Expatriates are increasingly suing their bosses in the United Arab Emirates.
A growing number of foreign employees in Dubai are going to court because of insults from their leaders in the workplace. Last year, one employee managed to sue 200 thousand dirhams ($ US 54.4 thousand) for moral damage in such a case, experts say.
In some cases, employers called their subordinates “stupid,” which became the reason for filing an application with the court. Workers have the right to sue their employer for non-pecuniary damage, but they must provide the court with sufficient evidence, such as a doctor’s opinion.
Khaitam Alieh, partner and head of the local judicial team DWF Middle East LLP, spoke about one of his clients who was insulted by the head. According to her, a criminal case was opened against him, and he was fined 50 thousand dirhams ($ US 13.6 thousand).
ZA Rizvi, a partner at STA Law Firm, explained that, in accordance with the UAE labor code, an employee can quit without notice if the employer or his legal representative commits an act of violence against him.
“If one of the parties (the employer or employee) suffers as a result of such an action, the complaint can be submitted to the nearest police station. The complaint can also be submitted to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization,” the expert explained.
