DIFC 225/2021

This case involved claims involving an employee's employment which had been covered initially by a service contract and then by an employment contract. Issues considered include whether the service contract had been legitimately created and the impact of terms in that service contract that the employment contract had only been issued for visa reasons and did not replace the service contract. A claim for aggravated damages was also considered.

Background

The Claimant was Lanod, an individual filing a claim regarding his employment at the Defendant company.

The Defendant was Lacini, a company registered in the DIFC, Dubai.

The parties entered into two legal agreements, an independent contractor agreement and an employment agreement.

The parties entered into the First Contract on 8 March 2021,under which the Defendant was contracted as a Manager performing the duties of Chief Investment Officer with an agreed monthly remuneration of 12,500 AED as reimbursement of the Claimant’s monthly personal expenses.