The new UAE Labour Law has come into effective from February 2, 2022 with major reforms that safeguard the rights of employees in the private sector.
The new law – Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 – which replaces the earlier legislation – Federal Law No. 8 of 1980 – covers the entire gamut of labour relations. It has introduced a series of changes to the previous law.
Here are the major changes in UAE Labour Law with effect from February 2, 2022.
Apart from above changes, the new Labour Law enables employees to take up part-time jobs, besides their full-time jobs, without having to seek their employer’s permission. All they need is a temporary work permit and ensuring they do not work over 144 hours every three weeks to avoid burnout and ensure wellbeing.
Employees can work on a project or hourly basis under different work models, including flexible, temporary or part-time, while guaranteeing their rights in contractual agreements with employers.
The new law prohibits employers from withholding employees’ official documents and forcing them to leave the country after the end of the work relationship.
Employer are bound by a non-discrimination provision in the hiring process on the basis of race, gender, colour, religion, national origin, social origin, or on the basis of disability.
As per the new law, you can also avail of more flexible salary payment options from getting paid in different currencies to weekly, daily or hourly payment plans.
Also, a sub-section of the law is focused on all the penalties that employer may face, if they violate employee rights. The fines can range from Dh20,000 and go up to Dh10 million, depending on the severity of the violation.