Five must-know UAE employment laws and rights

Labor Day is an occasion to celebrate the achievements of workers and their rights. Labor Day is celebrated globally on May 1st, a day specifically for workers. The day began in the 19th century in the United States when the union movement rose under unfair working conditions, demanding higher wages, and a reasonable labor Time and paid leave. Labor rights are well protected by UAE law, and it is essential to understand your legal rights.

1- You have the right to take annual leave

All workers shall be on public holidays. In the following cases, the workers shall be entitled to paid public holidays:

1. New Year’s Day: one day
2. Islamic New Year: Day
3. Iftar: two days
4. Eid and Arafat Day: Four days
5. National Day: two days
6. Anniversary: ​​one day

Workers should also enjoy annual service not less than a worker’s service period which can be six months and or a maximum of one year, which is two days per month; if the worker’s service is ended, the worker is entitled to enjoy it — annual leave of the previous year.

2- You should often get regular payments

Salary should be paid in the national currency of the state on workdays and places of work. Workers employed for annual or monthly wages must be paid at least once a month. Your employer must not force you to buy their products. So, you do not need to purchase food or other items in the outcomes of some stores or owners.

3- Your employer must not keep your passport

 Without your written consent, the employer must not require you to surrender your passport to keep them. Also, the employer must not fire the employee for failing to return the passport to the employer. 

4- Never bear the cost of a residence visa

Under the UAE Labor Law, visa costs must be borne by the employer. As an employee, you never need to reimburse your employer for visa costs. Visa costs and sponsorship costs are the sole responsibility of the employer; no matter how you terminate the contract or how you terminate it,  It is well known that companies require employees to deduct visa fees from installments-this is illegal and should be punished by law.

5- You should not work more than 8 or 9 hours per day

Adult workers’ regular working hours are limited to eight hours a day or 48 hours a week. For those engaged in trade, hotels, cafeterias, security, and other jobs, the number of hours can be increased to nine hours per day, and these jobs can be based on the Secretary The decision is increased. Also, due to the conclusion of the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, for hard or harmful work, the number of working hours per day may be reduced. During Ramadan, regular working hours should be reduced by two hours. Workers’ commuting time from the place of residence to the location of work shall not be counted within the working hours.