Employment & Workplace
Contract reviews, unpaid salary, end-of-service gratuity and termination disputes.
Employment & Workplace lawyers in the UAEInternational clients · Sri Lanka
Supporting Sri Lankan clients with legal matters in the UAE
This page is for Sri Lankans working or running businesses in the UAE, and for Sri Lankan exporters that sell to or through UAE buyers. Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. Sri Lankan clients usually contact us about employment contracts and end-of-service benefits, setting up a small business, trade contracts and payment disputes, and property and leases. We can work by video call with clients and families in Colombo and elsewhere in Sri Lanka, and meet in Dubai or Sharjah by appointment.
Sri Lanka and the UAE
Sri Lankans work across the UAE in hospitality, healthcare, construction, finance and domestic and household services, and many have built trading and service businesses of their own. Trade between the two countries is also significant: Dubai is a major hub for the tea trade, and Sri Lankan tea, apparel and food exporters often sell through UAE trading companies. For employees, UAE labour law and the wage protection system set the framework for salary and end-of-service payments; for exporters, the practical risks are usually around credit terms, quality claims and contracts that were agreed by email without clear terms.
UAE legal services
How we assist clients from Sri Lanka
All practice areasCorporate & Commercial
Licences and company set-up for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs and partner agreements.
Corporate & Commercial lawyers in the UAEDispute Resolution
Recovery of trade debts and disputes with UAE buyers, landlords or business partners.
Dispute Resolution lawyers in the UAETypical matters
Common UAE legal matters for clients from Sri Lanka
A tea exporter’s unpaid invoices
A Colombo-based tea exporter has shipped to a Dubai trader for years on open credit, and the trader has stopped paying, citing quality complaints. We review the contracts, inspection and shipping documents and correspondence, assess the claim, and advise on recovery steps in the UAE.
A hospitality worker’s end-of-service dispute
A Sri Lankan hotel supervisor leaves after eight years and disagrees with the employer’s gratuity calculation, including whether service charges count towards it. We check the contract and salary records against UAE labour law and help her negotiate or claim the correct amount.
Opening a small trading company
A Sri Lankan couple wants to import and sell spices in Dubai. We advise on the licence and location, the lease for a small warehouse, and simple supply and sales terms that protect them on payment and quality.
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 Sri Lanka
- 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 Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is one and a half 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 officesHead office
Dubai
115, Al Moosa Building 5Al Ghubaiba
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Sharjah
Sharjah
202, AG BuildingMuwaileh Commercial Industrial Area
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Meetings at any office are by appointment. Rahman & Company does not have an office in Sri Lanka unless one is listed here.
Our lawyers
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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 moreInsightClearer agreements. Stronger business relationships.A starting point for more useful conversations about expectations, responsibilities and change in commercial 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 more
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my UAE employer has not paid my salary?
Keep your contract, payslips and bank records, and raise the matter with the employer in writing. If it is not resolved, a complaint can be made to the labour authorities and, if necessary, the claim can proceed to court.
Can a Sri Lankan national own a business in the UAE?
Yes. Many Sri Lankan entrepreneurs start with a trading or services licence; the licence type and whether a physical office or warehouse is required depend on the activity and the emirate.
Can I instruct you from Sri Lanka?
Yes. Many matters can be handled by video call and email, with a power of attorney where someone needs to act for you in the UAE.
Can you advise on Sri Lankan law?
Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. Where advice on Sri Lankan law is required, separate advice from appropriately qualified counsel in Sri Lanka 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. Sri Lanka is one and a half hours ahead of the UAE.
Discuss your UAE legal requirements
If you are based in Sri Lanka 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.