Employee Rights in UAE
10 min read • Updated December 2025
Know your rights as an employee in the UAE. From annual leave and working hours to termination rules and how to file complaints.
UAE Labor Law Basics
2022 Labor Law Changes
The UAE introduced significant labor reforms in February 2022 that strengthened employee rights:
- No NOC required: You can change jobs freely after notice period
- Flexible work: Part-time, remote, and compressed work weeks allowed
- Equal pay: Gender pay discrimination explicitly prohibited
- Anti-harassment: Sexual harassment and bullying explicitly banned
- Unlimited contracts default: Simpler resignation rules for most workers
Key Entitlements
What you're legally entitled to as an employee in UAE.
| Right | Entitlement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Leave | 30 days | After 1 year of service |
| Sick Leave | 90 days | Full pay first 15, half next 30, unpaid last 45 |
| Maternity Leave | 60 days | 45 full pay + 15 half pay |
| Paternity Leave | 5 days | Within first 6 months of birth |
| Notice Period | 30-90 days | Per contract, max 3 months |
| Gratuity | 21-30 days/year | End of service benefit |
Working Hours
Standard hours and overtime rules.
| Sector | Daily Hours | Weekly | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Sector | 8 hrs/day | 48 hrs/week | Standard |
| During Ramadan | 6 hrs/day | Reduced | For Muslims |
| Hazardous Work | 7 hrs/day | Reduced | Special provisions |
| Overtime | +25-50% | Additional pay | Must be compensated |
Overtime Rules
- •Regular overtime: +25% of hourly wage
- •Night overtime (9pm-4am): +50% of hourly wage
- •Maximum overtime: 2 hours per day
- •Friday work: Day off in lieu or +50% pay
What Employers Cannot Do
Actions that are prohibited under UAE labor law.
Your employer cannot confiscate your passport. This is illegal in the UAE.
- You must have access to your passport at all times
- Employers sometimes request it for visa processing but must return it
- If your passport is held, file a complaint with MOHRE
Employers must pay wages on time via the Wage Protection System (WPS).
- Salaries must be paid within deadlines set by MOHRE
- Late payment can result in employer penalties
- You can file complaints for unpaid wages
- WPS tracks payments electronically
UAE law prohibits workplace discrimination based on:
- Gender, race, color, religion, nationality
- Disability or social origin
- Equal pay for equal work regardless of gender
- Sexual harassment is explicitly prohibited
UAE law strictly prohibits:
- Forcing employees to work against their will
- Using threats or coercion
- Restricting freedom of movement
- Charging recruitment fees to workers
Termination Rules
How employment can be ended under UAE law.
| Type | Process | Notice Period |
|---|---|---|
| Resignation | Written notice as per contract | 30-90 days |
| Termination | Written notice with reason | 30-90 days |
| Probation Termination | Either party, written notice | 14 days |
| Immediate Termination | Gross misconduct (Article 44) | None required |
| Redundancy | Business closure or downsizing | Per contract |
Employers can terminate immediately without notice for serious misconduct including: fraud, violence, revealing confidential information, repeated absence without cause, or being under the influence at work. Such termination may affect gratuity rights. You can dispute unfair claims at MOHRE.
How to File a Complaint
MOHRE Complaint Process
- 1Document everything (contracts, messages, pay slips)
- 2Try to resolve directly with employer first
- 3File complaint via MOHRE app or Tasheel center
- 4Attend mediation session at MOHRE
- 5If unresolved, case goes to labor court
Contact Information
- 📱MOHRE App: Available on iOS and Android
- 📞Hotline: 800 60
- 🌐Website: mohre.gov.ae
- 🏢In person: Visit any Tasheel center
For DIFC employees, complaints go to DIFC Courts instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about employee rights in UAE.
Yes. Since the 2022 labor law changes, you don't need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer to change jobs. You can resign, serve your notice period, and join a new employer. Your new employer sponsors your visa transfer. The old "labor ban" system has been largely abolished.
When terminated, you're entitled to:
- Notice period: As per contract (or pay in lieu)
- Gratuity: Full entitlement based on service
- Unused leave: Cash payment for accrued days
- Repatriation: Employer covers flight home
- Job search grace period: Time to find new work or exit
Termination for gross misconduct may affect gratuity entitlement.
The process for filing a complaint with MOHRE:
- Try to resolve with employer first (document everything)
- File complaint through MOHRE app, website, or Tasheel center
- MOHRE mediates between you and employer
- If unresolved, case referred to labor court
- Legal proceedings may take 2-6 months
Keep all documentation: contracts, pay slips, messages, etc.
During probation (maximum 6 months), either party can terminate with 14 days written notice. You can also terminate immediately if leaving UAE (must notify employer at least 14 days before). Probation employees accrue annual leave but may not be able to use it until passing probation. Gratuity calculation includes probation period if you stay past 1 year.
Your employer cannot unilaterally change fundamental contract terms like your job role, location, or salary without your consent. Minor changes to duties within your role are generally acceptable. If asked to relocate or take a different role, you can negotiate or refuse. Significant changes without consent could constitute constructive dismissal.
Employers must pay final settlement (including gratuity, unused leave, pending salary) within 14 days of your last working day. If they don't pay, file a complaint with MOHRE. Late payments can result in fines for the employer. If your case goes to labor court, the court typically rules in favor of documented claims.
Know Your Worth
Understanding your rights is the first step. Make sure you're being paid fairly for your work in Dubai.
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