If you have a job in the UAE, or planning to work here, you must need to understand the UAE’s labor law rules and regulations. Many of us come on visit visa or through agent without studying the legal rights or law of the UAE, and suddenly they stuck in a problem. They don’t know whom to talk and where to proceed next. The Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratization has clearly defined the rules and regulations to protect employees and employers as well. MOHRE has clearly defined employee rights, workplace fairness, and guide employers in managing work relationships professionally and legally.
In this complete guide we will cover the most important UAE’s labour law rules and regulations every employee should know. We will cover it in easy and simple way to understand it better.
1 - Employment Contracts in UAE
All employees in the UAE receive a limited time contract of 2 years or maximum of 3. This contract is renewable and all is done by the employer side who gives job to the candidate. If employee wants to renew the contract after expiration it is done on mutual agreement between employer and employee.
· Legally documented
· Must clearly stats employee salary, job role, working hours, and benefits
· Employees should receive a contract copy from the employer side
2 – Working Hours in UAE
It depends upon the mutual agreement between both parties. But legally working hours are.
· 8 hours per day
· 48 hours per week
If employee do extra work it is considered as overtime and it is compensated by the employer. He or she is responsible to pay the overtime amount.
3 - Leave Entitlements Under UAE Labour Law
Employees in the UAE can get leaves according to labour law as follows.
1 – Annual Leave
· Paid Annual leave of 30 days after 1 year
2 – Sick Leave
· Up to 90 days per year
· 15 days are fully paid
· 30 days are half paid
· Other days are unpaid
3 - Maternity Leave
· 60 days (45 days full pay + 15 days half pay)
4 - Paternity Leave
· 5 working days only
5 - Compassionate Leave
· 3–5 days depending on the relation
4 - End-of-Service Benefits (Gratuity)
This is one of the most important thing which most of the employees do not know. Many people end their job without getting any end of service benefits either they don’t know about it or employers does not give. In UAE every employee receive their gratuity after completion of 1 year in the same job. Gratuity is calculated on basic salary like this.
· First 5 Years → 21 days’ salary per year
· After 5 Years → 30 days’ salary per year
If you are interested to calculate your end of service benefits you can simply use our end of service gratuity calculator for free. Know your gratuity according to the years and months you have worked.
Try our UAE gratuity (End of services Benefits Calculator) For Free. No sign up or login is required.
5 – Probation Period in UAE
Probation period is a specific time frame for an employee during which he or she cannot leave the company.
Basic probation period is 6 months in the UAE. During probation
· If employer terminates you he or she needs to give 14-days prior notice
· Employee needs to give 1 month prior notice before leaving the company if joining other company
6 - Termination & Resignation Rules
A 30 to 90 days’ notice period must be given to employee if terminated or any other case.
· If you are involved in gross misconduct with your employer you can loss your gratuity
· If you want to resign during probation period you must need to give notice prior
7 - Workplace Equality & Protection
In UAE, you are safe to work. MOHRE ensures the best workplace for all employees and inhabits the discrimination of employees by.
· Gender
· Race
· Religion
· Disability
MOHRE ensures that every employee deserves respect, safety and fair treatment.
8 - Work Permit & Legal Employment
To work legally in the United Arab Emirates you must have these documents listed below.
· Work permit
· Labour card
· Emirates ID
· Residence Visa
If you got an offer letter for a job, all responsibility is on your employer.
9 - Emiratisation Requirements
All private companies who have more than 50 employees from different nationalities they must need to hire a UAE national to meet the Emiratisation requirements. UAE national can be hired in skilled roles according to MOHRE category.
10 - Midday Break Rule (Summer)
This role is specific and beneficial for the outdoor workers who work in sunlight. It includes construction, civil, mechanical and any other category works who work outside. According to the MOHRE new rules from June 15 to September 15 work must be stopped from;
· 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM
This law was made to protect outdoor workers from sunlight, heat stress, and serious health conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 - Is gratuity applicable if I resign?
Answer: Yes you can get your gratuity only if you have completed at least one year of service in the current job.
Q2 - Can an employer terminate without notice?
Answer: Employers have only rights to terminate employees if they are involved in serious misconduct or other illegal activities.
Q3 - Do part-time employees get benefits?
Answer: Yes but it depends upon the contract terms applied by the employer.
Q4 - Who issues the UAE work permit?
Answer: Ministry of human resources and emiratisation (MOHRE) issues work permits to all people across the UAE.
Looking for Jobs in UAE?
For trusted and verified jobs in the United Arab Emirates, visit our UAEQUEST Jobs portal. Apply for jobs posted by verified employers, read career guides and secure your career.
Final Thoughts
UAE’s labour law is made to protect both employers and employees. It ensures safe labour agreements, gratuity, work life balance, employee rights, employer’s rights, and many more things. If you are working in the UAE, or planning to work, make sure to stay safe and follow the rules and regulations. You should know your rights to work safely and confidently in the UAE.
Important Note
This guide is based on the latest available MOHRE guidelines. Rules may update periodically, so always verify details through official MOHRE channels.
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