The new regulation, which restricts employment relations, will take effect in the private sector on February 2, 2022. The new law stipulates that when hiring teenagers over the age of 15 in a company, the 3-year contract and terms must apply.
“Our main objective over the next 50 years of travel in the UAE is to create a work environment that is conducive to all and can compete competitively. Abdul Rahman Al Awar said
New job models
New job models such as part-time work, temporary work, flexible work, freelancing, shared work and self-employment will be introduced as part of the law. “Employees will be given the option of completing their 40-hour workday in three days instead of one week on a contract basis,” Al Awar said. In shared work, two people can share the same work and pay according to the contract with the employer.
3 year contracts
The special agreement (fixed term or permanent agreement) defined by the new law may not exceed three years and may be renewed for a similar or shorter period of time on the understanding of both parties.
The provisions of the Act shall apply to unlimited agreements included in the Federal Law of 1980. It has also been decided to make the employment contracts unlimited within a year of the enactment of the law. The Cabinet may extend this period in the public interest.
Judicial fee waivers
The law exempts workers from paying judicial fees at all stages of litigation and applications filed by workers or their heirs with wages not exceeding 100,000 dirhams.
Under the new law, employers will not be able to confiscate official records of employees. In addition, workers cannot be forced to leave the country after the end of their working hours. Fees and expenses for recruitment and employment should be borne by the employer. The law also stipulates that they may not be withdrawn directly or indirectly from the employee.
Holidays in the private sector
Workers can increase the number of weekly rest days at the discretion of the company. If the next of kin dies, he will get 3-5 days leave. This is in addition to the five-day parental leave and other holidays fixed by the Cabinet.
Workers are entitled to 10 days of study leave per year if they work continuously in a company for two years. This benefit is available to those enrolled in an accredited institution in the UAE.
Maternity leave in the private sector
Private sector maternity leave can be extended up to 60 days. Leave can be taken for 45 days with full pay and then for 15 days on half pay. If the mother has postpartum health problems or illnesses, she is entitled to an additional 45 days of unpaid leave upon completion of the initial maternity leave. All you have to do is provide the relevant documents to get extra days as sick leave.
Mothers of infants in need of special consideration are entitled to 30 days paid leave after the completion of their initial maternity leave. It can be extended for another 30 days without pay.
Elimination of discrimination
The new law protects employees from physical and mental assault by their employers, superiors and co-workers.
Employers should not try to extort anything from employees by force. Do not threaten to punish employees. They should not be forced by their employers or forced to do anything against their will.
Discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, nationality or disability is prohibited by law.
Working women should not be discriminated against
The law stipulates that there should be no discrimination against women in the workplace. The law mandates equal pay for women and men when performing the same job or other duties of equal value.
The work of teenagers
Employers can not recruit people under the age of 15 for the job.
Under the new law, teens will not be allowed to work more than six hours a day at one-hour breaks. Work will be allowed only after the written consent of a parent and the submission of a medical fitness report.
Teens are not allowed to work shifts from 7pm to 7am or engage in hazardous work that is detrimental to their physical health and well-being.
Working hours and overtime pay
Under the new law, employees are prohibited from working more than five consecutive hours without a break of at least one hour. Workers will not be allowed more than two hours a day.
If overtime is required for more than two hours, depending on the nature of the work, employees should be paid 25 percent extra for each hour. If it is mandatory for employees to work overtime between 10 pm and 4 am, they can work with a 50 per cent pay rise. People working on shift basis are exempted from this rule.
If workers are asked to work on holidays, they should be paid one day’s leave or 50 percent pay in return.
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