Can UAE employer withhold letter to obtain driver’s licence?


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I work for a small company based in a Sharjah industrial area. I want to take driving lessons and asked my employer to provide me with a letter of no objection so I could apply for a driving licence, but they will not do so. I have asked several times and they just say no and won't give me any reason. Do I really have to get this letter or can I make the ministry force them to give one to me? IP, Sharjah

It is a requirement of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) that employees obtain the agreement of their employer to apply for a driving licence in the UAE. The issuing of the letter is entirely at the discretion of the employer and it is not mandatory that they comply with a request, so any complaint to the Ministry of Labour will not be upheld in this situation.

Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with over 20 years of experience. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com Follow her on Twitter at @FinancialUAE

The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only. Readers are encouraged to seek appropriate independent legal advice

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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