The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has incorporated drastic changes in the employment rules which will be effective from Feb-2022. The UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, today issued a new decree to regulate labour relations in the private sector across different work models, including part-time and temporary work, along with safeguarding employee rights and introducing new leaves policy.
The new law also introduces 3-year contracts and conditions while employing teenagers over 15 years.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, said in a media briefing, that the new law comes in response to the rapidly-changing workplace amid technological advancements and the outbreak of Covid-19.
He added that the law is part of the government’s efforts to create a flexible and competitive work environment as the UAE prepares to embark on its journey towards the next 50 years, Khaleej Times reported today.
“We aim to create an environment that attracts talents and competencies from all over the world and enhance the future skills of workers, at the same time providing a stimulating and attractive working environment for employers,” said Al Awar.
The ministry is currently working on the executive regulations that will oversee the implementation of the law.
Al Awar added that the ministry will work to propose policies, strategies, and laws to encourage and motivate businesses to invest in the training and empowerment of workers.
A key change is the introduction of new forms of work under the law includes part-time work, temporary work, and flexible work.
Al Awar said work models would also cover freelancing, condensed working weeks, shared job models, and self-employment.
“In the condensed working week, employees can choose to finish their 40 hours in three days instead of one week as per the contract signed by both parties,” said Al Awar.
The shared-job model allows two people to share the same job and split the pay based on an agreement with the employer.
This article grants employees the flexibility to work on a project, hourly, or for different employers while enabling employers to harness different talents and competencies at lower operational costs.
The Executive Regulations of the law, which the ministry is currently working on, will specify the responsibilities of each party in each category.
