π¦πͺ UAE Labor Law Guide for Freshers & New Job Seekers (2026)
If you are planning to work in the UAE or recently got a job, you must understand the basic labour rights and rules.
This guide explains the most important things every employee should know before starting work in the UAE.
1️⃣ Working Hours (Duty Time)
According to UAE Labour Law:
• Normal working hours = 8 hours per day / 48 hours per week
• During Ramadan = reduced by 2 hours daily
• Some sectors (security, hotels, retail) may have shift systems.
π Maximum overtime allowed: 2 hours per day
2️⃣ Annual Leave + Air Ticket + Leave Salary
After completing 1 year of work, you get:
✔ 30 days paid annual leave
✔ Leave salary paid before vacation
✔ Most companies provide return air ticket to home country once a year (as per contract)
If you work less than 1 year:
• Leave is calculated pro-rata (based on months worked)
3️⃣ Good Working Environment (Employee Rights)
Every employee has the right to:
✔ Safe workplace
✔ Clean accommodation (if company provides)
✔ Drinking water and rest time
✔ No harassment or abuse
You can complain to MOHRE (Labour Ministry) if treated badly.
4️⃣ Overtime Pay
If you work extra hours:
• Overtime pay = Basic salary + 25% extra
• Night overtime (10pm–4am) = +50% extra
• Work on weekly off day = Compensation day OR extra pay
5️⃣ Labour Support (MOHRE Help)
If you have job problems:
You can contact MOHRE
π Call: 80060
π Website: mohre.gov.ae
They help with:
• Salary issues
• Contract problems
• Company complaints
• Legal support (free)
6️⃣ Probation Period & Notice Period
Probation Period
Maximum probation = 6 months
During probation:
• Employer can terminate with 14 days notice
• Employee can resign with 14 days notice
After Probation
Notice period = 30 to 90 days (as per contract)
7️⃣ Medical Insurance
In UAE, employers must provide:
✔ Health insurance for employees
✔ Work injury compensation
Never work without insurance.
8️⃣ WPS – Wage Protection System
WPS ensures salary safety.
Rules:
• Salary must be paid through bank
• Salary must be paid every month on time
• Delay more than 15 days → company gets penalty
This system protects workers from salary cheating.
9️⃣ End of Service Gratuity
After 1 year of service, you get gratuity when leaving the job.
Calculation:
• First 5 years → 21 days basic salary per year
• After 5 years → 30 days basic salary per year
Gratuity is based on basic salary only (not total salary).
π Termination Rules
Employer can terminate if:
• Poor performance
• Company loss
• Misconduct
• Contract end
Employee can resign anytime with notice.
But salary must be paid and benefits settled.
1️⃣1️⃣ Contract Cancellation
When leaving job, company must provide:
✔ Cancellation paper
✔ Final settlement
✔ Gratuity
✔ Last salary
✔ Ticket (if in contract)
Never sign cancellation before receiving money.
1️⃣2️⃣ Absconding (Important Warning)
Absconding = leaving job without informing company.
If company files absconding:
❌ You cannot work in UAE
❌ Possible fine or ban
Always resign properly with notice.
1️⃣3️⃣ Travel Ban for Workers
Travel ban can happen if:
• Criminal case
• Loan case
• Court case
• Absconding case
You can check travel ban through:
• Police website
• MOHRE
• Immigration office
⭐ Final Advice for UAE Job Beginners
✔ Always read your offer letter & contract
✔ Never pay money for jobs
✔ Keep copy of passport & contract
✔ Open bank account for salary
✔ Know your rights
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