For residents as well as expats of Dubai, last year was very much happening as some major legislative changes took place. Some new laws were passed ranging from wedlock to reduced penalties for drug offenders. In the opinion of our best lawyers of Dubai, one thing that remains the same, was the government’s commitment toward delivering a better and simpler lifestyle in a positive outlook. In this article, we will discuss 7 such laws, which were promulgated in the last year. Further, we will discuss their implementations with the help of our top lawyers of Dubai.
- Relationship Laws
Last year, for a complete legislative overhaul, the president of UAE announced amendments in more than 40 laws of the country. All these laws came into force on 2nd January, 2022. Among those amendments, one was related to the extramarital relationship. With this amendment, strict Islamic laws were relaxed, and unmarried couples are allowed to reside together, and even have a baby.
Our best lawyers of UAE have suggested that the unmarried couples need to produce their identity cards and travel documents, and if they fail to do so, they may suffer an imprisonment of 2 years. - Cyber Laws
With our increasing exposure to the internet, the cases of cyber crimes, cyberbullying and online harassment have also increased at an alarming pace. A new law is passed, which aims to curb such deprecating practices through the internet. In the words of our best lawyers of Dubai, the new law provides for very stringent provisions that even taking a photo without obtaining another person’s consent will constitute a crime and punishment is prescribed for the same. A special emphasis has been made to keep a check on the content posted on social media, such as rumours or deceitful advertisements. - Labor Laws
As highlighted by our best lawyers of UAE, the Federal Decree Law No. (33) of 2021 was one of the most important legislative enactments of the last year. In this new law, a host of changes have been made, such as changing the working week from Sunday to Thursday to Monday to Friday.This new employment law provides for special provisions for the private sectors, such as flexible work hours or temporary jobs. The freelancing work is also recognised, offering bountiful opportunities from the global perspective. - Travel RulesWhile combating this global pandemic, the UAE government has done a commendable job, which is appreciated worldwide. Despite the pandemic, it is hosting a mega world fair Expo 2020 at Dubai. (To know further about Expo-2020 and tax refunds, contact our best law firm of UAE)The borders of the country are opened with some conditions for the travellers. Any person coming to the UAE needs to submit a negative PCR report. The report is valid only if the test is conducted within the last 48-72 hours of entering the country. From January 10, 2022, it is declared that unvaccinated people can’t travel abroad.
- Covid Rules
In the last year, the government from time to time assessed the Covid-19 situation in the country and framed its policies accordingly. The main highlights of the policies are as follows-- Social distancing of approximate 2 metre
- At restaurants, maximum 10 people can sit on a table
- For visiting any government office, a green pass was mandatory
- The entertainment avenues were functioning at 70% capacity
- A maximum gathering of 100 people were allowed at marriage.
- Drug Law
The UAE government made a landmark amendment in its anti drug law by issuing the Federal Decree No. (30) of 2021. Under this new law substantial relaxations have been provided and penalties are reduced to a very large extent. This new law decriminalised the use of cannabis for the first time offenders. In case a person carries drugs for the second time, he shall be punished with a six month jail term and a minimum fine of AED 20,000 which can be extended up to AED 100,000. - Bounced Cheque
As a major relaxation for the business community, the cheque bounces are largely decriminalized, with some exceptions, such as fraud or wilful misrepresentation, etc. Further, the cheque bounce cases can be settled outside the court and adverse litigation can be avoided. (For mediation or out of court settlement, contact out top lawyers of Dubai)
In Short
With the above discussion, it is very much clear that the government is taking rapid decisions to align the UAE with the best international standard. This complete legislation overhaul is a big step in making the UAE a global hub of investment with a friendly business and social environment.
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