ve waived my rights?”
Ludmila Yamalova
Good question. Visa cancellation does not mean you’ve waived your rights. If you haven’t signed a specific document that explicitly states you’ve received all your dues, you can still pursue unpaid entitlements. Even if you signed such a document under pressure, courts may not consider it valid unless your dues were fully paid.
Ludmila Yamalova
However, be mindful of the statute of limitations for employment claims in the UAE—it’s one year. If your unused vacation days are from 2017, you may be too late to claim them unless you file your case promptly within one year of when the entitlement arose.
Host
That’s helpful. Let’s talk scams for a moment, Ludmila. You mentioned earlier that scams involving email and banking fraud are becoming more prevalent. Can you share some examples?
Ludmila Yamalova
Certainly. One example is a currency exchange scam. A long-time client of a currency exchange company received an email appearing to be from the company with updated bank account details. After transferring money to this account, it turned out to belong to hackers who had gained access to the company’s systems. The scammers emptied the account and vanished before authorities could act.
Ludmila Yamalova
Another case involved a senior employee receiving an urgent email, supposedly from an executive at their company, asking for a confidential transaction. The email looked legitimate, but the request came from hackers who had infiltrated the company’s email system. The employee transferred funds to the hackers, who disappeared with the money.
Host
That’s alarming. How can people protect themselves?
Ludmila Yamalova
Be cautious with emails requesting money transfers, especially if bank account details have changed. Always verify requests through official channels, even if the email appears authentic. Companies should also invest in secure software to protect sensitive information and ensure their employees are trained to identify potential scams.
Host
Valuable advice. Let’s take one last call before we wrap up. Zainab, you’re on the line. What’s your question?
Zainab
Hi. My landlord is demanding VAT payments for 2018 and 2019 upfront, even though my contract runs until the end of 2019. I requested to pay VAT annually, but he opened a case against me, and the court ruled that I must pay VAT for both years in one go. Is this fair?
Ludmila Yamalova
The VAT law states that VAT payments are due either when the invoice is issued or when the payment is due—whichever comes first. If your lease agreement specifies an upfront payment plan, your VAT obligation aligns with that schedule.
Ludmila Yamalova
As for the court ruling, it’s likely based on a breach of contract. If your contract required upfront payment and you didn’t comply, the landlord may have grounds for termination. You can appeal the decision, but I recommend consulting a lawyer to strengthen your case, especially if language barriers were an issue in court.
Host
Thanks, Ludmila. Always a pleasure having you on. We’ll save the rest of the questions for next week.
Ludmila Yamalova
Thank you. It’s always a pleasure to help.
Host
That’s it for today. Remember, there’s so much more to hear. Download our podcast at DubaiI1038.com.