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LABOUR LAW

The UAE labor law governs the relationship between employers and employees
and provides protection to employees in the form of minimum wages, working hours, and health
and safety standards.

The labor law in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is governed by Federal Law No. 8 of 1980,
also known as the UAE Labor Law. This law regulates the employment relationship between
employers and employees and provides protection for workers’ rights, including working hours,
leave entitlements, and termination of employment. Some key provisions of the UAE Labor Law
include:

  1. Maximum working hours: 48 hours per week, with a maximum of 8 hours per day.
  2. Annual leave: Workers are entitled to a minimum of 30 calendar days of annual leave,
    depending on their length of service.
  3. Termination of employment: Employers can only terminate an employment contract with
    just cause and after following the proper procedure.
  4. Wages: Workers must be paid at least the minimum wage set by the government, and
    their wages must be paid on time.
  5. Health and safety: Employers must provide a safe working environment and take
    necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of workers

This is just a summary of some of the key provisions of the UAE Labor Law. It’s important to
note that specific provisions may vary depending on the nature of the work and the type of
employment contract.

Key provisions of the UAE Labor Law:

  1. End of Service Benefits: Workers are entitled to end of service benefits based on their
    length of service and the terms of their employment contract.
  2. Labor Dispute Resolution: The UAE Labor Law provides a process for resolving disputes
    between workers and employers, including mediation and arbitration.
  3. Discrimination: The UAE Labor Law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion,
    gender, nationality, and other factors.
  4. Maternity Leave: Female workers are entitled to a minimum of 45 calendar days of
    maternity leave, with full pay.
  5. Sick Leave: Workers are entitled to paid sick leave in accordance with the terms of their
    employment contract.
  6. Work Permits: Foreign workers must have a valid work permit in order to work in the UAE,
    and employers must ensure that their work permits are valid and up-to-date.
  7. Passport Retention: Employers are prohibited from retaining the passports of workers,
    and workers must be allowed to keep their passports in their possession.

It is important to note that the UAE Labor Law is subject to change, and specific provisions may
vary depending on the nature of the work and the type of employment contract. If you have
specific questions, it’s recommended to consult with a legal professional.
Here are some additional details about the UAE Labor Law:

  1. Probationary Period: Employers can include a probationary period in an employment
    contract, not exceeding six months.
  2. Overtimes: Workers can be required to work overtime, but this must be compensated in
    accordance with the law and cannot exceed two hours per day.
  3. Public Holidays: Workers are entitled to official public holidays and religious holidays as
    set by the government.
  4. Grievance Procedure: The UAE Labor Law provides a process for workers to file
    grievances and seek remedies for disputes with their employer.
  5. Health Insurance: Employers must provide health insurance coverage for their
    employees in accordance with the law.
  6. Trade Unions: The UAE does not have a system for registering or recognizing trade
    unions, and collective bargaining is not permitted.
  7. Termination Without Cause: In some cases, an employment contract can be terminated
    without cause by either the employer or the worker, but this must be done in accordance
    with the notice provisions set out in the law.

It’s important to note that the UAE Labor Law is a complex area of law and that specific
provisions may vary depending on the nature of the work and the type of employment contract.
It’s always recommended to seek the advice of a legal professional if you have specific
questions.