Handling the legal issues in Ajman

UAE or United Arab Emirates, comprises of seven emirates. Emirate of Ajman is the smallest emirate, yet it is significant for residents and investors, in United Arab Emirates. The infrastructure and legal system in Ajman are unmatchable across the UAE. The judicial system of Ajman follows UAE federal laws because the law in UAE is federal. The emirate of Ajman, ensure transparency, and fairness in its legal structure. Therefore, individuals should not worry if they have a dispute over family or business. Everyone’s rights are protected in Ajman. Lawyers in Ajman are the professionals for legal counselling and legal services.

The courts in Ajman follow Sharia laws, local rules, and federal laws. The main difference between federal and Sharia law is that the latter is based on Islamic principles and restricted to Muslims only for personal matters. However, non-Muslims have to follow federal laws UAE. The local regulations are managed for real estate, public services, and business operations.

The criminal laws in Ajman are governed by the UAE Penal Code, which outlines the criminal offenses and penalties for violating the rules in Ajman. However, these offences range from minor to serious crimes. Several types of criminal offenses have become common in Ajman:

1. Cybercrime

Cybercrimes are crimes that happen on or through the Internet. People are often scammed online. Sometimes, companies’ websites are hacked. The software does not have strict data protection policies. These are the main reasons for cybercrimes in Ajman. Crime offenders are penalized for breaching someone’s privacy online as per the laws made by the UAE Cybercrime Law. Usually, penalties include heavy fines and imprisonment.

1. Drug Offense

Drugs are prohibited in Ajman, just as they are restricted all over the UAE. Anyone found doing drug trafficking or possessing a drug will be reported. However, the first-time offender might receive rehabilitation services.

1. Fraud

If a robbery has occurred or an individual was scammed while buying something, it is theft and fraud. The government of Ajman has penalties for theft and fraud, which may last longer and end in imprisonment.

1. Public Violations

Making indecent incidents or disrespecting other religions in public can cause an individual big trouble.

If you have been a victim of a criminal offense in Ajman, you must report it to the nearest police station. The Ajman police will investigate the cases and refer them to the Public Prosecution. Court proceedings will begin in the Ajman Criminal Court, and judgements will be enforced across the UAE.

The Civil Laws in Ajman are directed from the Civil Transactions Law. The law resolves issues related to property, contracts, and claims. Contracts are disputed if the terms and conditions are not properly outlined. A breach of contract can be reported under contract disputes, which may lead to claims and compensation. Issues related to real estate matters, such as ownership or tenancy issues, are resolved through civil courts in Ajman. In most cases, the lawyers in Ajman suggest resolving the conflict through alternative dispute resolution, which is a friendly settlement outside of court.

Family matters related to marriage and divorce are resolved under family laws in Ajman. However, Muslims have to follow Sharia law for their family matters. Non-Muslims can follow the rules according to their embassies. The most important thing is getting a pre-marital medical certificate, regardless of religion. It is essential to obtain a clean medical record of both parties before they get married in Ajman or anywhere else in the UAE. Divorce, child custody, and inheritance matters are also resolved per Sharia law or international laws.

Muslims can settle their assets under Sharia law. However, expatriates from other religions are given the liberty to use the inheritance laws as per their embassies’ requirements. In case the will is not present in this scenario, the property will be distributed equally amongst the children, spouses, and parents.

The labour laws in Ajman are governed as per the labour laws in the UAE. It is important in Ajman to have a labour law that ensures the protection. However, employees facing issues related to work can report in Ajman. Disputes over employment contracts, termination laws and gratuities are outlined in this law. Moreover, labour is regulated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE). If labour disputes are not resolved, the cases are referred to the Ajman Labour Court for final resolution.

Recently, expatriates have been convinced to settle in Ajman. This has boosted the real estate industry, which the Ajman Real Estate Regulatory Authority (ARRA) regulates. UAE nationals can buy or rent any property in Ajman, but expatriates can only buy or rent property in free zones.

Further, there are some rules for tenancy in Ajman:

1. Tenancy Contracts

The tenancy contract must be registered with ARRA to ensure its legal implications. To avoid disputes in the future, the contract must include details about the rent, duration, and maintenance responsibilities.

1. Increase in Rent

The landlord cannot increase the rent during the initial three years of the contract. Afterwards, they can increase the rent according to the tenancy laws in the UAE.

1. Rental Disputes

No matter how clear a contract is, there will always be some dispute. The Ajman Rent Disputes Settlement Committee can settle those rental conflicts to ensure robust and unbiased judgements.

Ajman, a small emirate, has a friendly business environment that encourages new investors and entrepreneurs to set up their companies in Ajman. As per the business rules in Ajman, the free zone areas can have 100% ownership of the foreigners. Companies are exempted from taxes, and the registration process is very simple. Businesses established outside the free zones will always have a UAE national as an investor, having a 51% share in the business, and they have to follow the UAE Commercial Companies Law. Most sectors do not have to pay tax but must comply with Ajman’s Value Added Tax (VAT) law.

Ajman’s legal services have embraced digitalization to enhance efficiency and accessibility. There are e-courts where individuals file the case online, provide relevant documents and evidence, pay the fees, and get the judgement online. Contracts are developed online with transparency to ensure fair business practices in Ajman. The benefit of digitization is that the legal system is paperless and faster. Also, residents and businesses have found it interesting and easier to access courts and Ajman’s judicial system. Ajman Notary Public also provides the notary public services.

The lawyers in Ajman prefer resolving cases through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, which include mediation and arbitration. Mediation is conducted by a neutral mediator, whereas arbitration is used for business disputes. Decisions are made according to the business laws in Ajman. Through ADR methods, time is saved, and the confidentiality of proceedings remains intact.

ADR methods in Ajman are new for residents and businesses. However, with proper legal awareness and explanation of these dispute resolution methods, residents and business owners will eventually try to understand and embrace them. These methods provide accessibility and affordability in legal matters.

In Ajman, authorities promote individuals’ rights by providing legal awareness sessions, workshops, and campaigns. However, with the legal system digitized, individuals can access those campaigns and awareness online.

You should hire a lawyer in Ajman if you have a legal dispute and need to learn your rights. Consequently, if you know your rights, you will need legal representation to get justice. Therefore, hiring a qualified and experienced lawyer is more important than having legal support. If you are ever looking for a lawyer in Ajman, you should know that lawyers have specialisation in a specific field of law.

Finding a lawyer in Ajman would be daunting because it is a small emirate, and the market is competitive. You will come across legal services, but not all can handle your case. However, it is better to meet the lawyers and discuss your legal matter with them to understand their confidence in taking your case. Moreover, you should look for their credentials and qualifications. The lawyers keep doing certifications to enhance their experience. If you have a cross-border dispute, you must choose a lawyer who understands the foreign language and has already dealt with similar disputes.

Lawyers and legal consultants in Ajman can charge the fee if they win your case, but this is not necessary. Usually, these lawyers in Ajman are working on claims and compensation cases. Debt collectors also come under the same category. If you do not receive the claim or your money is not recovered by the debtor, the lawyers in Ajman will not charge you a penny. They will only ask for a percentage when you have recovered any amount. Don’t worry about the amount the debt collector would ask because it is pre-decided between the individual and the debt collector.

The legal system in Ajman is strengthened through digitization in filing cases and keeping track of case records. Legal matters are also resolved through ADR methods, ensuring transparency. For many lawyers and legal consultants in Ajman, resolving cases online and through mediation has been fruitful because both strategies are time-saving.

Read More: Ajman Court Systems