The UAE government has introduced a strong legislative structure to regulate the employment of local and international workers. This legal framework ensures a secure and beneficial work atmosphere by establishing the rights and obligations of companies and employees. Crucially in this framework is the UAE labor program, which addresses laws and regulations relevant to work permits, residence visas, and contracts of hire.
UAE Labor Program: An Overview
The UAE labor program is introduced for those working in the private sector. It provides a voluntary substitute for the conventional lump-sum end-of-service gratuity.” Under this program, staff members may put their end-of-service rewards into authorized investment funds, possibly improving financial returns and retirement security.
Why Work Permits Matter
Any foreign citizen working in the UAE is against the law without a valid work permit granted by the MOHRE. Essential for the worker and the company, these permits let individuals lawfully work wherever in the nation. Under UAE Labor Law, a valid work permit guarantees workers’ rights, including salary, working hours, leave entitlements, and end-of-service rewards. Following the work permit rules guarantees legal compliance and helps companies attract and keep competent personnel.
UAE Work Permits: Types of Employment
MOHRE grants different types of work permits to fit various working situations according to the UAE labor-saving program:
Standard Work Permit: Employing a worker from outside the Country:
It is the most often used type of work permit, which lets UAE-based companies employ foreign workers. The company is liable for issuing employees’ work permits, visas, and residence paperwork.
UAE Work Permit Transfer:
It allows expatriate employees to switch employment within the UAE without leaving the nation. Once the worker satisfies their responsibilities with their former company, the new company has to apply for this authorization.
Work Permit for Family Support and Residents:
Those living in the UAE under family sponsorship, spouses, or dependents can lawfully work with this permission. The company has to get this authorization from MOHRE; they do not sponsor the employee’s visa.
Short-term Work Permit:
A short-term work permit is introduced for temporary employment. These permits enable employees to finish certain activities or projects within a specified timeframe of not more than six months.
Work Permit for Part-time Employment:
This work permit allows workers to acquire part-time employment for UAE companies, requiring MOHRE clearance for a legitimate company.
Work Permit for Freelancers:
This work permit is issued to freelancers seeking work opportunities without a specific job contract or sponsorship from a certain company.
Prerequisites for Getting a UAE Work Permit
Usually, candidates seeking UAE work permits must satisfy the following requirements:
Legal Employment Offer:
A candidate seeking a work permit must have a verified work offer from a UAE-based company registered properly.
Relevant Skills and Education:
The candidate should have the relevant professional experience, skills, and educational background for the position. A Bachelor’s degree or above is usually needed for skilled employment levels 1 and 2, although for skill levels 3 and 4, a diploma or certifications may be required.
Medical Examination:
Candidates must undergo a required medical examination at a recognized UAE health center to guarantee they are free from infectious illnesses.
Passport Validity:
The applicant’s passport must have a minimum of six months’ validity for further processing.
Adherence to Security Checks:
Candidates have to pass any necessary background checks or security verifications.
Entry Permission:
Legal entrance into the UAE for work reasons requires a MOHRE-approved entry permit.
Emirates Identification:
Once the candidate enters the UAE, the company will start the biometric verification for the Emirates Identification application procedure.
Medical Coverage:
Employers have a legal obligation to provide their staff with health insurance.
Acquiring a UAE Work Permit Process
Usually, the process of getting a UAE work permit consists of the following actions:
Employment Offer and Contract:
The company makes a formal job offer and creates an employment contract comprising working hours, pay, perks, and terms and conditions that describe it. This job contract needs the signatures of both parties.
Work Permit Application:
Using the MOHRE smart application or UAE labor program app, the MOHRE online portal, or a service center, the employer files the work permit application for the workers. Usually, the necessary paperwork consists of the employee’s signed hiring contract, passport copies, pictures, and academic credentials, if relevant.
Applying for an Entry Permit:
The company requests entrance permission (residence visa) on the employee’s behalf, allowing candidates to officially arrive in the UAE.
Health Tests and Emirates Identity:
The employee must undergo a medical fitness exam at an authorized health center when they arrive in the UAE. The employer files the Emirates Identification application once cleared.
Issuance of Work Permit:
The work permit is given upon MOHRE approval and verification.
Stamping the Residence Visa:
The residence visa inscribed on the employee’s passport relates to the work permit.
Registration of Job Contracts:
The company sends MOHRE the signed hiring contract for final registration and approval.
Work Starting Point:
The staff member may lawfully start working in the UAE after all permissions are in place.
Usually lasting up to two years, the work permit depends on the trade license of the company and the employment contract. The employer’s responsibilities include renewal of the work permit and residence visa.
Important features of the UAE Labor Law
The UAE Labor Law offers a comprehensive structure controlling the working relationship, among various important aspects:
Hiring Agreements:
Work agreements may be renewed. However, all contracts must specify a certain term, not more than three years. The legislation acknowledges full-time, part-time, temporary, flexible, remote working, and job-sharing, among other work schedules.
Standard Working Schedule:
With a required rest day, standard working hours should not be more than eight hours daily or 48 hours weekly. Working hours for Muslim workers drop by two hours during Ramadan. For daylight hours, overtime is paid with a premium of at least twenty-five percent of the base pay; for nighttime hours, it is paid at least fifty percent.
Paid Leave:
Paid annual vacation is entitled to employees each year of continuous employment for at least thirty calendar days. Female workers get sixty days of maternity leave with full pay for the first forty-five days and half salary for the next fifteen days. Fathers have five paid paternity leave entitlements. Employees additionally get three to five days of bereavement leave after losing close family members and annual sick leave of up to ninety days. Employees undergoing education might also be qualified for up to ten paid study days annually.
Wage Protection:
Companies must pay salaries on the designated dates, guaranteeing security and smooth payments using the Wage Protection System (WPS). Federal legislation does not specify a minimum pay. Hence, the remuneration must be sufficient to meet the living expenditures of the worker.
End of Employment:
The legislation lays forth the guidelines for ending employment contracts, including a required notice period for a minimum of thirty days and a maximum of ninety days. Those on probation must be given at least fourteen day’s written notice of dismissal by their company. Summary dismissal is allowed under certain legal conditions described below.
Gratuity Upon Service Dismissal:
Workers who have served at least one year continuously are eligible to receive end-of-service gratuity if their job ends according to the labor-saving program in the UAE. The employee’s basic pay and tenure of employment determine the gratuity.
Workplace Harassment and Discrimination:
The legislation forbids discrimination based on race, color, gender, religion, national or ethnic background, or handicap. It also forbids psychological, physical, oral, or sexual harassment in the workplace, therefore enabling workers who experience such harassment to leave their jobs without notice.
Security in Occupational Health:
Employers must follow all relevant safety rules and provide a safe and healthy workplace.
Resolution of Workers’ Conflicts:
Labor conflicts are resolved efficiently by the MOHRE. MOHRE has a legally enforceable authority if a dispute claim is not more than fifty thousand AED. Higher claims might require proceeding with the UAE labor courts to handle conflicts.
Final Words
Underlying a strong legislative foundation of the labor-saving program in the UAE. It is essential for maintaining a fair, open, and efficient job market. Employers trying to recruit and oversee their personnel and employees hoping to work and live in the UAE depend on an awareness of the laws and policies about work permits, visas, and the more general Labor Law. Legal compliance and effective labor relations in the vibrant UAE job market depend on being updated about the most recent changes and following these rules.
FAQs
What is the UAE Labor Program?
The UAE Labor Program is a government framework that regulates employment, work permits, contracts, and labor rights for workers in the UAE.
What are the main UAE labor laws?
The UAE Labor Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021) covers employment contracts, wages, working hours, leaves, termination, and end-of-service benefits.
What types of employment contracts are allowed?
Only fixed-term contracts (up to 3 years, renewable) are permitted under UAE labor law.
What are the key employee rights under UAE labor law?
Employees are entitled to timely wages, annual leave, sick leave, paternity leave, end-of-service benefits, and safe working conditions.
Where can I check UAE labor laws and updates?
You can visit the official MoHRE website or use the UAE Labor Law portal for the latest rules, regulations, and procedures.