UAE Labour law & Regulations

Summary

The video offers an informative overview for expatriate workers in the UAE, highlighting their rights and obligations under labor laws. It covers key aspects such as recruitment costs, residency permits, wage entitlements, overtime policies, leave provisions, and working hours, especially during Ramadan. It also details processes for handling disputes, contract termination, and safety guidelines for hazardous work environments. Additionally, it emphasizes protections against heat stress and offers practical tips for staying safe and hydrated. The Ministry of Human Resources provides assistance to ensure a secure and fair employment experience.

Takeaways

• 👋 The UAE warmly welcomes guest workers and provides important information for their stay.
• ✈️ Employers are responsible for recruitment costs, travel, and residency permit expenses.
• 📝 Workers must keep copies of job offers, contracts, and receipts of payments made for documentation.
• 📄 Employers must return personal identification documents after processing residency permits.
• ⏱️ Regular working hours are 8-9 hours per day, with specific regulations for overtime and Ramadan hours.
• 💼 Workers can report to the labor office if not receiving timely wages or facing work-related issues.
• 🚫 Termination without notice can occur under certain conditions, like falsified documents or serious misconduct.
• 🌞 Workers should not work under the sun between 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. during hot months (June 15 to September 15).
• 💧 Employers must provide water, rest breaks, and shade to protect workers from heat stress.
• ⚖️ Workers are eligible for new work permits under specific conditions, such as contract completion or mutual consent.

Q & A

What costs are employers responsible for covering when recruiting foreign workers in the UAE?

Employers must pay for recruitment costs, travel to the UAE, and the residency permit for foreign workers.

What should workers do if they are not receiving their wages on time?

Workers should report to the labor office if they are not receiving their wages on time and in full.

What are the normal working hours in the UAE for different types of businesses?

The normal working hours are 8 hours per day, except for commercial, catering, garden, and hotel businesses, where it is 9 hours. During Ramadan, the working hours are reduced to 6 hours per day.

What is the maximum allowable overtime per day in the UAE?

The maximum overtime is 2 hours per day. Overtime before 9 p.m. is compensated at 25% of the total salary, and after 9 p.m., it is compensated at 50%. On Fridays and holidays, it is compensated at 50% of the basic salary.

What are the conditions for workers to keep their personal identification documents?

Workers are entitled to keep their personal identification documents with them at all times after their residency permit is issued.

What should workers do if they are not able to start work immediately upon arrival in the UAE?

If workers are not presented with a work contract or cannot start work within one week of arrival, they should report to the nearest labor office.

Under what circumstances can an employer terminate an employee without notice?

An employer can terminate an employee without notice for reasons such as impersonation, submission of fake documents, safety violations, intoxication, assault, or absenteeism for more than 20 non-consecutive or 7 consecutive days.

What are the rights of workers regarding holidays in the UAE?

Workers are entitled to holidays such as 30 days annual leave, 90 days of sick leave, and full-paid days off for religious and national holidays, including Eid, National Day, and the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.

What steps should a worker take if they want to terminate their contract in the UAE?

Workers must follow the legal process, reporting to the labor office if they wish to terminate their contract. The labor office can help recover dues and assist in finding alternative employment.

What precautions are recommended for workers to avoid heat-related illnesses while working outdoors in the UAE?

Workers should avoid exposure to the sun between 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. during the summer, drink plenty of water, take frequent rest breaks in shaded areas, and avoid caffeinated beverages.