"Can my employer force me to pay for recruitment costs when I resign?", 15 May 2021

I am an unlimited contract with a hotel but resigned after three months. My employer now wants me to pay Dh3,700 and my basic salary is only Dh1,300 a month.

When I asked why I need to pay this amount, human resources said it is to cover the cost of arranging my visa and cancelling it, as well as paying for my medical test and Emirates ID card. Am I legally obliged to pay for these expenses? IM, Dubai

........ As IM is on an unlimited contract, he can resign at any time, provided he gives notice under the terms of his employment contract, which is usually 30 days. He is not liable to pay any penalty on this type of contract.

It is not legal for an employer to pass on the cost of employment to an employee whatever the period of service may be. The same rule applies if someone resigns during their probationary period and, again, no employer can ask for compensation for costs incurred.