There exists a pyramid system with a pool of surplus workers striving for higher wages and better opportunities yet they are most likely to remain in the same proportion at the bottom. Therefore, labour laws exist to protect them from the injustice of capitalism.
The labour law ensures that the system is treating the labour fairly and promotes labour empowerment. It regulates individual and collective employment relations to rectify the imbalance of power across the pyramid between workers and their employers. It also provides workers with protection from unlawful and unethical dismissal from their jobs. Workers enjoy equal representation in negotiation about their wages, working conditions etc.
Here, interesting facts about Dubai labour law are shared if you are not currently working in the UAE but considering the emerging possibilities. Dubai follows the UAE labour laws whose key provisions are summarised below. Your future boss will expect you to be aware of these facts.
Labour Law for Employment in the Private Sector
The Federal Law No. 8 of 1980, known as Labour Law, regulates labour rights in the private sector. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation manages the relationship between the employee and employer and governs the labour rights in the private sector. According to Article No. 3 of the Law, it applies to all the workers in the UAE, whether they are nationals and internationals.
Are You a Foreigner?
If you are a foreigner looking for employment in Dubai, remember that all the foreign workers must have a company sponsorship or work permit. If you do not have a work permit or company sponsorship, then you must obtain permission or company sponsorship from the Ministry according to Article No. 13 of the Labour Law.
Also, you must comply with certain administrative regulations and issue a Dubai residence visa. It will allow you to live in Dubai for a long time without worrying about walking into the room and requesting an extension on your visa.
You have the liberty to question your employer if your probation period exceeds six months. Article No. 8 of the Labour Law does not favour a lengthy probation period. Furthermore, make sure that your contract of employment shows compliance with the provisions of the Labour Law. Otherwise, it will be deemed invalid.
Do You Fancy These Working Hours?
Article 65 of the Law defined 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week as the acceptable working hours in the private sector. Hours can get extended to 9 hours for certain businesses such as hotels and restaurants after getting approval from the ministry. In the case of the month of Ramadan, the working hours are shortened by two hours.
Government institutes do not comply with the labour law. Thus, they operate for 7 hours daily.
Moreover, working for more than 7 hours a day is strictly prohibited in an unhealthy and hostile environment.
Would You Like Some Leaves for a Vacation?
You will be entitled to two days leave per month after completing six months of employment and 30 days after completing a year of employment. Basic salary for their annual leaves along with the housing allowance as finalised in the employment contract will be transferred to your bank accounts.
Moreover, Friday is the official weekend for all workers except for those who work on daily wages. In addition, workers are entitled to paid leaves on public holidays by the government. Too many opportunities can line up to plan a perfect day out with peers!
You will be thrilled to know that workers are entitled to compensation for working on official leaves. If the employee is compelled to work on a holiday or leave, that person is entitled to a rest day as well as an increase of 50 per cent on his basic wage for the day. If he is not granted leave on the next day, he is granted an additional increase of 150 per cent on his basic wage for that day. The details are specified in Article No. 81 of the law.
Have You Heard of the Wage Protection System?
The Wage Protection System protects the rights of the employee and establishes a relationship of trust and respect between the employee and the organisation. Under this system, the salaries of the employees are transferred to their accounts in their respective banks. It is authorised by the Central Bank of the UAE.
In case of discomfort regarding the salary, the employee can contact the Ministry or submit a complaint through eNetwasal. Hence, the Ministry got your back if your employer tries to steal from you.
To sum up, the UAE Labour Law prevents any injustice towards the employees. So, if you feel challenged any time during your employment, you must contact the law firms in Dubai for better assistance in legal issues.
