The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MOLSA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) issued guidelines for foreign workers who wish to work here to protect their rights and at the same time understand their responsibilities.

This guide should be read and understood to avoid misunderstanding between the worker and employer. The MOLSA believes that this guide would help both parties to have a harmonious relationship.

General Directives

The General Directives brought out by the UAE Labor Law is beneficial to both worker and employer, thus, the Ministry advise all concern to abide the following principles:

v      Be punctual with the working schedule.

v      Do not fail to come to work without a prior permission or acceptable reason.

v      Abide by the orders of your client.

v      Do not mess with the machines and equipments at work.

v      Don’t assault your chief or direct-in-charge neither by act or say.

v      Do not feign illness and do not neglect the health and work and safety instruction.

v      Do not abscond from work whatever the circumstances.

v      Do not fail to come to work at the end of your annual leave or any other leaves.

v      Should you have any other grievance, try to solve it amicably with the concerned parties at your company.

v      Should you fail to solve any grievance at your company you have to put the issue up to the Concerned Labor Department and you should follow their advice to settle same.

v      As you enter the UAE, make sure that your employer has obtained your Labor Card from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

Work Permits, Employment Contract and Labour Cards

Work Permits

Working in foreign land requires you to be properly documented to avoid any unpleasant circumstances. It’s a must that one should secure a proper working document such as working permit and not a tourist of visit visa in working overseas.

Work permits should be sponsored by the company licensed and registered at the Ministry of Labour. This should be issued with specific terms to foreign workers who are:

v      between 18 to 60 years old;

v      professional and academic qualifications useful to the UAE;

v      hold a passport with six months validity; and

v      medically fit and not suffering from any illness.

Employment Contract

Employment contract is the strongest weapon of foreign workers. Workers who’ll arrive at UAE must possess a copy of the employment contract, certified by the Labor Department, with the company who hired them throughout the contract term.

Employment contract states the start and duration, salary, place, term, and type. It should be made in three copies; for foreign worker, employer and the Labor Department.  It is very important that the workers read and understand everything written in the employment contract carefully. Do not hesitate to ask the Labor Department or any authorize person if you do not understand something.

The Labour Cards

The labour cards must be provided by the employer within 60 days upon the arrival of the worker and it has three years validity. It should be carried by the worker everytime they move around the UAE.

If the employer failed to provide labour card for the foreign worker, former would be liable for the penalty. If this happens, workers should inform the Labour Department to take the actions against the employer.

The labour card can be renewed within 60 days from the date of expiry upon the consent of both employer and worker. If the card expires, it can only be renewed if the employer was able to justify to the Ministry, fines should charge with the employer too.

Working Hours, Overtime and Leaves

If the employer wishes to increase or decrease the number of working hours, it should be approved by MOLSA depending upon the nature of work. The following working hours, overtime and leaves are approved by the Ministry:

v      Eight hours per day or 48 hours workweek

v      During Ramadan, two hours will be cut on the ordinary working hours

v      Since Friday is the weekend for all workers, except for per day manpower, if they are required to work in this day between 9p.m and 4a.m 50% will be added to his salary, another rest day or receive basic salary plus at least 50% of the said salary.

v      Overtime should not exceed two hours except in cases of major force.

v      Annual leave for each year of service:

Ø       For six months and less than a year contract, workers are entitled for two days leave for each month.

Ø       For contracts exceeded one year, workers are entitled for 30 days leave.

Ø       Sick leave should not exceed 90 consecutive or alternate days. During the first 15 days of his leave, he will receive a full pay, next 30 days; half pay and no pay for the following periods. This should be granted for workers who have spent three months of continuous service after the probationary period.

Ø       They are also granted for other leaves such as:

§         10 days of official holidays

§         Hajj leave – without pay and should not exceed 30 days

§         Maternity leave – 45 days against a full pay including the day before and after delivery

Compensation for Work Injuries and Professional Diseases

The employers are responsible to shoulder the expenses in treating the workers’ injury or professional disease. It includes hospitalization, surgeries, X-rays, medical examinations, medicines, donation of the organs, artificial devices, transportation expenses during the treatment, and should also give his compensation.