I worked a few years ago in Dubai and am now back on a tourist visa for a job search. I have received an offer letter but it isn't signed as the HR director is away. I sent them my passport copy for visa processing (without receiving a contract) and they have now asked me to start working on Sunday. They have said they will give me the contract to sign at the same time and that they will file an employment visa application online. How can I explain that I need at least 24 hours to review the contract details before signing? Is it legal that I may start working before my employment visa is approved by the UAE government and issued? Do you advise against me attending the office to work before the employment visa is received? VS, Ukraine
It is not right to expect anyone to agree to take up a job offer without providing them with a contract of employment with all the relevant terms before they start. I would also be highly suspicious of any employer wanting to do this, as it looks as if they have something to hide. All employees should be given time to review an offer of employment and ask questions before committing themselves. I recommend that Miss S go back to the company and tell them, in writing, that they must not start processing the visa until she has been provided with full details of the position offered and the terms of employment. A person can legally start working for a company once a visa application has been submitted to the Ministry of Labour. It is not necessary to wait for a visa to be approved and issued, but an application must be made as soon as someone actually starts working. Failure to comply with this legal requirement can result in a fine for both parties.
Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with over 20 years’ 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.
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WISH
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
Mazen Abukhater, principal and actuary at global consultancy Mercer, Middle East, says the company’s Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index - which benchmarks 34 pension schemes across the globe to assess their adequacy, sustainability and integrity - included Saudi Arabia for the first time this year to offer a glimpse into the region.
The index highlighted fundamental issues for all 34 countries, such as a rapid ageing population and a low growth / low interest environment putting pressure on expected returns. It also highlighted the increasing popularity around the world of defined contribution schemes.
“Average life expectancy has been increasing by about three years every 10 years. Someone born in 1947 is expected to live until 85 whereas someone born in 2007 is expected to live to 103,” Mr Abukhater told the Mena Pensions Conference.
“Are our systems equipped to handle these kind of life expectancies in the future? If so many people retire at 60, they are going to be in retirement for 43 years – so we need to adapt our retirement age to our changing life expectancy.”
Saudi Arabia came in the middle of Mercer’s ranking with a score of 58.9. The report said the country's index could be raised by improving the minimum level of support for the poorest aged individuals and increasing the labour force participation rate at older ages as life expectancies rise.
Mr Abukhater said the challenges of an ageing population, increased life expectancy and some individuals relying solely on their government for financial support in their retirement years will put the system under strain.
“To relieve that pressure, governments need to consider whether it is time to switch to a defined contribution scheme so that individuals can supplement their own future with the help of government support,” he said.
WHAT%20START-UPS%20IS%20VISA%20SEEKING%3F
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