Employment & Workplace
Unpaid salary, end-of-service gratuity, termination, contract terms and labour complaints for Bangladeshi employees.
Employment & Workplace lawyers in the UAEInternational clients · Bangladesh
Supporting Bangladeshi clients with legal matters in the UAE
This page is for Bangladeshi nationals working in the UAE, Bangladeshi business owners in the Emirates, and companies in Bangladesh that trade with UAE buyers and suppliers.
Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. Bangladeshi clients most often contact us about employment problems — unpaid salary, end-of-service gratuity, contract terms and termination — and about setting up or running a small business in the UAE, contracts with UAE trading partners, and money owed by UAE customers. We meet clients at our UAE offices by appointment, including Sharjah, and can also work remotely with families and businesses in Bangladesh. We explain each step plainly so that clients know what to expect and which documents to keep.
Bangladesh and the UAE
Bangladeshi workers form a large part of the UAE’s workforce in construction, facilities management, hospitality and services, and a growing number of Bangladeshis now run their own businesses in the Emirates, from groceries and restaurants to contracting and trading companies. Bangladesh’s garment and manufacturing exporters also use the UAE as a trading and logistics hub.
For workers, the most important legal protections come from UAE labour law and the wage protection system, which requires many employers to pay salaries through approved channels. When problems arise, the usual first step is a complaint with the labour authorities before a matter goes to court. For business owners, the main risks tend to come from informal arrangements with sponsors, partners or landlords, and from trading on credit without clear written terms. Knowing the process, and keeping the right documents, makes a significant difference.
UAE legal services
How we assist clients from Bangladesh
All practice areasCorporate & Commercial
Licences and company set-up for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, and partner agreements for small businesses.
Corporate & Commercial lawyers in the UAEDispute Resolution
Recovery of trade debts, cheque-related claims and disputes with landlords or business partners.
Dispute Resolution lawyers in the UAEReal Estate & Construction
Commercial leases for shops, restaurants and warehouses, and property purchases.
Real Estate & Construction lawyers in the UAEFor businesses
Legal support for businesses from Bangladesh
Many Bangladeshi entrepreneurs start with a small trading, food or contracting business and later bring in partners or open more branches. We help choose the right licence, document partnership arrangements so each person’s share is clear, review shop and warehouse leases, and prepare simple but effective supply and customer terms. For Bangladeshi exporters selling through UAE trading companies, we review sales and agency contracts and advise on payment security.
For individuals and families
Legal support for individuals from Bangladesh
For Bangladeshi employees, we review employment contracts, calculate end-of-service entitlements, and guide clients through labour complaints and court claims when an employer does not pay. We also help families in Bangladesh whose relative has died or become unable to manage their affairs in the UAE, explaining how to deal with unpaid wages, bank accounts and personal belongings.
Typical matters
Common UAE legal matters for clients from Bangladesh
Several months of unpaid salary
A Bangladeshi technician has not been paid for four months and his employer has stopped answering. We review his contract, payslips and bank records, explain his entitlements, and guide him through filing a complaint with the labour authorities, including what happens if the employer still does not pay and the claim moves to court.
End-of-service gratuity after many years
A Bangladeshi driver is leaving after twelve years with the same company, which offers a gratuity far below what he expected. We check the calculation against his contract history, salary records and UAE labour law, and help him negotiate or claim the correct amount.
A restaurant partnership breaks down
Three Bangladeshi friends opened a restaurant in Sharjah, with the licence in one partner’s name. After a disagreement, that partner excludes the others. We review the evidence of each partner’s investment and work, explain how UAE courts approach such claims, and advise on settlement or proceedings.
A UAE buyer stops paying a garment exporter
A Dhaka-based garment exporter has shipped several orders to a Dubai trading company that now refuses to pay, alleging late delivery. We review the contracts, shipping documents and correspondence, assess the claim and the buyer’s defence, and advise on recovery steps in the UAE.
These examples describe the kinds of questions clients raise. They are not case studies, and every matter depends on its own facts.
Working together
Working with Rahman & Company from Bangladesh
- 01
Initial discussion
Tell us who you are, who else is involved and what you want to achieve. A short call or video meeting is usually enough to understand the matter and agree whether we can help.
- 02
Identifying the UAE legal issues
We identify which questions are governed by UAE law, which emirate, free zone or court is relevant, and where advice under the law of Bangladesh may also be needed.
- 03
Document review and strategy
Once the scope and fees are agreed, we review the contracts, licences, title documents or correspondence and set out the options and the likely next steps.
- 04
Remote consultation where appropriate
Most discussions can take place by video call and email. Where a UAE step requires a signature, registration or attendance, we explain whether a power of attorney can be used and how it should be prepared.
- 05
Ongoing support and coordination
We keep you informed in writing, deal with UAE counterparties and authorities on your behalf where instructed, and coordinate with your advisers in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is two hours ahead of the UAE. Clients may be able to engage the firm remotely where this is legally and practically appropriate. Every engagement is subject to conflict, identity and compliance checks, and no particular outcome can be promised.
Where to find us
Our UAE offices
All officesSharjah
Sharjah
202, AG BuildingMuwaileh Commercial Industrial Area
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Head office
Dubai
115, Al Moosa Building 5Al Ghubaiba
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Meetings at any office are by appointment. Rahman & Company does not have an office in Bangladesh unless one is listed here.
Our lawyers
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View profileProfiles describe each lawyer’s background as published on this website. Languages are listed as stated in their profiles.
Our knowledge & media
Insights for international clients
All insightsOnline event · 17 Feb 2027Employment Rights WorkshopAn online workshop for employees and employers on termination, unpaid salary, end-of-service gratuity, non-compete clauses and employment contracts.Read moreBlogFive habits that make every legal conversation easier.Simple record-keeping habits that save time when an agreement, opportunity or disagreement needs attention.Read moreInsightBefore you sign: a more considered approach to commercial leasing.Questions to bring to your next property discussion, from permitted use to the practicalities of handing the premises back.Read more
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What can I do if my employer in the UAE does not pay my salary?
You can raise a complaint with the labour authorities, and if the matter is not settled it can be referred to court. Keep copies of your contract, payslips and bank statements. We can explain your entitlements and the process.
How is end-of-service gratuity calculated?
It depends on your length of service, your basic salary and the terms of your contract under UAE labour law. We check the employer’s calculation against your records.
Can I open my own business in the UAE as a Bangladeshi national?
Yes. Bangladeshi nationals can obtain a business licence in the UAE. The type of licence and location depend on what you plan to do.
Can my family in Bangladesh claim my unpaid wages if something happens to me?
Unpaid wages and end-of-service benefits may be payable to heirs, subject to UAE procedures and supporting documents. We can explain the steps for a specific case.
Can you advise on Bangladeshi law?
Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. Where advice on Bangladeshi law is required, separate advice from appropriately qualified counsel in Bangladesh may be necessary.
Do I need to travel to the UAE to obtain legal advice?
Not usually. Most advice can be given by video call and email. Some UAE steps, such as certain registrations or court appearances, may require a properly prepared power of attorney or attendance, and we explain this at the outset. Bangladesh is two hours ahead of the UAE.
Discuss your UAE legal requirements
If you are based in Bangladesh or connected with it and need advice concerning a business, investment, property, dispute or other legal matter in the UAE, our team can help you understand the relevant legal considerations and next steps. Please do not send confidential documents until an engagement has been agreed.