President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a new law aimed at regulating labour relations in the private sector across the emirates.
Dubbed as the most sweeping labour reforms in the country to date, Federal Decree – Law No.33 of 2021 will come into force on February 2, 2022.
This includes numerous provisions intended to create a flexible and competitive labour market, attract top talents, empower the female workforce, and guarantee the rights of both the employer and the employee in a balanced manner.
The new law outlines the following leave options for employees:
- Paid 1 day off. The company may also increase this weekly rest day.
- Mourning leave for 3-5 days
- Parental leave for 5 days
- Maternity leave can extend up to 60 days. It includes 45-day leave with full salary and 15 days on half wage. First-time mothers are eligible for an additional 45-day without pay.
- Study leave for employees who have completed two years of work term (10-days). The employee must be enrolled in an accredited institution within the UAE.
- 30-day paid leave for new mothers of infants with special needs in addition to maternity leave period.
Another key provision in the new law prohibits employers from forcing employees to work over five consecutive hours without at least a one-hour break.
No more than two hours of overtime are allowed in a day.
More than two hours of overtime work can only be allowed if the nature of the job requires it.
However, employees must receive an overtime pay equivalent to hourly rate with additional 25 per cent increase. Those who are working overtime between 10 pm and 4 am should be given overtime pay equivalent to hourly pay with a 50 percent increase.
Another key provision of the new law prohibits employers or companies from confiscating employees’ official documents.
They cannot also force employees to leave the country after the end of the work term.
The law also stipulates that the employer shall bear the fees and expenses of recruitment and employment.
They shall not recover them directly or indirectly from the employee.
