Question 1

What is ILOE and do I have to subscribe?

Accepted Answer

ILOE is the UAE's unemployment insurance. It is mandatory for most private-sector workers. If your basic salary is AED 16,000 or less, you pay AED 5 a month plus VAT; if more, you pay AED 10 a month. Subscribe on the iloe.ae portal or the MOHRE app with your Emirates ID. If you do not subscribe, you get a AED 400 fine. If you lose your job through no fault of your own and you have paid for at least 12 months in a row, you can claim 60% of your basic salary for up to 3 months. You must claim within 30 days of losing your job.

Question 2

Is it legal for many workers to share one flat in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Sharing has strict rules in Dubai. Under a new Dubai housing law (Law No. 4 of 2026, in force from 26 August 2026), you need a permit for shared housing, and you cannot sublet a room, partition or bed space without one. Illegal partitions made of wood or non-fire-rated boards are banned. Dubai Municipality enforces this with the Dubai Land Department. Fines run from AED 500 to AED 500,000, and can double up to AED 1 million for repeat offences, plus possible eviction and power cut-off. Before you pay for a bed space, ask if the housing is licensed. Employer-provided labour accommodation is treated separately.

Question 3

What is the cheapest way to travel daily in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

The cheapest way is the Dubai Metro and buses, run by the RTA, using a Nol card. Buy a Nol card and keep a minimum balance to travel. On a Silver Nol card, a single trip is AED 3 within one zone, AED 5 for two zones and AED 7.50 for more than two zones. If you travel a lot, a 30-day Silver pass is AED 140 for one zone, AED 230 for two zones and AED 350 for all zones. For daily commuting the monthly pass is cheaper than single trips. Top up at metro stations, machines or the RTA app.

Question 4

What should I check before paying a deposit on a bed space in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

See the room and bed before you pay anything. Ask what the rent covers, such as water, electricity (DEWA) and internet. Ask the deposit amount and get a receipt with the date, the amount and the landlord's name and number. A fair deposit is usually about one month. Do not pay only cash with no paper. Ask if the housing is licensed for sharing, because illegal partitions in Dubai can be fined and you could be evicted. If there is a proper tenancy, it should be registered (Ejari in Dubai). Take a photo of the room and keep any message where the price is agreed.

Question 5

Can I convert my Bangladeshi driving licence in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

No. A Bangladeshi driving licence cannot be swapped directly for a UAE licence. Bangladesh is not on the RTA list of countries allowed to convert. As a Bangladeshi you must join a driving school, take lessons, and pass the theory and road tests to get a UAE licence. First you need your Emirates ID. Do not drive for work on your Bangladeshi licence, because it is not accepted for residents and can cause big problems in an accident. Full driving-school training in Dubai costs money, so budget for lessons and test fees. Check the current rule on the RTA site before you start.

Question 6

What are the emergency and complaint numbers in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

For police call 999. For ambulance call 998. For fire (Civil Defence) call 997. These are the UAE emergency numbers. For labour problems like unpaid salary or a taken passport, call MOHRE on 600590000, available 24/7, or use the MOHRE app. Save 999 and 600590000 in your phone now. When you call, give your name, your location and what happened, and ask for a Bengali or English speaker if you need one. Keep your Emirates ID number ready. In Dubai, 901 is the police non-emergency line for less urgent help.

Question 7

What is the safest, cheapest legal way to send money to Bangladesh from the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Use a licensed exchange house or bank app, not hundi. Hundi is illegal and gives no protection if the money is lost. Licensed exchange houses in the UAE include Al Ansari Exchange, LuLu Exchange and GCC Exchange; they give a receipt. You need your Emirates ID to send money. The Bangladesh government adds a 2.5% cash incentive on money sent through legal channels, paid to your family in Taka. On BDT 100,000 they get an extra BDT 2,500. For amounts over BDT 500,000 documents are needed. Compare the fee and exchange rate before you send, and keep your receipt.

Question 8

What are Tasheel and Tawjeeh centres in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Tasheel centres are MOHRE service centres where labour transactions are done, including work permits, contracts and some complaints. Your employer or a typist often uses Tasheel to process your paperwork. Tawjeeh centres give orientation and awareness sessions about your rights and duties under UAE labour law, part of MOHRE's Taw'eyah awareness programme. If you are unsure about your contract or a labour process, you can visit a Tasheel or Tawjeeh centre, or call MOHRE on 600590000. Bring your Emirates ID and contract. These are official MOHRE-linked centres, not private agents.

Question 9

Can my employer keep my passport in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

No. Your employer cannot keep your passport. UAE law and MOHRE rules say your passport is your personal property and must be returned to you. If your employer holds it, ask for it back and keep the message. If they refuse, file a complaint with MOHRE on 600590000 or through the MOHRE app; MOHRE can act against the employer. If your case also involves threats, confinement or a criminal matter, call the police on 999 and contact your embassy or consulate. Do not sign anything giving up your right to your passport. Keep a photo of your passport's main page in your phone.

Question 10

Can I change employer in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can move to a new employer when your fixed-term contract ends, or during it by agreement and by following MOHRE rules. Your new employer applies for a new work permit through MOHRE. You normally serve your notice period, usually 30 to 90 days as stated in your contract. Since contracts are now fixed-term, you do not need a formal no-objection letter as the old system required, but you must not just abandon your job. If your employer breaks the contract or does not pay you, MOHRE can allow the move, so call 600590000. Clear any ILOE dues first, or a new permit can be blocked.

Question 11

How do I get a SIM card in the UAE and call Bangladesh cheaply?

Accepted Answer

The two networks are e& (Etisalat) and du. You need your Emirates ID to register a prepaid SIM; before that, a passport may be used for a short-term tourist SIM. Buy from a network shop, the airport or a mall kiosk. On e& (Etisalat), the Wasel prepaid international pack costs AED 25 a week for 200 minutes, or AED 79 a month for 1000 minutes to your home country. There is also a Call International Pay Local option to Bangladesh at 38 fils a minute plus a small setup fee. du has similar Bangladesh bundles. Check the network app for the current pack.

Question 12

What is the end-of-service gratuity in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

When your job ends after at least one year, you are owed an end-of-service gratuity. Under the UAE Labour Law it is 21 days of basic wage for each of the first five years, and 30 days of basic wage for each year after five years, based on your basic wage, not allowances. It should be paid at your final settlement. Check the amount against your years of service and basic wage. The gratuity is separate from any ILOE job-loss payment. If your employer does not pay it, file a complaint with MOHRE on 600590000 and keep your contract and pay records.

Question 13

Where are the Bangladesh missions in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

There are two Bangladesh missions. The Embassy is in Abu Dhabi, at Villa 46/48, Sector 19, Zone W31, Al Jawwalah Street, Al Saadah; phone +971 2 4465100. The Consulate General is in Dubai, at Villa 36 and 145, 123/3 Street, Abu Hail Road, Al Wuheida, Deira; phones +971 4 2388199 and +971 4 2651116. If you live in Abu Dhabi or the west, use the embassy; if you live in Dubai or the northern emirates, use the consulate. Both have a Labour Wing that helps with salary disputes, lost passports and repatriation. The Dubai labour wing works 9:00am to 5:00pm on weekdays.

Question 14

What are legal working hours and overtime in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Normal work is 8 hours a day or 48 hours a week. In Ramadan working hours are reduced by two hours a day. Work beyond your normal hours is overtime, paid at 125% of your normal wage, rising to 150% for night hours between 10pm and 4am. You get at least one rest day a week. If you are made to work overtime without extra pay, keep a record of your hours. File a complaint with MOHRE on 600590000 or through the MOHRE app. Keep your contract and any duty rosters as proof.

Question 15

How do I open a bank account and can I be paid without one?

Accepted Answer

You need a bank account because the UAE pays wages through the Wage Protection System (WPS). Your salary must arrive by bank transfer that MOHRE can see. To open an account you normally need your Emirates ID, passport and a salary certificate or labour contract; your employer often arranges a salary account. Check each month that your full salary arrives. WPS covers over 99% of private-sector workers. If your salary does not come through WPS, that is a violation you can report to MOHRE on 600590000. From 1 June 2026, wages for a month must clear WPS by the first day of the next month. Keep your bank records.

Question 16

My salary is unpaid in the UAE, what is the first step?

Accepted Answer

First call MOHRE on 600590000, available 24/7, or use the MOHRE app. Use the Register Labour Complaints service on mohre.gov.ae. MOHRE reviews your complaint and tries to settle it between you and your employer. For a wage problem, MOHRE can issue a decision; if it is not resolved within about 14 days, MOHRE gives you a referral letter to the Labour Court. Bring your Emirates ID, labour contract and bank statements showing the missing salary. If your employer stops WPS payments, this triggers checks. Keep your complaint number to follow up.

Question 17

What kind of contract must I get in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

In the UAE all private-sector contracts must now be fixed-term (limited). This is under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, in force on 2 February 2022. Your contract must state your job title, wage, hours, term length and who pays your ticket, and it must be registered with MOHRE. Make sure the wage on the MOHRE contract is the amount you will actually be paid. Do not sign a blank contract or one that differs from what you agreed. Keep a copy. The term can be renewed or extended. Free zones like DIFC and ADGM have their own separate rules.

Question 18

Which medical tests do I need for a UAE residence visa?

Accepted Answer

For a UAE residence visa you must pass a medical fitness test after you arrive, done inside the emirate that issues your visa. It screens for communicable diseases, including a blood test for HIV and a chest X-ray for TB; some jobs also test for hepatitis B. Adults aged 18 and over must do it. In Dubai you go to a Dubai Health approved centre; in Sharjah and the northern emirates you use Emirates Health Services centres; in Abu Dhabi you use SEHA. Your employer usually arranges and pays for this as part of your visa. You must be found fit to get your residence visa.

Question 19

What is the Emirates ID, when must I apply and what if it is delayed?

Accepted Answer

The Emirates ID is your national identity card, issued by ICP. You must apply within 30 days of your residence visa being stamped. You need it for banking, a SIM, healthcare and most services. Your employer usually arranges it with your visa. You give fingerprints at an ICP centre. Standard processing is about 5 to 10 working days after biometrics; the card is delivered by Emirates Post. If it is late, check the status on the ICP app or call the ICP helpline 600 522222. Late renewal costs AED 20 a day, up to AED 1,000, so do not let it expire.

Question 20

What are the summer midday work ban dates and hours in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

In summer you cannot be made to work outdoors in the middle of the day. The UAE Midday Break runs each year from 15 June to 15 September. During this period, work under the sun and in open areas is banned between 12:30pm and 3:00pm. If your employer makes you work outdoors during these hours, report it to MOHRE on 600590000 or through the MOHRE app. Employers must provide shade, cool water and rest areas. There are limited exceptions for certain urgent technical work. Rest and drink water during the break.

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