Law of Labor

The Federal Law No. (8) of 1980 or the UAE Law is deemed a comprehensive law that regulates all aspects of work relations between the employers and the employees.

The first Law of Labor has been enacted in State of United Arab Emirates in 1980 and it has been amended by the federal law No. (24) of 1981, the federal law No. (15) of 1985 and the federal law No. (12) of 1986.

The law consists of 193 articles that cover all work issues such as the employees’ rights, employment contracts, labor disputes settlement, disciplinary rules, work inspection and others.

Some articles of Law of Labor in State of United Arab Emirates.

Article (1): the first article of Law of Labor contains definitions for the terms mentioned in the law; such as the employer, worker institution, employment contract … etc.

Articles (9) and (10): Work is an inherent right of the Nationals of the United Arab Emirates. Where National workers are not available, preference in employment shall be given to workers of other Arab nationalities and then workers of other nationalities.

Article (20): It shall not be allowed to employ children under the age of 15 from both genders.

Article (24): No child shall be employed on any job that is hazardous or detrimental to health.

Article (27): No women shall be required to work at night during the period from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Article (32): A female wage shall be equal to that of a male if she performs the same work.

Article (37): A worker may be employed on probation for a period not exceeding six months, during which the employer without notice or severance pay may terminate his services. A worker shall not be placed on probation more than once with the same employer.

Article (38): An employment contract may be for a definite or indefinite term. A definite term contract shall not exceed four years; however, it may be renewed by mutual agreement for an equal or a shorter term(s).

Article (65): The maximum normal working hours for adult workers shall be eight hours in the day, 48 hours in the week. They may be increased to nine hours a day in commercial establishments, hotels, cafeterias, security services and such other businesses as may be added by resolution of the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs. The daily working hours may be reduced by resolution of the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, in the case of arduous or health-hazardous work. Two during the month of Ramadan shall reduce the normal working hours.

Article (67): Where the work circumstances require a worker to work more than the normal number of hours, any period worked in excess shall be treated as overtime, for which the worker shall receive the wage stipulated for his normal working hours, plus a supplement of at least 25 per cent of that wage.

Article (68): Where the work circumstances require a worker to work overtime between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m. he shall be entitled in respect of such overtime to the wage stipulated for his normal working hours, plus a supplement of at least 50 per cent of that wage.

Article (70): Friday shall be the normal weekly rest day for all workers except the daily-paid. Where a worker has to be put on duty on that day, he shall be compensated with a substitute rest day or be paid his basic wage for his normal hours of work plus a supplement of at least 50 per cent of that wage.

Article (74): Each worker shall be entitled to leave with full pay on the following occasions: one day for New Year’s Day (Higra), New Year’s Day (Gregorian), Al Isra and Al Mi’raj, Birthday of Prophet Mohammed, National Day, two days for Eid Al-Ftr and three days for Eid Al-Adha and Arafa.