The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced specific employment guidelines aimed at ensuring the rights and welfare of workers in the private sector.
These rules, issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), outline clear obligations for employers while safeguarding employee interests.
Worker Protection
Employers are required to maintain comprehensive worker records, ensuring documentation is preserved for at least two years following the end of an employee’s service. Employers must not confiscate official documents or compel workers to leave the UAE upon contract termination. Furthermore, they must establish workplace regulations, including systems for penalties and rewards, while providing either suitable licensed housing or housing allowances.
Health and Safety
Companies are obligated to provide robust measures to protect employees from occupational hazards, including regular risk assessments and safety training. Employers must also ensure workers have access to medical care and meet costs related to insurance and other guarantees specified under UAE legislation.
Contract Regulations
MOHRE mandates that job contracts align precisely with pre-issued job offers. Employers are encouraged to add benefits exceeding those in job offers, provided these do not contradict labour laws. Job contracts must be verified through MOHRE-approved forms, identifiable by unique barcodes.
Skill Development
Private sector employers must invest in developing their workers’ skills through training, empowerment programmes, and tools for career advancement. MOHRE emphasises this as a critical aspect of fostering a sustainable and competitive workforce.
End-of-Service Obligations
At the end of employment, companies are required to provide experience certificates free of charge, detailing job duration, last wage, and reason for termination. Employers must bear repatriation expenses unless the worker transitions to another employer or the termination results from the worker’s actions.
Ensuring Compliance
Employers must ensure that workers understand their rights and obligations, using methods suited to the nature of the work. This approach promotes transparency and mutual respect in the workplace.