We are officially in 2022. New year resolutions are ready, and everyone is optimistic about utilizing the brimming opportunities. Businesses are expanding and diversifying, taking new employees along the way. Similarly, the employees receive a reward for the tough times as they climb up the career ladders and grab new roles. Dubai is a bustling hub for employment opportunities. Expatriates come from all backgrounds to jump-start their careers here. Owing to their career success to the enabling environment provided by the government and the new UAE Labour Law 2022.
UAE Labour Law: All Set for 2022
With the onset of the new year, the UAE Labour law is ready to bring some adversarial changes to the reform, furthering the improvements and augmenting the work quality. The landmark objective of the latest reform is to unify the working systems of the private and public systems altogether.
The new labour law amendments will be enforced nationwide, to all the companies and employees alike, and will take effect on 2nd February 2022. In that, it encompasses the private and public companies and free zones. Therefore, you should research the prevalent work regulations and ethos before coming here if you are new to the UAE land. Quick initial research can guide you in making an informed decision.
Here is a look at some of the amendments made in the existing UAE labour law:
Contractual Terms
It applies for the fixed/limited-term contract and cannot exceed three years. These are to be renewed every three years for either the same period or less than three (as mutually agreed upon by the parties). It exists the same for the unlimited-term contract that should be transitioned to the limited terms within 12 months for the applicability of the new law.
Non-compete
As per the New Labour Law, the employer needs to enter into non-compete terms with their employee if they wish to keep their businesses and operations safe. The length of the non-compete clause can no longer be more than two years; however, justifying such a lengthy restriction can often become quite difficult for them. Yet, care needs to be taken at every step.
Work Categories
Under the current UAE labour law, several work categories are available, ranging from part-time, full-time, flexible, and temporary. The employee can work for 48 hours per week and 8 hours daily for a full-time job. However, the new Labour Law allows the employee to use the Condensed Working Hours model. This new setup will allow them to work for 40 hours a week, provided their employment contract allows them to do so.
Protection Against Sexual Harassment
Bullying, sexual harassment, and discrimination of all sorts and sizes are strictly prohibited. An employer cannot utilize their power or position to enforce a threat against their will. Similarly, discrimination for color, gender, race, nationality, or disability is illegitimate. Instead, the law encourages diversity and empowers women in all aspects of life.
Workplace Equality
All employees can enjoy workplace equality on all grounds, especially salaries and rights. The new labor law enforces equal wages for men and women. It greatly focuses on empowering and uplifting women, especially when carrying out the tasks and duties of equal value to men.
Expatriates’ Right to Remain in UAE
Like Dubai and Sharjah, quite a few emirates have grown to become phenomenal business hubs, where employees can work towards achieving their dream life. And it begins by giving them the right to remain in the UAE following the end of their employment contract. Along with that, employers cannot confiscate the employee’s official documents or force them to leave the country. The rights and documents of these expatriates remain safe, and they get some time to search for newer opportunities.
Working Hours
UAE Labour Law upholds employee rights and raises concerns if overburdened with additional work. It prohibits the employee from working more than five hours without taking a break of at least one hour. Similarly, the employees can work for a maximum of two hours in one day. Along with that, employees can also work on a shift basis, where they can work for a few days or a few hours a week. If work extends more than that, they will be eligible for an overtime wage too.
Expanding the Work Opportunities
Employees always look forward to getting hold of work opportunities, allowing them to move up their career ladders. However, finding adequate prospects can be difficult and requires legal knowledge when exploring the blue oceans. Therefore, with the assistance of lawyers in Dubai, one can get an insight into all the legal aspects. In case of violation, they can also help you with employment rights. Nevertheless, UAE provides a secure enabling ground for all employees to chase their dreams.
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