all you need to know about Revised Employment Laws in UAE

Introduction: 

The new UAE Labor Code unifies several adjustments made over the last five years by the Ministry of Human Resources Emiratiization (MHRE) through different laws. On November 15 2021, the UAE Cabinet approved a new Labour Law, Federal Law Number 33 of 2021 (the New Labour Law), repealing Law No. 8 of 1980 with effect from February 2, 2022 (Old Law), replaced entirely. 

The New Labour Law consolidates many of the changes introduced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MHRE) through various regulations over the past five years and also introduces significant new changes, thus amounting to a radical overhaul of labour relations in the UAE. It will apply across the UAE, in each of the seven emirates and its free zones (except the DIFC and ADGM). To learn more, visit the Dubai visa center. 

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When were the new labour regulations for the UAE revealed? 

The statement on Friday comes after Time Out contacted Sarah Brooks, managing director and owner of Fikrah HR, to provide a helpful reference to the new UAE labour regulations. The laws were first drafted on September 20, 2021, and on November 15, 2021, they were made public.  

What changes are most significant? 

Numerous adjustments have been made, with some of the most significant ones being job kinds, flexible working arrangements, contract types, and extra leave options. More information about preventing bullying, harassment, and discrimination at work and recruiting is also expected. 

What is the status of the UAE's minimum wage? 

We only know that the cabinet will decide on and announce a minimum wage after considering a recommendation made by the MOHRE in coordination with the appropriate authorities. Private sector workers will be subject to the minimum wage. 

What modifications have been made to maternity leave? 

The new law's Article 30 protects pregnant women from termination or absence due to pregnancy, which is a significant improvement for maternity leave. A further 45 days at full salary and an additional 15 days at half pay are now granted to expectant mothers. 

Another adjustment is that if you have worked for less than a year, your salary will not be reduced during maternity leave. As long as your pregnancy lasts at least six months while working, you will continue receiving your full wage and be qualified for maternity leave. After returning to work, the daily rest time is still in effect, but it's just for six hours. 

And what about paid time off? 

Everyone is entitled to at least one day of relaxation each week, possibly more, depending on their contract. Depending on their link to the dead, employees must take a paid bereavement vacation of three to five days. 

They will be able to request a parental leave of five days within six months of the birth of a child, study leave of 10 days for employees who need to take exams, and bereavement leave of five days after the death of a spouse and three days after the end of a close family member, according to Dr Elhais. 

Having a private sector job: 

Federal Regulation No. 33 of 2021 on Regulation of Industrial Relations in the Private Sector, often known as the "UAE Labor Code," governs employment relations in the private sector. All enterprises, workers, and employers in the private sector are subject to the law's requirements. The law went into force on February 2, 2022. The former Federal Law No. 8 of 1980 was repealed. 

Several new job models, including full-time, part-time, temporary, and flexible, are introduced under the new law. It offers a variety of leaves of absence and handles issues of sexism, bullying, and employee abuse (both physical and verbal). Only restricted or fixed-term contracts were allowed, eliminating the "unlimited" contracts. 

New legislation that affects resignations and termination pay: 

The probationary period's resignation policies have been enhanced while simultaneously being improved. Both parties to the new fixed-term contracts must provide a minimum of two weeks' notice. 

For the employee, things are a bit more complicated. Two weeks' notice is sufficient if you are quitting to leave the UAE, but if you return home and decide to return within three months of going, your new employer will be required to reimburse your previous employer for the costs used in hiring you. 

Flexible Work Arrangements: 

The new legislation explicitly acknowledges a flexible work arrangement as a possible employment relationship between the parties. 

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Overtime: 

Managers and supervisors were free from overtime requirements under the previous labour code. The new statute does not cover this exception. It is anticipated that the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MHRE) will explain if and how the exemption will apply to the new labour legislation in its upcoming executive rules. 

Days of Rest: 

Employers are no longer required to give their employees a Friday off under the new law. By mutual consent of the partners, it may take place any day of the week. 

Conclusion: 

The significant changes to the labour laws call for alterations to current employment contracts and adjustments to existing rules and processes about future agreements with new employees. The UAE government intends to release executive regulations to explain the new rules better. Visit this website to learn more about the Dubai visa center

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