Q: I am listed as a “housewife” on my husband’s visa now after the company I worked for with my own visa shut down last year. I am now working again but I have heard mixed opinions on what is legal and what is not when sponsored by your husband.
I also know a number of other women working full-time, part-time, or doing contract work while under their husband’s sponsorship. Can you explain what the rules are for women working in these circumstances?
A: The rules of the UAE are clear that every expatriate needs a residency visa to live in the country. It is common for the wife and children of a working man to be sponsored by him. If a wife wants to work in the UAE and her husband agrees then Labour law rules (which are different from residency rules) would be applied and the employer should obtain a labour permission from the Ministry of Labour. An employment contract between the employer and worker should also be drawn up to outline the rights, benefits and duties of the woman. If at a later stage that contract is terminated, the woman would still be able to live in the UAE as it would not affect her residency status.
Q: What is the maximum level of car tinting permitted by law? It is generally believed that the legal maximum is 30 per cent but I see many cars with higher tint percentages. If I were to be arrested for having a higher tint, what can the police do and how much will the fine be for excessive tinting? How can they determine the degree of tinting? Can they impound my car?
A: According to the Traffic Law and its implementing regulations, no additions may be made to vehicles, such as tinted reflective glass, beyond the limits authorised by the Federal Traffic Law, which stipulates a maximum tint of 30 per cent to the side and rear windows only and not the front window. Tint violations are punishable by a fine of Dh500 and the confiscation of the vehicle for 30 days. The law allows for 30 per cent light brown tinting to side and rear windows only but some vehicles may exceed this percentage if owners obtain prior authorisation from the traffic authority.
Q: If I am not happy with my maid and I want to send her back to her home country then what can I do to get rid of her without losing the visa fee?
A: The visa fee is applicable for each individual visa and it is a non-refundable government fee. It seems that you are the one who wants to terminate the contractual relation with the maid and therefore you will bear the expense, including visa fee and one-way air ticket to send her back to her home country.
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