Grounds Assessment
An honest view on whether the intended grounds are lawful before the decision is executed.
Termination is the single most litigated moment in the employment relationship, and almost all of the exposure is created in how it is done rather than whether it was justified.
Dubai Legal Expert advises employers and employees across the UAE on termination, covering grounds, notice, entitlements, arbitrary dismissal exposure, visa cancellation and settlement.
The federal labour law sets out the grounds on which employment may be terminated, including specific circumstances permitting termination without notice. Where a termination falls outside those grounds or the process is not followed, the employee may claim compensation for arbitrary or unlawful dismissal, subject to a statutory ceiling based on salary.
Alongside compensation, termination triggers end of service gratuity, payment for untaken leave, notice or payment in lieu, repatriation where applicable, and cancellation of the residence visa within the permitted grace period.
Contact UsAssessment of whether the intended grounds are lawful and what process each route requires.
Advice on notice periods, payment in lieu and the consequences of getting either wrong.
Claims and defences on arbitrary or unlawful dismissal and the compensation available.
Negotiated exits documented with proper release wording so the relationship closes fully.
Advice on visa cancellation, grace periods, repatriation obligations and labour ban questions.
An honest view on whether the intended grounds are lawful before the decision is executed.
The investigation, warnings and notice each route requires, since procedural failure creates liability alone.
Gratuity, notice, leave and any compensation calculated so the final settlement is accurate.
Settlement agreements with release wording that actually closes the relationship.
Advice on cancellation timing, grace periods and the practical position for the departing employee.
Acting for employers and employees means we know precisely how each position is argued.
Termination without notice is available only on specific statutory grounds, and each carries process requirements. Employers frequently apply it to situations that do not fall within those grounds, or apply it without the investigation the ground requires.
The result is a dismissal that was substantively reasonable and legally exposed. Taking advice before executing a summary termination, rather than after the complaint is filed, is the single highest value step available to an employer.
Confirm the grounds, follow the process, then close it properly.
We take the background, review the contract and policies and confirm the applicable framework.
The lawful grounds available are identified along with the process each one requires.
Gratuity, notice, leave and potential compensation are calculated so the exposure is known in advance.
Investigation, warnings, meetings and notice are guided so the record supports the decision.
Where a negotiated exit is preferable, the settlement and release are drafted and executed.
Cancellation, final payment and repatriation obligations are completed correctly.
The dismissal was summary but the grounds did not apply to what I had done. The compensation claim followed from that single point.
Knowing the full exposure figure before we acted meant we chose the settlement route, which was much cheaper.
A dismissal that falls outside the lawful grounds or fails to follow the required process. Compensation is available subject to a statutory ceiling calculated on salary.
Only on the specific grounds the law provides, each of which carries its own process requirements that must be followed.
End of service gratuity, notice or payment in lieu, payment for untaken leave, any contractual entitlements and repatriation where applicable.
A grace period applies following visa cancellation, and we confirm the current position and any options for transferring status.
Resignation generally limits certain claims, but where the resignation followed conduct by the employer the position can be different and should be assessed.
Contemporaneous records, warnings, investigation notes and proof of notice, which together form the entire defence if a claim follows.
Whether you are terminating or have been terminated, take advice early. The first consultation is free.
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Dubai Legal Experts provides trusted legal advocacy across the UAE with experienced lawyers and clear legal guidance.