Employment & Workplace
Contracts, resignations, gratuity, unpaid wages and termination for Filipino employees, including domestic workers.
Employment & Workplace lawyers in the UAEInternational clients · Philippines
Supporting Filipino clients with legal matters in the UAE
This page is for Filipino professionals and workers in the UAE, Filipino-owned businesses, and families in the Philippines with relatives working in the Emirates. Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. Filipino clients most often ask us about employment contracts and exits, end-of-service benefits, domestic worker arrangements, and starting a small business such as a salon, restaurant or cargo service. We can meet in Dubai or Abu Dhabi by appointment, or speak by video call with family members in Manila and elsewhere.
The Philippines and the UAE
Filipinos are a long-established community in the UAE, working in healthcare, hospitality, retail, aviation, administration and household services, and many have built small businesses that serve the community. Different rules apply to different kinds of work: most private-sector employees fall under the UAE labour law, while domestic workers are covered by a separate law with its own protections and complaint process. Professionals moving between employers also need to understand notice, probation and non-compete provisions before resigning.
UAE legal services
How we assist clients from the Philippines
All practice areasCorporate & Commercial
Licences and partner agreements for Filipino entrepreneurs.
Corporate & Commercial lawyers in the UAEReal Estate & Construction
Shop and restaurant leases and property purchases.
Real Estate & Construction lawyers in the UAETypical matters
Common UAE legal matters for clients from the Philippines
A nurse changing employers
A Filipino nurse wants to move to another hospital in Dubai. We review her contract’s notice period, probation status and any restrictive clauses, and explain how to resign properly and what she is entitled to on leaving.
A domestic worker’s unpaid wages
A domestic worker’s employer has withheld wages and her passport. We explain the protections under the UAE domestic workers law, the complaint process and the documents she should gather.
Opening a door-to-door cargo business
A Filipino couple wants to open a door-to-door cargo service. We advise on the licence the activity requires, the shop lease, customer terms covering lost or damaged parcels, and whether any regulated activity is involved.
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 the Philippines
- 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 the Philippines 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 the Philippines.
The Philippines is four 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
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
42 Tawi Umm Al'atal StreetAl Wathba, Al Nahdah Jadeedah
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Meetings at any office are by appointment. Rahman & Company does not have an office in the Philippines unless one is listed here.
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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 moreBlogGrowing your team? Questions to ask before you hire.A short checklist of practical questions to work through before bringing a new person into the business.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
Are domestic workers covered by the UAE labour law?
Domestic workers are covered by a separate UAE law on domestic workers, which sets out their rights and the complaint process.
Can my employer keep my passport?
Employers should not keep employees’ passports without their consent. If your passport is being withheld, seek advice on how to have it returned.
Can a Filipino national open a business in the UAE?
Yes. Filipino nationals can obtain business licences; the type depends on the activity and location.
Can you advise on Philippine law?
Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. Where advice on Philippine law is required, separate advice from appropriately qualified counsel in the Philippines 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. The Philippines is four hours ahead of the UAE.
Discuss your UAE legal requirements
If you are based in the Philippines 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.