United Arab Emirates updates
Employment & Benefits
Contributed by Pinsent MasonsNew DIFC Employment Law – everything you need to know
- United Arab Emirates
- 17 July 2019
The new Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Employment Law has now been published and will come into force on 28 August 2019. This article discusses what this means for employers in the DIFC and the impact of the key changes being introduced. DIFC employers should familiarise themselves with the new law and ensure that their employment contracts, policies and business practices are in line with the new regime.
Redundancy and restructuring overview
- United Arab Emirates
- 08 May 2019
Redundancy is a sensitive and challenging topic in any jurisdiction. For companies operating in the United Arab Emirates, the issue is particularly complex as the UAE Labour Law does not set out any express statutory definition of 'redundancy' or 'redundancy procedure'. A company which fails to engage in a reasonable process or retain sufficient evidence to support a dismissal will always face an element of risk.
Labour law modernisation efforts continue
- United Arab Emirates
- 20 March 2019
After a busy 12 months for the development of labour laws in the United Arab Emirates, the authorities look set to continue to focus on modernisation efforts in 2019. The reforms focus on, among other things, employment law, gender equality and multiculturalism, with the authorities announcing 2019 as the 'Year of Tolerance'.
Labour Law – recap of 2018 and look ahead at 'Year of Tolerance'
- United Arab Emirates
- 20 February 2019
The UAE authorities have been focusing on the development and modernisation of the employment law landscape over the past 12 months and look set to continue to do so in 2019. Of particular note is that 2019 has been declared the 'Year of Tolerance', with a particular focus on establishing the United Arab Emirates as a global reference point for a tolerant culture. Further, the authorities are expected to continue to consult on legislation to support women in the workplace in the short to medium term.
Abu Dhabi launches fast-track labour disputes court
- United Arab Emirates
- 06 February 2019
In collaboration with the courts, the Abu Dhabi Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation recently launched a summary court to complement the One Day Labour Court. The new court is designed to speed up the process of litigating labour-related matters, including issues relating to the return of a passport or an emirates ID card, health insurance, accommodation and the cancellation of work visas. However, this fast-track system is designed to consider straightforward disputes only.
Immigration
Private companies can grant work permits to men sponsored by their families
Pinsent Masons- United Arab Emirates
- 04 October 2019
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation recently announced that private companies in the United Arab Emirates may now employ men who have been sponsored by their families on a dependant visa. The ministry has already begun issuing two-year work permits to eligible men sponsored by their families according to the announcement. Until now, only women sponsored by their families were entitled to work. Men were entitled to a work permit only if covered by their employer's visa allocation.
