Latest news with #AshishMehta
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Can Dubai tenants make minor changes to rentals without approval? What the law says
image create by AI for creative and illustrative purposes only Tenants in Dubai considering even minor modifications to their rented homes, such as installing a temporary partition, must obtain prior approval from their landlord and relevant government authorities, warns a leading legal expert. Ashish Mehta, founder and Managing Partner of Ashish Mehta & Associates, who is qualified to practise law in Dubai, the United Kingdom, and India, explained the legal obligations of tenants under Dubai's rental laws in a recent Khaleej Times article. His comments were in response to a reader inquiry about installing a non-permanent gypsum board partition to divide a shared children's room in a two-bedroom apartment. While such installations might not involve structural alteration, Mehta clarified that any form of modification, temporary or otherwise, cannot legally be undertaken without proper permissions. 'In Dubai, tenants are prohibited from making any changes or carrying out maintenance work in a rental property without first obtaining approval from the landlord and the relevant authorities, including but not limited to Dubai Civil Defence,' Mehta said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Device Made My Power Bill Drop Overnight elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Pre-Order Undo He referenced Article 19 of Law No. 26 of 2007, which governs the relationship between landlords and tenants in Dubai. The law clearly states: 'A tenant must pay the rent on its due dates and must maintain the Real Property in a good condition as a reasonable person would maintain his own property. Without prejudice to the tenant's obligation to carry out any restoration that is agreed upon or which is customary for tenants to undertake, the tenant may not make any changes or carry out any restoration or maintenance works in the Real Property without obtaining the permission of the landlord and the necessary licences from the competent official entities. ' Mehta also pointed out that unauthorized changes which compromise the property's safety or result in damage may even result in eviction, under Article 25 (1)(e) of Law No. 33 of 2008, which amended the original tenancy law: 'Where the tenant makes any change to the Real Property that endangers its safety in a manner that makes it impossible to restore the Real Property to its original state; or causes damage to the Real Property as a result of his deliberate act, or his gross negligence by failing to exercise due caution and care or allowing others to cause that damage." Based on these legal provisions, tenants planning to install any partition, even one that is not fixed or permanent, should first obtain the explicit approval of the landlord and secure the necessary clearances from official bodies such as Dubai Civil Defence.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
UAE labour law: Can private sector employees take 6 months sick leave for major illness?
Employees in the UAE's private sector may be entitled to extended sick leave depending on the severity of their illness, explains legal expert Ashish Mehta, founder and Managing Partner of Ashish Mehta & Associates. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Mehta, qualified to practise law in Dubai, the UK, and India, outlined the UAE's official sick leave policy and conditions for long-term absence in a recent Khaleej Times article. Sick leave entitlement under UAE law As per Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relations, an employee who falls ill (from a non-work-related illness) must notify their employer within three working days and submit a medical certificate issued by a recognised medical authority. This requirement is explicitly stated in Article 31 (1): 'If the employee is infected by a disease not arising from a work injury, he shall inform the employer or his representative about his sickness, within a period not exceeding (3) three working days, and submit a medical report on his condition, issued by the medical entity.' Following the probation period, employees are entitled to a maximum of 90 days of sick leave per year, consecutive or otherwise. This is outlined under Article 31 (3) of the law, which breaks the 90 days down as follows: First 15 days: full pay Next 30 days: half pay Remaining 45 days: unpaid These rules apply regardless of the type or severity of the illness, as the law does not differentiate between medical conditions for leave eligibility. Options beyond the 90-day sick leave For employees needing more than 90 days, additional leave may be granted with the employer's approval. This provision is allowed under Article 33 (1) of the Employment Law: 'The employee may, after the consent of the employer, take an unpaid leave, other than leaves referred to herein.' In other words, while there is no automatic entitlement to more than 90 days, a worker can negotiate with their employer for extra unpaid leave on compassionate or humanitarian grounds, especially in the case of serious health conditions requiring extended recovery or treatment. Furthermore, combining unused annual leave with the 90-day sick leave may be an option. This would allow the employee to extend their overall time away from work with some continued income, provided the employer agrees. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Employer's right to terminate after leave is exhausted Importantly, if an employee does not return to work after exhausting their official sick leave entitlement, the employer may legally terminate the employment contract. This is stated clearly in Article 31 (5): 'The employer may dismiss the employee if he fails to report to work, after exhausting his sick leave referred to in this Article, and the employee shall reserve all his entitlements pursuant to the provisions of this Decree-Law and its Executive Regulations.' This means that while dismissal is permissible, the employee still retains their legal rights to end-of-service benefits and any unpaid dues, as protected under the law. Legal summary and practical advice Summarising the legal position, Ashish Mehta stated: 'You are eligible for full salary for the first 15 days of your sick leave. Thereafter, half salary for the next 30 days of sick leave and without any pay for any subsequent period of your sick leave.' 'You must provide a medical certificate/report to your employer on availing sick leave within 3 days from the date of you availing sick leave.' 'As you intend to avail long sick leave, you may request your employer to combine your sick leave with annual leave and further if required you may also request to grant you unpaid leave due to your long-term sickness.' While UAE labour law offers structured sick leave entitlements, extended leave up to six months is not automatic and depends entirely on employer discretion and compassionate allowances. Employees facing major illnesses are advised to engage in open dialogue with their employer, supported by proper medical documentation, and consider blending paid, unpaid, and annual leave options where necessary.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Golden Visa in Dubai: Can new investors qualify instantly with Dh2 million property investment?
Image generated by AI for illustrative and creative purpsoses only Foreign investors looking to relocate to Dubai can secure the UAE's 10-year Golden Visa by investing in property worth at least Dh2 million, according to legal expert Ashish Mehta, founder and Managing Partner of Ashish Mehta & Associates. Mehta, who is licensed to practise law in Dubai, the UK, and India, shared the legal pathway for new businessmen seeking long-term residency in the UAE in a piece published by Khaleej Times. The Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit granted to eligible foreigners and their families, allowing them to live, work, and invest in the UAE without a local sponsor. It is regulated under Article 8 of the annex attached to Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, which implements Federal Law by Decree No. 29 of 2021 regarding the entry and residency of foreigners. Investment criteria and legal requirements To qualify for a Golden Visa through real estate, an investor must: Own property or properties worth Dh2 million or more, either solely or jointly. Ownership can include mortgaged properties, provided the loan is from a local bank approved by the competent local authority. Purchase off-plan property valued at a minimum of Dh2 million from local developers authorised by the competent local authority. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Maintain comprehensive health insurance for themselves and their family members throughout the visa's validity or as per requirements set by authorities. According to the law: 'The investor shall own one or more real estate property with a total value of not less than Dh2,000,000... It may be a loan, on condition that the loan is from one of the local banks determined by the competent local authority.' And for off-plan investments: 'The purchase is made from local companies approved by the competent local authority.' Steps to Secure the 10-Year Residency Once these conditions are met, the following steps lead to the issuance of the Golden Visa: Purchase and registration of eligible property with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) Issuance of a title deed Visa application through the DLD, GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs), or approved digital platforms like Dubai REST Completion of medical fitness test and Emirates ID registration Final approval and issuance of a 10-year renewable residence permit The process must be approved by the relevant local authorities. As stated under Article 1 of the annex to Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022: 'The ICA may – after the approval of the competent authorities – issue a long-term residence permit for a period of ten years… allowing them to self-reside without the need for the Guarantor/the Host Party inside the State.' New businessmen can apply immediately after investment In response to a query published in Khaleej Times, Ashish Mehta clarified that a businessman planning to move to Dubai may apply for the Golden Visa immediately upon purchasing qualifying real estate worth at least Dh2 million, provided all requirements are met. He advised contacting either the GDRFA or authorised platforms like the Dubai Land Department to begin the application process. 'Based on the aforementioned provisions of the law, as a businessman intending to move to Dubai, you may be eligible for the UAE Golden Visa upon investing in real estate property with a minimum investment of Dh2 million, subject to the conditions set by the competent local authority,' Mehta stated. The UAE continues to position itself as a global hub for investors and entrepreneurs. The Golden Visa offers not just long-term stability but also the freedom to live and operate in the country independently, making it a compelling incentive for foreign businessmen planning to establish roots in Dubai.
