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LABOURLAWINTHEU.A.E.
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LABOURLAWINTRODUCTION
FederalLawNo.8of1980regulatinglabourrelationsasamendedbyFederalLawsNos.24of1981,15of1985and12of1986(the"Law").

1.Towhomdoesthelawapply?
AccordingtoArticle3oftheLaw,theLawappliestoallstaffandemployeesworkingintheUnitedArabEmirates,whetherUAEnationalorexpatriate. Howevercertaincategoriesareexemptedfromitsapplicability:

1. Staffandworkersemployedbythefederalgovernment,governmentdepartmentsofthememberemirates,themunicipalities,publicbodies,federal
andlocalpublicinstitutionsandthosestaffandworkersemployedinfederalandlocalgovernmentalprojectsareexempt.

2. Membersofthearmedforces,policeandsecurityunits. 3. Domesticservantsandtheirlike. 4. Agriculturalworkersandpersonsengagedingrazing(thisexemptiondoesnotincludepersonswhoareemployedincorporationswhichprocess

agriculturalproductsandorthosewhoarepermanentlyengagedintheoperationof/orrepairofmachinesrequiredforagriculture.

2.Whataspectsoftheemployeremployeerelationshipdoesthelawdealwith?
Thelawcoversallaspectsofemployeeemployerrelationships(Chapter12).Itgovernsallaspectsofemploymentcontracts,restrictionsontheemployment ofjuvenilesandwomen,maintenanceofrecordsandfiles,wages,workinghours,leave,safetyandprotectionofemployees,medicalandsocialcare,codes ofdiscipline,terminationofemploymentcontracts,endofservicebenefits,compensationforoccupationaldiseases,labourinspections,penaltiesand employmentrelatedaccidents,injuriesandfatalities.

II.LABOURAPPLICATION 1.BywhomistheLawenforced?
TheLawisafederallegislationapplicabletoalltheemiratesofthefederation.ItisenforcedbytheMinistryofLabourandSocialAffair(the"Ministry"). LabourrelatedlitigationsareadjudicatedbythefederalandlocalcourtsoftheUAE.

2.Whatistheprimaryprerequisiteforemployment?
AnapplicationmustbemadetotheMinistryofLabourtoemployanyexpatriateemployeeintheUAE.TheapplicationistobeapprovedbytheMinistryof LabourbeforetheemployeeenterstheUAE.Employmentpermitsarevalidforthreeyearssubjecttorenewalsforsimilarperiods. Inthecaseofnationalemployees,anemploymentcontractmaybeenteredintoatanytime.Employmentcontractsfornonnationalsmustbedrawninthe formatapprovedbytheMinistryofLabouronanapplicationmadebytheemployer.Employmentcontractsfornationalemployeesneednot,however,bein writingandthetermsandconditionsofemploymentmaybeprovedbyanymeansofproofadmissiblebylaw.Alabourpermitforanexpatriateemployeewill notbeissuedbytheMinistryofLabourunlessaformalwrittenlabourcontractisfiledwiththeMinistry.

III.EMPLOYMENTCONTRACT 1.Whatarethepermittedtenuresofemploymentcontracts?
Twotypesofemploymentcontractsarepermissible:Limitedemploymentcontractswhicharecontractsforaspecifieddurationwithspecific commencementandcompletiondates,andunlimitedcontractsbywhichtheemployeewillcontinuetoworkfortheemployerfromaspecificdatetillsuch timeastheemploymentcontractisterminatedbyeitherpartyaftergivingpriornotice.

2.Whatisthedifferencebetweenalimitedandanunlimitedemploymentcontract?
Alimitedcontracthasthefollowingcharacteristics:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Ithasacommencementandcompletiondate. Itstermcannotbeinexcessofaperiodof4years.Itcanhoweverberenewedonmutualconsentforasimilarorlesseeperiod. Theemploymentwillterminateattheendofthecontractperiod. IftheemployerterminatesthecontractforreasonotherthanthosespecifiedinArticle120,hewouldbeliabletopaycompensationtotheemployee. Thiscompensationshallbedeterminedonthebasisofthewagesdueforaperiodofthreemonthsorfortheremainingperiodofthecontract whicheverisless,unlessanarticleinthecontractstatesotherwise. IfthecontractiscancelledbytheemployeeforreasonsotherthanthosestipulatedinArticle121,hewillbeliabletocompensatetheemployer

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againstanylossresultingfromitscancellation.Theamountofcompensationshallbecomputedonthebasisofhalfamonth'swagesforthree monthsorfortheremainingperiodofthecontractwhicheverisless,unlessthecontractstatesotherwise.

Thecharacteristicsofanunlimitedcontractareasfollows: 1. Thecontractwillstateacommencementdatebutnocompletiondatei.e.thedateonwhichthecontractwillend. 2. Acontractwillbeconsidered"unlimited"ifitisaoralcontractorifitisnotforaspecifiedperiodorithadbeenforaspecifiedperiodandtheparties 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

continuetoactonitsterms&conditionsafteritsexpiry,withoutanywrittencontractspecifyingthecompletiondate,orifthepurposeofthe employmentistocompleteworknotestimatedwithinaspecifiedtimeframeorwhichisbyverynaturenotrenewable. Thecontractmaybeterminatedonamutualagreementbyeitherofthepartiesbygivingtheother30daysnoticeoftermination. Thecontractmaybeterminatedforajustifiedcauseatanytimeongiving30daysnoticeofterminationbyeitherpartytotheother.Thenoticeperiod maybelessforanemployeeworkingondailybasis. Thenoticeperiodmaybeextendedforaperiodexceeding30days.Itwouldthennotbeacceptableforthepartiestowaivethisnoticeperiod. Theemployeeswagesduringthenoticeperiodshouldbepaidinfullfortheentirenoticeperiodserved. Intheeventthatnonoticehadbeengiven,thepersonwhooughttohavegiventhenoticemustcompensatetheotherwiththepaymentofamonth's wageinlieuofthenoticeperiod. AsperArticle120,theemployermayterminatetheemployee'scontractwithoutnotice. TheemployeemayterminatetheemploymentcontactwithoutnoticeinaccordancewithArticle121. Theemployeewillbeentitledtocompensationiftheterminationofthecontracthadbeenforanunjustifiedcause.Thecourtmayawardtheemployee damages,againsttheemployer,providedthatthedamagessoawardeddoesnotexceedthreemonthswagesoftheemployee(calculationtobe basedonthelastwagepaidtotheemployee). Thecompensationfordamagesifany,awardedtotheemployeeforunreasonabledismissal,willbewithoutprejudicetotheemployee'sentitlementof endofservicegratuityandpaymentsinlieuofnotice,ifnoticehadnotbeenproperlygiven.

3.Whatinformationshouldbestatedinanemploymentcontract?
Theonlyinformationrequiredbylawtobespecifiedintheemploymentcontractisasfollows:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Dateoftheemploymentcontract Dateofcommencementoftheemploymentcontract Natureofthecontract(limitedorunlimited) Designation/category Termofthecontract(forlimitedcontracts) Thecompensationpackage

IV.PROBATIONPERIOD 1.Whatisstipulationsregardingtheprobationperiod?
Duringtheprobationperiodeithertheemployerortheemployeemayterminatetheemploymentcontractwithimmediateeffectwithouttheemployeebeing liabletopayendofservicegratuityortheemployee,compensationfordamages.AccordingtoArticle37oftheLaw,theprobationperiodcanbefora maximumperiodofsixmonths.Itisnotpermissibleforthesameemployertoemployanypersononprobation,morethanonce.

2.Istheperiodofprobationincludedforthepurposesofcalculationofgratuityandotherterminalbenefits?
Theprobationperiod,oncecompleted,willbeconsideredasemploymentwiththeemployer.Itwillbetakenintoaccountincalculatinggratuityandother terminalbenefits.

3.Areemployersliabletopayrepatriationandotherbenefitsforprobationarytermination?
Allwagesandbenefitsoccurringduringtheprobationperiodmustbepaidalongwiththerepatriationcostsunlesstheterminationoftheemploymentcontract hadbeenatthebehestoftheemployee.Theemployerishowevernotrequiredtopayendofservicegratuityorcompensationinlieuofnoticeordamages shouldtheemploymentcontractbeterminatedwithoutnotice(duringtheprobationaryperiod).

4.Cantheprobationaryperiodbewaived?
Thepartiestothecontractmayagreetocommencetheemploymentwithoutprobation.Probationisnotcompulsory.Furtheritislefttothediscretionofthe partiestoagreeupontheactualtermoftheprobationaryperiodsubjecttoamaximumofsixmonths.

V.PAYMENTOFWAGES 1.WhatconstituteswageaccordingtotheLaw?
WagesaccordingtotheLaw,hasbeendefinedasfollows: "Remunerationpaidtotheemployeeinreturnforhisservicesunderalabourcontract,whetherincashorinkindannually,monthly,weekly,daily,hourly,on apiecerate,productivitylinked."Wage"includecostoflivingallowances,incentivesinrecognitionofhonestyorefficiency,providedthattheseincentives havebeenspecifiedinthelabourcontractorintheestablishment'sinternalrulesandregulations,havebecomecustomaryoriftheemployeesofthat establishmenthavecometoregardsuchincentivesaspartofthewagesasopposedtoadonation.

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2.Whatisthedifferencebetween"Wages"and"BasicWage"?
"BasicWage"isthewagespecifiedinthelabourcontractandasagreedbetweenthepartiesforthetermofthecontract.Allowancesofwhatevernatureare notincludedinthebasicwage.Therefore,accommodation,housing,transportandtravelallowanceswillnotbeincludedinthebasicwage. Basicwageissignificantinthecalculationofendofservicegratuity,whichisdeterminedonthebasisofthelastdrawnbasicwageandnotonthebasisof thetotalwage.Allowanceswillnotformpartofthebasisforthiscalculation.

3.DoestheLawprescribeaminimumwage?
NominimumwagehasbeenprescribedundertheUAELabourLaw.However,anemployeewithamonthlysalaryoflessthanDhs.4,000.00willnotbeable tosponsoraresidentvisaforhisspouse.Thisisalabourregulationanddoesnotformpartthelabourlaw.

4.Howarewagestobepaid?
Wagesmaybepaidonamonthly,weekly,oronadailybasis.Thepartiesmaymutuallyagreeonthemannerinwhichwageswouldbepaidorremitted.It maybepaidintheUAEorelsewhere.

5.Inwhatcurrencyarewagestobepaid?
Wagesmaybepaidinanycurrency,inUAEDirhamsoranyothercurrency.Thepartiesmayagreeontheactualcurrency.NeithertheLabourlawnorany otherlawoftheUnitedArabEmiratesrestrictsrepatriationortransferofmonies.

6.Doesthelawrequireevidenceofpaymentofwages?
Inthecaseofanydispute,theemployerwouldberequiredtoprovethattheemployeehadbeenpaidhiswagesalongwithsuchallowancesasapplicable. Suchevidencemustbeinwriting.However,theemployeecanprovenonpaymentofwagesbyanymeansstatedinthelawofevidence.Itisnecessarythat theemployermaintainsadequaterecordandbooksrecordingpaymentofwagesandallowances.

VI.EMPLOYMENTOFJUVENILES 1.Doesthelawrestricttheemploymentofanycategoryofpersons?
1.EmploymentofJuveniles(ofeithersex)undertheageof15isprohibited.Beforeemployingajuvenile,employersmustretaincopiesshallobtainfromhim thefollowingdocumentsintheJuvenile'spersonalfile:

a. Abirthcertificateorageestimationcertificateissuedbyaspecializedphysicianandcertifiedbytheconcernedhealthauthorities. b. Acertificateofphysicalfitnessforthenatureofproposedwork,issuedbyaspecializedphysicianandcertifiedytheconcernedauthorities. c. Awrittenconsentfromthejuvenile'sguardian.

2.Furthertheemploymentofjuvenilesisprohibitedunderthefollowingcircumstances: a.Atnightinindustries. b.Inhazardousjobsorworkwhichisharmfultohealth. c.Withworkinghoursinexcessofsixhoursperday(oneormorebreaksforrestistobeprovidedwithinthestipulatedsixhours). d.Toworkovertimeunderanycircumstancesortoremainattheplaceofworkaftertheirworkinghours. e.Workonholidays. f.Employmentofwomenatnightbetween10.00p.m.to7.00amisprohibited,saveandexceptforthefollowingsituations/categories:

i. Duringworkstoppagesduetoforcemajeure. ii. Employeesinrelativelytechnicalandadministrativeposition.

3.HealthworkersotherjobsasdeterminedbytheMinisterofLabourandSocialAffairs,providedthatthewomanemployeedoesnotusuallyperforma manualjob. g.Womanarenottobeemployedinhazardousordifficultworkand,otherdutiesharmfultohealthormorals,orinotherjobsasmaybespecifiedbythe MinisterofLabourandSocialAffairs.

VII.WORKINGHOURS 1.Whataretheprescribedworkinghours?
Themaximumprescribedworkinghoursforanadultemployeeiseighthoursdailyorfortyeighthoursperweek.However,theworkinghoursmaybe increasedtoninehoursperdayinthecaseofpersonsemployedintrades,hotels,cafeterias,guards.

2.Wouldtravellingtoandfromworkbeincludedinworkinghours?

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No,thetimetravellingtoandfromworkisnotincludedinworkinghours.

3.Arebreaksincludedduringworkinghours?
Theemployeemaynotworkformorethan5consecutivehoursperdaywithoutbreaksforrest,foodandprayer.However,therestingandthefoodwillnot beincludedincalculatingtheworkinghours.Inthecaseoffactorieswherepeopleworkdayandnight,shiftsorjobswherefortechnicalandeconomical reasons,continuanceattendanceisrequired,theministersshallspecifythemannerinwhichtheemployeemaytakeintervalsforrest,prayerandmeals.

4.Inwhatsituationsdoesovertimeexist,andonwhatbasisisitcalculated?
Ifthenatureofthejobrequiresovertime,theemployeeshallbepaidovertimeandthepaymentshallbeequivalenttothewagepaidfortheordinaryworking hoursplusanincreaseofnotlessthan25%ofhiswagefortheovertimeperiod.However,iftheemployee'sovertimefallbetweenthehours9.00p.m.to 4.00p.m.theemployeewillbeentitledtoanovertimeequivalenttothenormalworkinghoursplusanincreaseofnotlessthan50%ofhiswageforthe overtimeperiod. IfcircumstanceofworkrequiretheemployeetoworkattheplaceofworkonFriday,heshallbegivenanotherdayforrestduringtheweekasasubstitution orbepaidabasicwageplusaminimumof50%ofthatwage.However,theemployeeshallnotbeaskedtoworktwoconsecutiveFridaysunlesshiswages arecalculatedonadailybasis. Inanycircumstances,overtimeshallnotexceedtwohoursinadayexceptwhereworkisnecessarytopreventbiglosses,aseriousaccidentortoremove tracesofsuchanaccident,orreduceitseffects. Theaboveprovisionshowever,willnotbeapplicabletothefollowingpersons.

1. Personsinaseniorposition,orinanadministrativesupervisoryrole,ifsuchpersonshavesimilarauthorityoveremployees,astheauthorityofthe
employer.

2. Crewsofnavalshipsandmarineemployeeswhoenjoyspecialprivilegesbecauseofthenatureoftheirwork.Thisdoesnotincludeportemployees
engagedinloadingandunloadingandotherrelatedwork.

VIII.ANNUALLEAVE 1.Whatareanemployee'sleaveentitlements?
Foreveryyearofservice,anemployeeisentitledtoanannualleaveofnotlessthanthefollowing:

i. Twodaysleaveforeverymonthifhisserviceismorethansixmonthsandlessthanayear. ii. 30daysannuallyifhisserviceexceedsoneyear.Attheendoftheservicetheemployeeisentitledtoanannualleaveforthefractionofthelastyear

hespentinservice.

2.Whichofficialholidaysaretheemployeeentitledto?
Anemployeeisentitledtoanofficialholidaywithfullwageforthefollowingoccasions: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 HijriNewYear'sDay GregorianNewYear'sDay EidAlFitr(endofRamadan) EidAlAdaandWaqfa ProphetMohammed'sBirthday IsraandAlMi'raj NationalDay oneday oneday twodays threedays oneday oneday oneday

3.Areofficialholidaysexcludedfromthecalculationofleave?
No.Thecalculationofdurationofannualleaveshallincludeholidaysspecifiedbylaworbyagreement,orbyanyotherdaybecauseofsicknessiftheyfall withintheleaveandshallbedeemedtobepartthereof.

4.Whatwouldbepayabletotheemployeeduringhisannualleave?
Anemployeeshallbepaidhisbasicwageplusthehousingallowance,ifapplicable,andanyotherallowanceswhichhereceivesinthenormalworking month.

5.Whodetermineswhentheleavestartsandforhowlong?
Theemployerhastherighttodeterminethebeginningoftheannualleave,andwhennecessary,hehastherighttodividetheleaveintotwosections. Ifhowever,workcircumstancesrequirekeepingtheemployeeduringwholeorpartofhisannualleaveandtheleavehasnotbeencarriedoverforthe followingyear,thentheemployershallpayhimhiswageinadditiontoaleaveallowanceforthedayheworkedequaltohisbasicwage. Inallcases,noemployeeshallberequiredtoworkduringhisannualleavemorethanonceduringtwoconsecutiveyears.Inotherwords,theemployermay onlydefertheannualleaveonceintwoconsecutiveyearsandatthesametimepaytheemployeetheannualleavewages.

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6.Atwhichpointshouldannualleavewagesbepaid?
Beforetakinghisannualleave,theemployeeshallbepaidhisfullwage,plusthewageofhisleavedayshedeservesaccordingtotheprovisionofthislaw.

7.Istheemployeeentitledtopaymentinlieuofleaveifhisservicesareterminated?
Theemployeeisentitledtopaymentofhiswagesforhisleaveifhisemploymentisterminated,orhelefthisworkaftertheperiodofnoticedeterminedby law.Theemployeewillbeentitledtoreceivewagesfortheannualleavethathehasnottaken.Paymentwillbecalculatedonthebasisofthewageshe receivedatthetimewhentheleavewasdue.

IX.SICKLEAVE 1.Istheemployeeentitledtosickleave?
Theemployeemustreporttotheemployeranyinjuriesorillnesspreventinghimfromworking,withinamaximumperiodoftwodays. Theemployeewillnotbeentitledforanysickleaveduringtheprobationperiod. Afteraperiodofthreemonthscontinuousservicefollowingtheprobationperiod,theemployeeisentitledto:

1. Fullwageforthefirst15days. 2. Halfwageforthenext30days. 3. Anyfollowingperiodwillbewithoutwage.

However,iftheemployee'sillnessisdirectlycausedbyhismisconduct,heisnotentitledtoanywageduringthesickleave.

2.Cantheemployeeresignfromemploymentduringthesickleave?
Theemployeemayresignfromemploymentduringthesickleaveandbeforethecompletionof45daysspecifiedbylaw,providedthecauseofresignation wasapprovedbyagovernmentphysician.Inthissituation,theemployermustpaytheemployeewhoresigned,allthewagesofwhichheisentitledforuntil theendofthe45daysreferredtoabove.

3.Cantheemployerterminatetheemployeefromserviceduringhissickorannualleave?
Theemployermaynotterminatetheemployeefromserviceduringhissickleaveorduringhisannualleave.Duringthisperiodanynoticeforterminationwill beconsiderednullandvoid. However,theemployerisentitledtoterminatetheemploymentcontractiftheemployeehasexhaustedhisfullsickleaveandisnotfittocomebackto work.Insuchacasetheemployeewillbeentitledforhisfullgratuityandendofserviceentitlementaccordingtothislaw. Further,theemployeewillnotbeentitledtowagesforthedaysthathehasnotreportedtoworkaftertheendofhisleave.Thiswillnotprejudicetherightsof theemployertoterminatetheemployeescontractifhefailstoreportbacktoworkwithin7consecutivedaysfromthedateonwhichhewasdueback.

4.IsgoingtoHajforpilgrimageconsideredpartoftheannualleave?.
TheemployermustgivetheemployeeonceduringhisemploymentaspecialleavewithoutpaytogoforHaj(pilgrimage)whichshouldnotexceed30days. This30dayswillnotbepartoftheemployee'sannualleaveoranyotherleaveforwhichheisentitled.

5.Maternityleaveentitlement
Aworkingwomanshallbeentitledfor45daysmaternityleavewithfullpaytoincludetheperiodbeforeandafterthedelivery,providedshehasserved continuouslyfornotlessthanoneyear.Thematernityleaveshallbegrantedwithhalfpayifthewomanhasnotcompletedoneyear. Attheendofthematernityleave,aworkingwomanhasarighttoextendhermaternityleaveforamaximumof100dayswithoutpay.Thisunpaidleavecan becontinuousorinterruptediftheinterruptioniscausedbyillnesswhichpreventsherfromcomingtowork.Theillnessmustbeconfirmedbyacertified governmentphysicianlicensedbythecompetenthealthauthority. Maternityleaveineitheroftheabovecasesshallnotbedeductedfromanyotherleaveforwhichthewomanemployeeisentitled. Duringthe18thmonthsfollowingthedelivery,theworkingwoman,whofostersherchildhastherighttohavetwodailyintervalswhichdonotexceedhalfan houreachforthepurposeofnursingherchild.Thosetwoadditionalintervalsshallbeconsideredpartoftheworkinghoursandnodeductioninwagesshall bemade.

X.EMPLOYEERECORDS 1.Whattypesofrecordsmustbekeptbytheemployer?
Anemployerwhohas5employeesormoreinhisservice,shalladheretothefollowing:

1. Keepingafileforeveryemployeegivinghisname,tradeorprofession,age,nationality,placeofresidence,maritalstatus,dateofcommencementof
service,wageandanychangeinit,vacation,illnessandinjuries,andthedateofterminationofserviceandthereasonfortermination.

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Thefirstforannualleave,thesecondforsickleaveandthethirdforotherleave.Theemployeeoranyoneactingonhisbehalfshallnoteonhiscard allleavestakenbytheemployeeforfuturereference. Inadditiontothis,anemployerwhoemploys15employeesormoreshallkeepineveryplaceofworkorabranchoftheplaceofworkthefollowing recordsanddocuments: Arecordofpayrolllistingtheemployee'snamesaccordingtothedateoftheirrecruitmentalongwiththedaily,weeklyormonthlywages,allowances orpaymentsforpiecework,commissionaswellaslengthofserviceanddateofleavingthejob. Arecordforworkinjurieslistingworkinjuriesoroccupationaldiseasesimmediatelytheemployerisinformed. Thebasicrulesandregulationsforworkshouldbedisplayedinapermanent,visibleplace,atthesiteofworkshowingthebasicregulationsforwork includingworkinghours,weeklyholidays,officialholidays,andthenecessarysafetyprecautionstoavoidworkhazardsandfiredangers.The implementationoftheseregulationsandanyamendmentstheretohavetobesanctionedbythelabourdept.within30daysfromthedateoftheir submissions. Thecompanyregulationsrelatingtodisciplinarymeasuresmustbepermanentlydisplayedintheplaceofwork.Thismustoutlinemeasureswhich maybetakenagainstthosewhoviolatetheregulations.

2. A"leavecard"foreveryemployeetobekeptinhisfile.Itshouldbedividedintothreesections:

3. 4. 5.

6.

Theimplementationoftheseregulationsandtheamendmentsthereof,willhavetobesanctionedbythelabourdepartmentwithin30daysfromthedateof submission.

XI.SAFETYREQUIREMENTS 1.Whatarethesafetyregulationsandmeasuresrequiredbylaw?
TheUAEFederalLabourLawspecifiescertainprovisionsforemployeesafetyandhealthcare,stipulatedunderArticle91toArticle101.Theprovisionsof thelawrequirethefollowingmeasuresandprocedurestobeadheredto:

1. Everyemployershouldprovidehisemployeeswithsuitablemeansofprotectionagainstinjuries,occupationaldiseaseswhichmaybecontacted
duringwork,fireandhazardswhichmayresultfromtheuseofmachineryandotherworkequipment.Theemployershallapplyalltheother precautionarymeasuresspecifiedbytheMinistryofLabourandSocialAffairs.Theemployeehowever,hastousethesafetyequipmentandclothes giventohimforthispurpose.Heshallalsofollowhisemployer'sinstructionswhichaimtoprotecthimfromdanger. Everyemployershalldisplayinapermanentandprominentplaceattheworksite,detailedinstructionsregardingthemeansofpreventingfireandthe meansofprotectionofemployeesfromhazardstowhichtheymaybeexposedduringwork.TheseinstructionsshallbeinArabicandifnecessary anotherlanguageunderstoodbytheemployee. Everyemployershallmakeavailableafirstaidkitorkitscontainingmedicines,bandagesandotherfirstaidmaterialasdirectedbytheMinistryof LabourandSocialAffairs. Everyemployershallkeepeveryplaceofworkcleanandwellventilated.Theseplacesshouldhaveadequatelightingandbeprovidedwithwater suitablefordrinking,andbathrooms. Anemployeeshallassignoneormorephysiciantoexaminethoroughlythoseofhisemployeeswhoareexposedtothepossibilityofcontractingone oftheoccupationaldiseaseslistedinthescheduleattachedtothislaw.Atleastonceeverysixmonths,these,"atrisk"employeesshouldbe examinedandresultsrecordedontheirfiles. AnemployershallprovidehisemployeewiththemeansofmedicalcareuptothestandarddeterminedbytheMinistryofLabourandSocialAffairsin consultationwiththeMinisterofHealth. Theemployerorhisdeputyshallinformtheemployeeofthedangersofhisjobandthemeansofprotectionthathehastotake.Heshallalsodisplay detailedwritteninstructionsconcerningthatatworkpremises. Noemployer,hisdeputy,oranypersonwhohasauthorityoveremployeesshallbringorallowotherstobringanykindofalcoholicdrinksfor consumptiononworkpremises.Heshallalsonotallowanypersontoentertheestablishmentortoremaininit,whileheisintoxicated.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Everyemployeremployingemployeesinremoteareasnotservedbypublicmeansoftransportation,shallprovidehisemployeeswiththefollowingservices:

a. b. c. d. e. f.

Suitabletransportation. Suitableaccommodation Suitabledrinkingwater Suitablefood Firstaidservices Meansforentertainmentandsportsactivities

Alltheaboveservicesapartfromfoodmaterialwillbeontheemployer'saccount.

XII.DISCIPLINARYCODE 1.WhatisthenatureofthedisciplinarycodeintheUAEFederalLaw?
Yes,thereisadisciplinarycodeintheUAEFederalLabourlawwhichprovidefortheprovisionofdisciplinarymeasureswhichanyemployerorhis representativemayimposeuponhisemployees.Theyareasfollows:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Warnings Fines Suspensionfromworkwithadecreaseinwagesfornotmorethan10days. Thepreventionofperiodicalallowancesorthepostponementofinestablishmentswheresuchallowancesexists. Thedeprivationofpromotioninestablishmentswherepromotionsexist. Terminationofservicewithoutprejudicetothepaymentofallendofservicebenefits. Terminationofserviceandtheforfeitureofallorsomeofhisgratuity.Thispunishmentshallnotbeimposedforanyreasonotherthanthose mentionedinArticle120ofthislaw.

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2.Whatisthemaximumfineanemployercanimposeonhisemployee?
Afinemaybeafixedsumofmoneyoranamountequivalenttotheemployee'swageforacertainperiod.Afineforoneviolationshallnotexceed5day's wages,andindeedinanymonthtotalfinesshallnotexceedanamountequivalentto5day'swages.

3.Ifafineisimposed,whoshouldkeepthemoneydeductedfromtheemployee'swages?
Afineimposedonanemployeeshallbeenteredinaspecialregistergivingthereasonorthecircumstances,nameofemployeeandhiswage.Aspecial accountshallbekeptforthesefines,themonthlytotalofwhichshallbespentonsocialwelfarefortheemployees.

4.Howoftenandforwhatlengthcananemployerdepriveanemployeefromtheperiodicalallowancesorpromotion.
Anypunishmentdeprivinganemployeeofhisperiodicalincentivesmaynotbeimposedmorethanoncewithinoneyear.Hisincentivesshallnotbe postponedformorethansixmonths. Further,noemployeeshallbedeprivedofmorethanonepromotion.Thepunishedemployeeshallbepromotedinthefirstsucceedingopportunityifhe satisfiesthenecessaryconditions.

5.Whatarethelimitationsandtheconditionsrequiredbythelawpertainingtotheuseofdisciplinarycodes?
Theemployermaynotimposeanydisciplinarymeasuresontheemployeeunlessthefollowingconditionsaremet:

1. Nodisciplinaryactionshallbetakenagainstanyemployeebecauseofsomethinghecommittedoutsidetheplaceofworkunlessitisrelatedtowork,
theemployerorthemanagerinchargeofthework.

2. Nomorethanonepunishmentshallbeimposedforoneviolation.Adisciplinarypunishmentshallnotbeaccompaniedwithdeductionofpartofthe
employee'swages.

3. Noneofthepunishmentprovidedforreferredtohereaboveshallbeimposedonaemployeeunlessheisinformedofhisviolationinwritingandgiven 4. 5.
achancetodefendhimself.Hisstatementanddefenseshallbenotedandwritteninhisfile,andthepunishmentimposedshallbespelledoutatthe endofthesaidnote. Anemployeemustbeinformedinwritingofthepunishmentimposedonhim,statingitstypeandamount,thereasonthereofandthepunishmenthe shallbesubjecttoincaseofrecurrence. Noemployeeshallbeaccusedofanoffenseafterthelapseof30daysofitsdiscovery.Nodisciplinaryactionshallbeimposedafterthelapseof60 daysfromtheendofinvestigationregardingtheviolation,andtheconfirmationofitsrecurrence.

6.Underwhatconditionscananemployersuspendanemployeefromemployment?
Anemployeemaybetemporarilysuspendedfromworkwhenheisaccusedofcommittingadeliberatecrimesuchasphysicalassault,orfinancialcrime, crimesofhonour,orgoingonstrike. Thesuspensionshalltakeeffectfromthedateofinformingtheconcernedauthorityoftheincidentuntiladecisionistakenbytheseauthoritiesregarding thatincident.Anemployeeshallnotbeentitledtohiswagesduringthesuspensionperiod.Iftheverdictrelievestheemployeefromstandingtrialoracquits him.Heshallbereinstatedinhisworkandgivenhisfullwageforthesuspensionperiodifhissuspensionwasamaliciousactbytheemployer.

XIII.WORKACCIDENT 1.Whatisthenatureofreportinglabouraccidentsandoccupationaldiseases?
Iftheemployeesufferedaworkaccidentoranoccasionaldisease,theemployerorhisrepresentativeshallreporttheaccidentimmediatelytothepoliceand labourdepartmentoroneofitsbranchesunderwhosejurisdictiontheplaceofworkfalls.Theinformationshallincludetheemployee'sname,profession, address, nationalityandabriefdescriptionoftheincidentanditscircumstances,andthemeasurestakenfortreatmentorfirstaid.

2.Wouldtheemployerbeprosecutedforanaccidentoraninjurytoanemployee?
Uponreceivingtheinformationfromtheemployer,thepoliceshallperformthenecessaryinvestigationstatingintheirreporttestimonyfromwitnesses,the employerorhisrepresentative,andtheinjuredpersonifhisconditionallowshimtotestify.Thereportshallspecificallystatewhethertheaccidentrelatedto work,whetherittookplaceintentionally,orasaresultofmisbehavioronthepartoftheemployee. Ifthereportcametotheconclusionthatoneoftheemployer'spersonnelorManagerswereatfaultornegligent,hemaybeprosecutedinacriminalcourtfor theactoromission.

3.Wouldtheemployerbeliableforthecompensation?
Incaseofworkaccidentandoccupationaldiseases,theemployershallundertaketopaythecostoftheemployeestreatmentinoneofthegovernmentor privateclinicstilltheemployeerecoversorhisdisabilitybecomescertain.Thetreatmentshallincludehospitalandsanitaryfeesandcostofsurgical operations,Xraysandlaboratoriesfeesinadditiontothecostofmedicineandrehabilitationequipmentandartificialpartsforthosewhosedisabilityis proven.Theemployershallalsopaythetravelexpensesneededfortheemployeestreatment.

4.Whatwouldtheemployerpayiftheemployeewerenotabletoperformhisworkaftertheaccident?

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Iftheinjurypreventedtheemployeefromperformingthedutiesofhisjob,theemployershallpayhimagrantequivalenttohiswageduringthetreatment period orforsixmonthswhicheverisless.Ifthetreatmenttakesmorethansixmonths,thenthegrantshallbereducedbyhalfforanothersixmonthsortillthe employeerecovers,hisdisabilitybecomescertain,orhedies,whichevercomesfirst.

5.Howmuchwouldtheemployerpaytheemployeeduringhistreatment?
Thefinancialgrantmadebytheemployershallbecalculatedonthebasisofthelastwagetheemployeewaspaidinrespectofthosewhoarepaidmonthly, weekly,dailyorhourlyandonthebasisoftheaveragewageforthosewhoarepaidonpieceworkbasis.

6.Wouldtheemployeebeentitledforcompensationotherthanhiswages?
Theemployeewillnotbeentitledtoclaimcompensationfromtheemployerotherthanhiswagesandcompensationfordisabilityaccordingtotheschedule publishedbythelabouroffice.Acopyofthisscheduleisattachedherewithtothiscatalogue.Thisis,ofcourse,withoutprejudicetotheemployee'srightto claimcompensationagainstanythirdpartywhomayparticipateincausingtheaccidentorthedisabilitysufferedbytheemployee.

7.Istheemployee'sfamilyentitledtoclaimcompensation?
Theemployee'sfamilyisnotentitledtoclaimcompensationunlesstheaccidentcausedthedeathoftheemployeeorhispermanentdisability.The compensationshallbeequivalenttothebasicwageoftheemployeeforaperiodof24months.ThevalueofthecompensationshallnotbelessthanDhs. 18,000/andnotmorethanDhs.35,000/.Itshallbecalculatedonthebasisofthelastwagetheemployeewaspaidbeforehisdeathanddividedamong inheritorsaccordingtotherulesofthelistannexedlaw.

8.Whowillbeconsideredtheheirsoftheemployee,entitledtoreceivecompensation?
InapplyingtherulesoftheLabourLaw,thefamilyofthedeceasedmeansthosewhodependfortheirlivelihoodentirely,ormainly,ontheincomeofthe deceasedpersonatthetimeofhisdeath.Theymustqualifybybeingincludedamongthefollowingcategories:

1. Widower. 2. Childrenwhoare:sonsunder17,andthoseunder24whoareenrolledasaregularstudentintheinstitutionoflearning,andalsothoseofhissons 3. 4. 5.
whoarephysicallyormentallyunabletoearntheirliving.Theword"Son"shallincludesonsofthehusbandorthewifewhoareunderthecareofthe deceasedemployeeatthetimeofhisdeath. Unmarriedgirlsincludingunmarrieddaughtersofthehusbandorthewifewhoareunderthecareofthedeceasedemployeeatthetimeofthedeath. Parents Brothersandsistersaccordingtotheconditionssetforsonsanddaughters

9.Woulddeliberateselfinjuryreceiveacompensationormedicalleave?
Ifitwasevidencedinareportprovidedbythelabourofficeorthepolicethattheemployeehadintentionallycausedhisowninjuryinordertoreceive compensationormedicalleavethenhewouldnotbeentitledtoeithercompensationormedicalleave,andwouldbeliableforcriminalchargestobebrought uponhim.

XIV.TERMINATIONOFCONTRACT 1.Whendoesanemploymentcontractterminated?
Anemploymentcontractcanbeterminatedinanyofthefollowingcircumstances:

1. Ifthetwopartiesagreetocancelacontractprovidedthattheemployeeconsentstothisinwriting. 2. Ifthecontracttermhascometoanend,unlessthecontracthasbeenexplicitlyorimplicitlyextendedaccordingtotherulesofthelaw. 3. Asaresultofawishbyoneofthetwoparties,andthelabourcontracthasanunspecifiedterm,providedthattheyobservetheprovisionofthelaw

referredtoabove,regardingnoticesandacceptablereasonstocancelthecontractwithoutprejudice.

2.Wouldanemploymentcontractbeterminatedbythedeathoftheemployeeortheemployer?
Anemployer'sdeathshallnotconstituteanendtothelabourcontract,unlessthesubjectofthecontractisrelatedtohimpersonally.However,thecontract willbeterminateduponthedeathoftheemployeeoruponhistotaldisabilitytoperformhiswork. However,iftheemployee'sdisabilitywaspartial,andhewasabletoperformotherworkswhichsuitedhishealth,theemployershalltransfertheemployeeto anothersuchwork,iftheemployeesorequestsandgivehimthesamewagesforasimilarjob.

3.Underwhichcircumstancescananemployerterminatetheemploymentcontractwithoutnoticeandwithimmediate effect?
Anemployermaydismissanemployeewithoutanynoticeinanyofthefollowingcases:

1. Iftheemployeeassumesapersonalityoranationalityotherthanhisown,orhassubmittedfakedocumentsorcertificates. 2. Iftheemployeewasappointedunderprobationandtheterminationhappenedduringthatperiodoratitsend. 3. Iftheemployeecommitsamistakecausingtheemployerabigfinancialloss,providedtheemployerinformsthelabourdepartmentoftheincident

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4. Iftheemployeeviolatesinstructionsrelatingtosafetyintheplaceofwork,providedthoseinstructionswerewrittenanddisplayedinapermanent
place,andtheemployeehasbeeninformedoftheseinstructionsorallyifheisilliterate.

5. Iftheemployeefailstocarryouthisbasicdutiesasstatedinthecontractandcontinuestodosoinspiteofawritteninterrogationandawarningthat 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
hisservicewillbeterminatedifherepeatshisactions. Ifhedisclosesasecretoftheestablishmentforwhomheisworking. Ifheisconclusivelyconvictedbytheconcernedcourtofacrimeinvolvinghonourorhishonestyandpublicmoral. Ifheisfounddrunkorintoxicatedbydrugsduringworkinghours. Ifhecommitsaphysicalassaultontheemployerormanageroroneofhiscolleaguesduringwork. Ifhebecomesabsentwithoutalegitimatereasonformorethan20intermittentdaysormorethan7continuousdayswithinoneyear.

4.Cananemployeeterminateacontractwithoutnotice?
Anemployeemayleavehisworkwithoutnoticeineitherofthesetwocases:

1. Iftheemployerhasnotfulfilledhisobligationtowardshimasprovidedinthecontractorinthislaw. 2. Ifhewasassaultedbytheemployerorhislegalrepresentative. 5.Wouldchangesinthestructureofthecompanyoritsownershipbeconsideredaterminationtothecontract?

Ifthereisachangeintheformoftheestablishmentoritslegalposition,anycontractvalidduringthetimeofchangeshallremainvalidandtheservice consideredcontinuous.Boththepreviousandthenewemployershallbejointlyresponsibleforsixmonthsinexecutingtheobligationsrelatingtothe contractoftheemployeeintheperiodpriortothechange. Aftertheendofthissixmonthperiod,thenewemployershallaloneberesponsible.

6.CananemployeeaftertheterminationofcontractbeemployedbyotheremployerintheUAE?
Ifthenatureofthepositionheldbytheemployeeallowshimtoknowhisemployer'sclientsorthetradesecretsoftheemployer,theemployermaystipulate inthecontractthataftertheendofhiscontract,theemployeeshallnotcompetewithhimorshareinanycompetingproduct.Theemployeehastobe21 yearsoldatthetimeofsigningthecontractforthisagreementtobelegal.Theagreementshallbe,asfarastime,placeandnatureofworkareconcerned, limitedtowhatisnecessarytoprotectthelegalinterestoftheemployer.However,iftherewerenoagreements,theemployeemayworkforanother employerprovidedincaseoftheemployeebeingnonnational,heisoneofthecategoriesexemptedfromsixmonthsoraoneyearban,andthathehasnot committedanyviolationtothelawwhichmakeshimsubjecttoaoneyearbanfromworkingintheUAE.

7.Whatemploymentbanprovisionapplyupontheterminationofanemploymentcontract?
OneyearbanwillbestampedontheemployeepassportbytheImmigrationofficeiftheemployeeviolatestheemploymentcontractortheUAELabourLaw andRegulations.Thesixmonthsbanwillbestampedonthecategorywhomnotpermittedtotransfervisaandonthecancellationofthesome. ThefollowingcategoryarepermittedtotransferofResidencevisa:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Engineers. Doctors,Pharmacistsandhospitalattendants. Agricultureinstructors. Teachers QualifiedAccountantsandAuditors QualifiedAdministrationofficials. Techniciansofscientificelectronicsandlaboratories. Driverslicensedtodriveheavytransportvehiclesand(buses) Thisisincaseoftransferringthesponsorshipfromacompanyorestablishmenttoitscounterpartortoanygovernmentalbody. Employeesofprivateoilcompaniesareentitledtotransfertheirsponsorshipfromonecompanyorestablishmenttoitscounterpartortoany governmentalbody.

Providedalwaysthat:

1. 2. 3. 4.

Theemployeeshalloccupywiththenewemployerthesamepositionheusedoccupywiththepreviousemployer. Theemployeemusthaveavalidresidencystampedonhispassport. theemployeeshouldhavecompletedatleastoneyearwiththepreviousemployer. Theemployeemustobtaintheconsentofthesponsortotransferthesponsorship.

Withthefollowingexceptiontotheaboverules:

1. Ifthetransferwastobefromonebranchtoanotherbranchwithinthesamecompany,establishmentoranestablishmentownedbythesame
employer.

2. Ifthetransferwasbecauseofthetransferoftheownershipofthecompany,establishmentorabranchofittotheownershipofanothercompany,
establishmentorperson.

3. Ifthesponsorbreachedhisliabilitiesandthisresultedintheclosingoftheestablishment. 4. Ifacourtjudgmentwasdeliveredthebankruptcyorthewindupandterminationofactivitiesoftheestablishment. 5. Inthecaseofthedeathoftheoriginalsponsorandhisheirsdonotintendtocontinueinrunningtheestablishmentandconsequentlyitwasclosed.

ThisRuleshasbeenbyMinisterialDecreeNo.13of1991.

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8.Whichrules,ifviolated,willresultinterminationofthecontract,andthustheemployeebeingbannedfromworkingin theUAEforoneyear?
Iftheemployeewithoutajustifiedcause,beforetheendofaspecifiedemploymentcontract,orinthecaseofunlimitedcontract,leavestheemployer, withoutgivingonemonth'snoticeoftermination,orleaveshisemploymentbeforethelapseofonemonth'snotice.

9.Istheemployerobligedtogiveanendofservicecertificatetotheemployeeattheendoftheservice?
Anemployershallgivehisemployeeathisrequestattheendofthecontractaservicecertificatefreeofcharge,statingthedateofcommencementof service,theexpirydate,totalserviceperiod,natureofworkcarriedoutbytheemployee,hislastwageandanyallowances,iftheyexist. Theemployershallalsoreturntotheemployeeallthathehasdepositedwithhimlikecertificates,papers,instrumentsetc.

XV.REPATRIATIONOFEMPLOYEE 1.Whobearstherepatriationexpenses?
Attheendofthecontract,anemployershallsustainrepatriationexpensesoftheemployeetotheplaceofrecruitmentortoanyotherplacewhichthetwo partieshaveagreedupon.Iftheemployeeservedwithanotheremployerattheterminationofhiscontract,thenewemployershallpaythecostofthetravel attheendoftheservice.However,iftheemployeeisresponsibleforterminatingthecontract,heshallberepatriatedathisownexpenseifhehassufficient means.

2.Doestherepatriationoftheemployeemeansthattheemployerhasalsotopayforfurnitureandfamilymembers?
Iftheemployerhadpaidforthetravellingexpensesoftheemployee,hisfamilyandthefurnitureorsuchprovisionasstipulatedinthecontract,theemployer thenwillhavetopayforthefamilyandthefurnitureandanyexpensesincurredtherewith.However,ifatthetimewhenthecontractwascommencedthere wasnoagreementonpaymentoffamilyrepatriationcostsorfurnitureshipmentcostsandtheemployerdidn'tpayfortheseatthecommencementofthe contract,theemployerwillnotbeliabletopaythesame,unlesstheruleswithintheestablishmentspecifyotherwise.

3.Whendoestheemployeehavetovacatehisaccommodationifitwasprovidedtohimbytheemployer?
Incaseswheretheemployerprovidesaccommodationtotheemployee,theemployeeshallbeobligedtovacatethepremiseswithinaperiodthatdoesnot exceed30daysfromthedateofterminationofhisservices.Theemployeemaynotextendthisperiodforwhateverreasonsprovidedthattheemployer actuallypaysforthefollowing:

a. Therepatriationexpensesasagreed. b. Endofservicebenefitsandotherentitlementswhichareprovidedbythelabourcontractortheregulationoftheestablishment.
Incaseofadisputebetweentheemployerandtheemployee,thelabourofficemustgivetherecommendationofexpenseswithinaweekfromthedatethe complaintisfiled,andinformtheemployeeoftheamountpayable.Insuchacase,the30dayswillcommencefromthedatetheemployeedepositsthe amountrecommendedbythelabourofficewithitsofficeasdeposit.Inasituationwherethepremiseswerenotvacated,theMinistryofLabourwillorderthe vacationofthepremiseswiththeassistanceofthelocalpoliceintheemirateconcerned.Thisofcourse,iswithoutprejudicetotheemployee'srightto challengetheamountrecommendedbythelabourofficeatthecourt.

XVI.PAYMENTOFGRATUITY 1.Whatistheemployeeentitledtoattheterminationoftheemploymentcontract?
Theemployeeattheterminationoftheemploymentcontractwillbeentitledfortothefollowing:

1. Anoticeperiod,oranyamountdueinlieuofthenoticeperiod,inthecaseofanunlimitedcontract. 2. Compensationfortheunreasonabledismissalifthecontractwasterminatedbytheemployerforunreasonablecause,inthecaseofanunlimited 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
contract. Inthecaseofalimitedcontract,compensationequivalenttotheperioduntiltheendofthecontract,orthreemonth'ssalarywhicheverisgreater. Paymentsequivalenttothebalanceofunutilizedleaveoranypartthereof. Paymentsforovertimeoranybalanceofwagesdueandnotyetpaid. Endofservicegratuitycalculatedonthedurationoftheemployment. Repatriationexpenseasperthelaworthecontact.

2.Whatdoesthetermendofservicegratuitymeanintermsofcompensation?
Anemployeewhocompletesoneyearormoreincontinuousserviceshallbeentitledtogratuityattheendoftheservice.Thegratuityshallbecalculatedas follows:

1. 21day'swagesforeachyearofthefirstfiveyears. 2. 30day'swagesforeachadditionalyearonconditionthatthetotalofthegratuityshallnotexceedthewagesoftwoyears. 3.Howisgratuitycalculated?

Gratuityiscalculatedonanannualbasisiftheemployeehasactuallycompletedoneyearofemploymentwiththeemployerormore.Thedayofabsence

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fromworkwithoutpayshallnotbeincludedincalculatingthelengthofservice.However,iftheemployeecompletedayearinservicehewillbeentitledtoa gratuityforthefractionoftheyearproportionalforthepartoftheyearhespentinworkprovidedthathehascompletedoneyearincontinuousservice.

4.Onwhatbasisisgratuitycalculated?
Withoutprejudicetowhatisstipulatedbysomelawsinthegrantingofpensionsorretirementbenefitstoemployees,insomeestablishmentsgratuityfor thosewhoarepaidmonthly,weeklyordailywagesshallbecalculatedasfollows: Basicwagewhichistakenasabasisforthecalculationofgratuityisthatwhichislastreceivedbytheemployeebeforetheterminationoftheemployment contract.Thiswagewillbethebasisforcalculatingthegratuityforalltheyearsduringwhichtheemployeeworksfortheemployercalculatedattherate advisedhereabove.

5.Whatdoesabasicwagemean?
Abasicwagemeansanythingreceivedbytheemployeeasawageexcludinghousing,transport,travellingallowancesandovertime,familyallowances, entertainingallowancesandanyotherallowancesorabonus.

6.Wouldacommissionorpaymentbypercentagebeconsideredabasicwage?
AccordingtorecentjudgmentdeliveredbytheUAEcourt,anyamountpayabletoemployeeaswageotherthanallowancesorbonusincludingwagespaidby percent,commissionorbyperformancewillbeconsideredawageandwillbetakenintoconsiderationincalculatinggratuity.

7.Wouldanemployeeemployedpriortothelawcomingintousebeentitledtogratuity?
AccordingtotheUAElaw,employeeswhoareworkingwiththeiremployerpriortothedateonwhichthelawcameintoforcewillnotbeentitledforgratuity fortheperiodprecedingthelaw.Withoutprejudicetoanyentitlementorpaymenttheywereentitledtounderlawsorregulations.However,gratuityforthose employeeswillbecalculatedonthedatethelawcameintoforcethereafter.

8.Cantheemployerdeductanypaymentfromthegratuitypayabletotheemployee?
Theemployermaydeductanyamountdueandpayabletotheemployeetotheemployerfromtheendoftheservicegratuityandmakepaymentforthe balancetotheemployee.Ifthereisanydisputeoverpaymentofgratuityoramountpayabletotheemployer,themattershouldbeputtothelabourofficefor mediation.

9.Doesitmakedifferencetotheamountcalculatedforthegratuityiftheemployeeresignedfromemployment?
Anemployeeemployedunderacontractforunlimitedperiodwhoresignedafteracontinuousserviceofnotlessthanayearandnotmorethanthreeyearsis entitledtoonethirdoftheendofservicegratuityprovidedabove.Iftheperiodofcontinuousservicewasmorethanthreeyearsandlessthanfiveyearshe isentitledtotwothirdsofthegratuity. Ifhiscontinuousservicewasmorethanfiveyears,heshallbeentitledtothefullgratuity. Ifanemployeewhoisemployedunderacontractoflimitedperiod,resignedwithhisfreewillbeforetheendofthecontract,heshallnotbeentitledtothe endofservicegratuityunlesshiscontinuousserviceexceedsfiveyears.

10.Cananemployeebedeprivedofhisendofservicegratuityandunderwhatcircumstances?
Anemployeemayalsobedeprivedofhisgratuityineitherofthefollowingtwocases. HehasbeendismissedforoneofthereasonsstatedinArticle120ofthislaw,orifheleftworktoavoiddismissal. IfhelefthisjobvoluntarilywithoutnoticeincasesotherthanthetwoprovidedforinArticle121ofthislaw.Thisappliestounlimitedperiodcontractandin caseswheretheemployeedidnotcompletefiveyearsofcontinuousemploymentinacontractoflimitedterm. Iftheestablishmentorcompanyhasapensionschemewhichisbeneficialtotheemployee,woulditbeasubstitutionforpaymentofgratuity? Iftheemployerhaspensionschemeapplicabletoallemployeesatthecompanyortheestablishment,suchaschememustbepublishedandknowntoall employees,andatthesametime,specifythatthisschemewillbeasubstitutionforthegratuityrulesgovernedbytheUAEFederalLabourLaw.Itmustbe morebeneficialtotheemployeesthanthegratuityprovisionofthelaw.Otherwisetheemployeemaybenefitfromboth.

11.Cantheemployeeandtheemployeragreetopaygratuityfordeterminationoftheemploymentcontractforthe proceedingperiod?
Theemployerandtheemployermayagreetopayatacertaintimethegratuitytotheemployeefortheyearsduringwhichtheemployeeservedthe employer,andtostartwithanewcontractforthefutureperiod.Providedalwayshowever,thatthisagreementisclearlystated,acknowledged,andagreed betweentheemployeeandemployerwherebygratuitywillbepaidfortheproceedingperiod,andanewcontractwillbeenteredintoforthefuturerelationship. This,bearinginmindthattheemployee'semploymentwiththeemployerwillstillbeconsideredasacontinuousperiodforthepurposeofthecalculationof theinterest,oratthetimewhenheresigns,calculatingtheyearsduringwhichhewasemployedwiththeemployer.

12.Cananemployeemortgageorassignpaymentofhisgratuity?

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Itispossibletomortgageorassignpaymentoftheemployee'sgratuitytotheemployerortothethirdpartybymutualagreementsprovidedthatinthe agreementwiththethirdparty,theemployerandtheemployeeshouldconsentandagreetothisinwritingwithanunderstandingofallpartiesthatthe employeemayforfeithisrightforagratuitywhichisnotyetdueifhehasviolatedtheprovisionofthelawasstipulatedabove.

13.Whendoesgratuitybecomedueandpayable?
Gratuitywillonlybecomedueandpayableattheendoforattheterminationofthecontract.

14.Wouldendofservicegratuityandotherduespayabletotheemployeebeconsideredprioritydebts?
Theemployee'swages,overtime,andanyotherbenefits,includingtheendofservicegratuity,isconsideredapreferentialdebtandtheemployeeshallhave alienoveranymovableorimmovablepropertyownedbytheemployerrankingsecondtogovernmentcharges,judicialfeesandfamilyalimonypayments.

XVII.DISPUTESETTLEMENT 1.Incaseofadisputebetweentheemployeeandtheemployer,howcaneitherofthemproceedwithacase?
Incaseofadisputebetweentheemployeeandtheemployer,oreither,anapplicationmustbemade,shouldeitherofthepartyfailtosettlethedispute,to thelabourofficeintheemirateinwhichtheemployer'sestablishmentislocated.Theapplicationmustbemadebywrittencomplaintwiththecomplaint departmentatthelabouroffice,settingoutasummaryofthefacts,calculationoftheamountdue,andenclosingacopyofthelabourcontract.The applicationwillbefiledwiththeMinistryuponcollectionofDhs.100asregistrationfees.Eithertheemployerortheemployeewillbesummonedtohearthe argumentatthelabouroffice,andattheMinistryofLabourandSocialaffairsmustmaketherecommendationwithintwoweeksfromthedateonwhichthe applicationisfiled.ShouldthepartystillfailtosettlethedisputeasrecommendedbytheLabourOffice,thematterwillthenhavetobereferredtocourtto belitigatedinthenormalmatter.Insuchacase,theLabourOfficewillissuesummaryofthecase,thefactsofthecase,andthememorandumtogether withtherecommendation,andtheargumentputbyeitherparty.Thecourt,within3daysfromthedateonwhichapplicationisreceived,shallschedulea hearingdateandsummontheotherpartytohearthematter.

2.Shouldtheapplicationtothelabourofficeandthecourtbemadewithinatimelimit?
Acomplaintbyeithertheemployerortheemployeemustbemadetothelabourofficewithinoneyearfromthedateonwhichtheamountortheentitlement becomesdue.Inotherwords,theoneyeartimeperiod,isnotfromthedatetheemploymentisterminated,butfromanydateanamountbecomedueand notpaid.Acomplaintthereforemustbefiledwithinayearfromthedateonwhichsuchanamountbecomesdue,otherwise,itwillbetimebarred. Incalculatingtimeandperiodaccordingtothislaw,theGregoriancalendarwillbeused.Theyeariscalculatedas365daysandthemonth30days.

3.Istheemployerortheemployeehavetopaycourtfeesifthematterwasreferredtocourt?
Employeesareexemptedfromcourtfeesandhisactionwillbefiledincourtandifanappealisfiled,totheappealcourt,withouthavingtopayanycourt fees.However,anemployer,ifhewouldliketoproceedwiththecourtaction,shouldthematterfailtosettleatthelabouroffice,mustpaycourtfees,which arenormallybasedatapercentageoftheamountclaimed.

4.Isthereadifferentruleforthecomplaintfiledbyagroupofemployeesagainstoneemployer?
ThelawprovidesslightlydifferentprovisionforhearingclaimsbytheLabourOfficeforanumberofemployeesofthesameestablishment,filingacomplaint againsttheiremployer.ItmaytakelongertobesettledattheLabourOfficeandtheLabourOfficemayformacommitteetosettlesuchadispute.

XVIII.LABOURINSPECTIONS 1.WouldtheLabourOfficeoranyothercompetentauthoritybeentitledtoinspecttheestablishmentorcommercial entitiesestablishedintheUAE?

TheLabourInspectionDept.andthepersonnelemployedthereinshallundertakelabourinspectionsandshallhavethepowerprovidedinthislaw.The inspectorshallcarrytheidentificationcardissuedbytheMinistryofLabourandSocialAffairs,andshallbeentitledtoenterpremisesforinspection. Employersandtheiragentsshallpresentthelabourinspectorswithallnecessaryfacilitiesandinformationtoperformtheirdutiesandshallconsenttoany summonstoappearbeforethem,orsendadelegatetoappearontheirbehalf,iftheyarerequiredtodoso.

2.Whatisthejurisdictionandtheauthorityofthelabourinspectors?
ALabourInspectorhasresponsibilityforthefollowing:

1. Supervisingtheproperenforcementoftheprovisionofthelabourlawespeciallytermsofwork,wagesandprotectionoftheemployeeswhile
performingtheirjobsandwhateverrelatestotheirhealthandsafety,andalsointheemploymentofjuvenilesandwoman.

2. Providingemployersandemployeeswiththeinformationandtechnicalguidancethatwillenablethemtoadoptthebestmeansfortheenforcementof
theprovisionofthelaw.

3. Informingtheconcernedauthorityofanyloopholeswhichtheprovisionenforcementfailstoremedyandrecommendinganynecessarysteps. 4. Recordingincidentswheretheprovisionsofthelabourlawandtheregulationshavebeenviolated. 3.DotheLabourInspectorshavetheauthoritytoenterlegalentitiesandpremises?

ALabourInspectorhastherightto:

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1. Enteranyestablishmentthatissubjecttotheprovisionofthelabourlawatanytimeduringthedayornightwithoutpriornoticeprovidedthatsuch 2. Conductanytestorinvestigationthatmaybenecessarytoascertaintheproperenforcementofthelaw. 3. Thelabourinspectorsfurthermayquestiontheemployeeortheemployer,examineallrecordswhichhavetobekeptundertheprovisionofthelabour

law,takeasampleorsamplesofmaterialused,orhandled,intheindustrialactivities,andascertainthatnoticesandpamphletsrequiredtobe displayedatthesiteoftheworkareinaccordancewiththeprovisionofthelaw.

XIX.OCCUPATIONALDISEASES
NO. TYPEOFDISEASE 1 2 3 4 5 6 Poisoningbyleadandits compounds Poisoningbymercuryandits compounds. Poisoningbyarsenicandits compounds WORKCAUSINGDISEASE Anyworkinvolvingtheuseorhandlingofleadandcompoundswhichcontainleads. Anyworkinvolvingtheuseorhandlingofmercuryoritscompoundsormaterialscontainingmercuryandanywork involvingexposuretothedustorgasesofmercuryorofitscompoundsormaterialscontainingmercury. Anyworkinvolvingtheuseofhandlingofarsenicoritscompoundsormaterialscontainingarsenicandanywork involvingexposuretothedustandgasesofarsenicorofitscompoundsormaterialscontainingarsenic.

Poisoningbyantimonyandits Anyworkinvolvingtheuseorhandlingofantimony,itscompoundsormaterialscontainingantimonyandanywork compounds involvingexposuretothedustandgasesofantimonyorofitscompounds. Poisoningbyphosphorousand Anyworkinvolvingtheuseofhandlingofphosphorus,itscompoundsormaterialscontainingphosphorousandany itscompounds workinvolvingexposuretothedustofgasesofphosphorusorofitscompoundsormaterialscontainingphosphorus. Poisoningbypetroleum,its derivatives,compoundsand byproducts Poisoningbymanganeseand itscompounds Poisoningbysulphurandits compounds Anyworkinvolvingthehandlingoruseofpetroleum,itsderivativesandcompoundsandanyworkinvolvingexposure totheirdustorgases. Anyworkinvolvingtheuseorhandlingofmanganese,itscompoundsormaterialscontainingmanganese,andany workinvolvingexposuretothegasesordustofmanganeseorofitscompoundsandanyproductscontaining manganese. Anyworkinvolvingtheuseorhandlingofsulphur,itscompoundsormaterialscontainingsulphur,andanywork involvingexposurestogasesordustofsulphuroritscompoundsalloys.

7 8 9 10 11

Poisoningbypetroleum,itsby Anyworkinvolvingthehandlingoruseofpetroleum,itsgasesorbyproductsandanyworkinvolvingexposureto productsandcompounds. suchsubstances,whetherinsolid,liquidorgasstate. Poisoningbychloroformor carbontetrachloride Diseasesresultingfrom radium,radioactive substances(Xray) Chronicdiseasesoftheskin andburnsoftheskinandthe eyes. Injuriesoftheeyesbyheat andlightandtheir complications. Lungdiseasesresultingfrom silicadust,asbestosand cottondust. Anthrax Glanders Tuberculosis Entericfever Anyworkinvolvingtheuseorhandlingofchloroformorcarbontetrachlorideandbyworkinvolvingexposuretotheir gases,ortoanygasescontainingsuchsubstance. AnyworkinvolvingexposuretoradiumortoanyradioactivematerialsorXray Anyworkinvolvingtheuseorhandlingofortransferoftarcarbon,tarmachines,mineraloil,keroseneorcementor flourandsimilarmaterialssuchasdustandthecomponentsandbyproductsordepositsofsuchitems. Anyworkinvolvingfrequentorcontinuedexposuretolight,heatorraysfrommoltenglassorfromheatedormelted metals,orexposuretostronglightandintenseheataswouldresultindamagetotheeyeorimpairmentofsight. Anyworkinvolvingexposuretoanewlygenerateddustofsilicaorsubstancescontainingmorethan5%ofsilicasuch asmining,quarrying,stonecuttingorgrinding,workinginastonecementfactory,glassingmetalswithsandorany otheractivityinvolved. Anyworkinvolvingcontactwithanimalsinfectedwiththisdisease,orwiththeirskinsoranimalsinfectedwithsouffl ortheirhornsandfleece. Allworksinvolvingcontactswithanimalsinfectedwiththisdisease. Workathospitalsforthetreatmentofthisdisease. Workathospitalsspecializedinthetreatmentofthisfever.

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XX.PERMANENTDISABILITYRATING
DEGREEOF DISABILITY PERMANENT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 PARTIAL 8 9 10 11 Lossofbothlegsfromthetop Lossofhandsfromtheelboworabove Severedeformationoftheface Lossofbothhandsfromtheelbow 90 85 80 70 Lossofbotharmsfromtheshouldersandlossofanytwoormorelimbs Completelossofsightinbotheyesorlossoftwoeyes Completeparalysis Dementiaorcompletementalderangement Woundsandinjuriestotheheadorbrainwhichcausecontinuousheadache Completedeformationoftheface Injuriesandwoundstothechestandinternalorganswhichcauseacontinuousandcompletedeficiencyinthe functionoftheseorgans. 100 100 100 100 10 100 100 NATUREOFPERMANENTDISABILITY PERCENTAGE

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Completelossoftherightarmfromthejointofshoulderorfromtheelbow Lossofbothlegsfromthekneesorabove Completelossoftheleftarmfromthejointofshoulderorfromtheelbow Lossofonelegfromthekneeorabove Lossoftherightarmfromtheelboworbelow Lossofonelegfromabove Lossofbothlegsfrombelowtheknee Lossofallthefingersoftherighthandincludingthethumb Lossoftheleftarmfromaboveorbelowtheelbow Lossofthefingersofthelefthandincludingthethumb. Lossofonelegbelowtheknee. Completeandpermanentdeafness Completelossofthetongueorpermanentdumbness Lossofbothfeetfromtheheelorbelowtheheel. Lossofthesexualorgan Lossofsightinoneeye. Lossoftherighthandfromthewrist. Lossofthethumborfourfingersoftherighthand. Lossofthelefthandfromthewrist. Lossofthethumborfourfingersfromthelefthand. Lossoftheonefootfromtheheelorbelowtheheel Lossofalltoesinonefootincludingthebigtoe Lossofthreefingersoftherighthandexcludingthethumb. Lossoftherightindexfinger. Lossofthedistalphalanxoftherightthumb. Lossoftheleftindexfinger Lossofthreefingersexcludingthethumb Lossofalltoesinafootexcludingthebigtoe Lossofthebigtoe. Lossofthedistalphalanxoftheleftbigtoe Lossofthemiddlefingerintherighthand. Lossofthemiddlefingerinthelefthand. Lossoftheringfingerintherighthand Lossoftheringfingerinthelefthand Lossofthelittlefingerintherighthand. Lossofanyfingerinthelefthand Lossofthedistalphalanxofanyfingerexcludingthethumb. Lossofthesecondphalanxoftheindexfingerintherighthand Lossoftoesofthefootexcludingthebigone Lossofonemolartooth Lossofacaninetooth. 70 70 60 60 60 60 60 60 50 50 50 50 45 45 45 45 38 35 34 25 20 20 20 15 10 10 10 10 10 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 3 2

1. Apermanenttotaldisabilityinthefunctionsofanyorganorpartofthebodyshallbeconsideredasacompletelosstothatpartororgan. 2. Iftheinjuredpersonwaslefthanded,allcompensationforinjuriesofthelefthandshallbeconsideredasiftheywerefortherighthand. 3. Inthecaseofdeformationorunnaturalchangetoanyorganorpartofthebodyoranyofthesensesnotmentionedinthelist,therateofdisability

shallbeestimatedbytheMedicalBoardprovidedinArticle(148)ofthislawwhichshalltakeintoconsiderationsimilarcasesinthelist.

XXI.TERMOFDISTRIBUTIONOFDEATHCOMPENSATIONAMONGMEMBERSOFTHEDECEASEDEMPLOYEE'S FAMILY
Ifthewidow(orwidower),liveswiththeparentsandoffspringwhoweresupportedbythedeceased,thecompensationshallbedividedasfollows: 1.Thewidow(orwidower)shalltakeoneeighthandiftherearemorethanonewidow(orwidower),theoneeighthshallbedividedequallyamongthem,the parentsshalltakeonethirddividedequallybetweenthem,butifeitheroftheparentsisdeadthenthemothershalltakeonesixth,andthefathershalltake onethirdandtherestfortheoffspring.Iftherearenochildren,thewidow(orwidower)shalltaketwothirdsofthecompensation(tobedividedequallyamong themiftherearemorethanone)andthefathershalltaketheremainder.Incaseswherebothparentsarelivingtheyshallsharethatremainderequally.If bothparentsaredead,thewidow(orwidower)shallhaveoneeighthofthecompensation(tobedividedequallyamongthemiftherearemorethanone widow)andtheoffspringshallgetwhateverremains.Incaseswheretherearenochildrenandnolivingparent,thewidow(orwidower)shalltakethewhole compensation.Iftherearemorethanonewidow,thecompensationshallbedividedequallyamongthem. 2.Ifthereexistsoneorbothoftheparentsandachildwhoweresupportedbyadeceasedemployeewholeftbehindnowidow,thechildshalltaketwothirds andtheremainingthirdshallgototheparentorparents,whotakeequalshares. 3.Intheabsenceofawidow(orwidower),parents,brothersandsisters,thecompensationshallbedistributedequallyamongthechildrenofthedeceased. Ifthereisonlyonechild,heshallbepaidthewholecompensation. 4.Ifthereareonlyparents,whowereunderhiscare,intheabsenceofawidow(orwidower)andchildren,thecompensationshallbedividedequallybetween

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theparents.Ifthereisonlyone,heorsheshalltakethewholecompensation.Brothersandsisterswhoweresupportedbytheemployeeatthetimeofhis deathshallbetreatedintheabsenceofparentsasparents.

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