Here are 7 common U.A.E Labour Law mistakes and how to avoid them

 1) Not having a written employment contract: An employment contract is a legally binding document that outlines the terms of employment between an employer and an employee. It is important to have a written employment contract in place to protect both the employer and the employee. The contract should include information such as the employee's job title, salary, working hours, and benefits. It should also include a termination clause that outlines the process for terminating the employment relationship.

 2) Not registering the employment contract with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation: All employment contracts in the UAE must be registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). This is a legal requirement and failure to do so could result in penalties for the employer. The registration process is simple and can be done online.
3) Not paying the minimum wage: The UAE has a minimum wage that all employers must pay their employees. The minimum wage varies depending on the employee's nationality and skill level. Employers who fail to pay the minimum wage could be fined by MOHRE.
4) Not providing annual leave: All employees in the UAE are entitled to annual leave. The amount of annual leave an employee is entitled to depends on their length of service. Employees who are not given annual leave could file a complaint with MOHRE.
 5) Not providing health insurance: All employers in the UAE are required to provide health insurance for their employees. The health insurance must cover the employee's medical expenses, including hospitalization and surgery. Employers who fail to provide health insurance could be fined by MOHRE.
 6) Not terminating employment in accordance with the law: There are specific procedures that must be followed when terminating an employee's employment in the UAE. Employers who fail to follow these procedures could be liable to pay the employee compensation.
 7) Retaliating against an employee who exercises their rights: Employees in the UAE have certain rights, such as the right to join a union and the right to collective bargaining. Employers who retaliate against an employee who exercises their rights could be fined by MOHRE.

Here are some tips on how to avoid these mistakes:

•     Consult with an employment lawyer: An employment lawyer can help you understand your rights and obligations under UAE labour law. They can also help you draft an employment contract and register it with MOHRE.
•     Stay up-to-date on labour law changes: Labour law in the UAE is constantly changing. It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest changes so that you can comply with the law. You can do this by subscribing to newsletters or blogs that cover UAE labour law, or by attending seminars or workshops.
•     Be transparent with your employees: Employees appreciate it when employers are transparent about their policies and procedures. This includes being clear about the terms of employment, such as the salary, working hours, and benefits. It also includes being open about the process for terminating employment.
•     Create a positive work environment: Employees are more likely to follow the rules and regulations if they feel valued and respected. Employers can create a positive work environment by providing opportunities for training and development, by listening to employee concerns, and by resolving disputes fairly and promptly.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you are complying with UAE labour law and avoiding common mistakes.

How to sponsor parents by a resident in The U.A.E

A parent visa in the UAE allows a UAE resident to sponsor their parents to live in the country. The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed annually. The sponsor must meet certain requirements in order to be eligible to sponsor their parents, including:

•     Having a valid UAE residence visa.
•     Having a minimum monthly salary of AED 10,000.Previously the minimum salary required AED 20,000/
•     Providing proof of accommodation that is at least two bedrooms in size.
•     Providing a medical fitness certificate for their parents.

The application process for a parent visa in the UAE is as follows:

•     Gather the required documents, including:
•      Passport copies of the sponsor and their parents.
•      Consanguinity certificate (proof of relationship).
•      Proof of accommodation.
•      Medical fitness certificate.
•     Submit the application to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) in the sponsor's emirate.
•     Pay the application fees.
•     Wait for the application to be processed.

The cost of a parent visa in the UAE is AED 3,180 (USD 865.78). This includes the visa fee, the medical fitness certificate fee, and the processing fee.
The validity of a parent visa in the UAE is one year. The visa can be renewed annually for a fee.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about parent visas in the UAE:

•     The sponsor must be a UAE resident and must have a valid UAE residence visa.
•     The parents must be the sponsor's biological parents or step-parents.
•     The parents must be of sound mind and body.
•     The parents must not have any criminal record.

If you are interested in sponsoring your parents to live in the UAE, you should contact the GDRFA in your emirate for more information.

Document Notarization and its legal Importance in the UAE

 Document notarization is a legal process in which a public notary witnesses the signing of a document and attests to the authenticity of the signatures. This is done to prevent fraud and to ensure that the document is legally valid.

In the UAE, document notarization is important for a number of reasons. First, it is required for many legal documents, such as wills, powers of attorney, and contracts. Second, it can help to prevent fraud, as the notary will verify the identity of the signatories and the authenticity of their signatures. Third, it can make documents more legally enforceable, as they will be considered to be more reliable and credible.
There are a number of different types of documents that can be notarized in the UAE. These include:

•     Wills
•     Powers of attorney
•     Contracts
•     Deeds
•     Affidavits
•     Declarations
•     Statements

To have a document notarized in the UAE, you will need to go to a public notary. Public notaries are appointed by the government and are legally authorized to notarize documents. You can find a list of public notaries in the UAE on the website of the Ministry of Justice.

The cost of having a document notarized in the UAE varies depending on the type of document and the notary. However, it typically costs between AED 100 and AED 500.

If you need to have a document notarized in the UAE, it is important to do your research and choose a reputable notary. You should also make sure that the document is properly prepared and that all of the required information is included.

Here are some of the legal importance of document notarization in the UAE:

    Prevents fraud. Notarization helps to prevent fraud by ensuring that the signatures on a document are authentic. This is important for legal documents, such as wills and contracts, as it helps to ensure that the document is valid and enforceable.
    Makes documents more legally enforceable. Notarized documents are considered to be more reliable and credible than unsigned documents. This is because the notary has verified the identity of the signatories and the authenticity of their signatures. As a result, notarized documents are more likely to be accepted by courts and other government agencies.
    Provides peace of mind. Having a document notarized can provide peace of mind knowing that the document is legally valid and enforceable. This is especially important for important documents, such as wills and powers of attorney.

If you need to have a document notarized in the UAE, I recommend that you contact a reputable notary. They will be able to help you ensure that the document is properly prepared and that the notarization process is completed correctly.

Unemployment insurance registration time extended in the U.A.E

 The UAE government has extended the deadline for registration for the unemployment insurance scheme. The new deadline is September 30, 2023. This means that all employees in the UAE, including those who were employed before February 28, 2023, have until September 30 to register for the scheme.

The unemployment insurance scheme is a mandatory scheme that is designed to provide financial assistance to employees who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. The scheme provides a monthly benefit for up to three months, and the benefit amount is based on the employee's salary and length of service.

To register for the unemployment insurance scheme, employees can visit the website of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). Employees can also register for the scheme through their employer.

The following are the steps on how to register for the unemployment insurance scheme:

•     Go to the MoHRE website and click on the "Unemployment Insurance" tab.
•     Click on the "Register" button.
•     Enter your personal information, including your name, passport number, Emirates ID number, and date of birth.
•     Enter your employment information, including your employer's name, address, and contact information.
•     Enter your salary information.
•     Click on the "Submit" button.

Once you have registered for the unemployment insurance scheme, you will be able to start making contributions. The contribution rate is 2% of your salary. Your employer will deduct the contribution from your salary and remit it to the MoHRE.

If you lose your job, you can apply for benefits from the unemployment insurance scheme. To apply for benefits, you must file a claim with the MoHRE within 30 days of losing your job. You will need to provide the MoHRE with proof of your employment, your termination letter, and your bank account information.

The unemployment insurance scheme is a valuable safety net for employees in the UAE. If you are employed in the UAE, I encourage you to register for the scheme.

Three-month visit visa re- inroduced in the U.A.E

 The UAE has reintroduced a 3-month visit visa, allowing visitors to stay in the country for up to 90 days. The visa can be extended within the country at an additional cost based on the service provider.

The visa is available to citizens of most countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. To apply for the visa, visitors must have a valid passport and a return ticket. They can apply for the visa at any UAE embassy or consulate, or online through the UAE's official website.

The reintroduction of the 3-month visit visa is a welcome development for tourists and business travelers. It will make it easier for people to visit the UAE for short-term stays.

Here are some of the benefits of the new visa:

    It allows visitors to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days, which is longer than the previous 60-day visa.
    It can be extended within the country, which gives visitors more flexibility if they need to stay longer.
    It is available to citizens of most countries, which makes it easier for people to visit the UAE.

If you are planning to visit the UAE, I recommend applying for the new 3-month visit visa. It will make your trip easier and more enjoyable.

Three-day weekend in the U.A.E effective from July first 2023 to Federal Govt employees

 The UAE government has announced that federal government employees will be able to opt for a three-day weekend starting July 1, 2023. The new work pattern is part of a broader effort to improve work-life balance and productivity in the public sector.

Under the new system, employees will be able to work 10 hours a day, four days a week. This will give them a three-day weekend, from Friday to Sunday. Employees who choose to work this compressed workweek will be able to do so without any loss of pay.

The new work pattern is voluntary, and employees will be able to choose whether or not to participate. However, the government is encouraging employees to take advantage of the opportunity, as it is seen as a way to improve work-life balance and productivity.

The UAE is not the first country to introduce a four-day workweek. Iceland, for example, has been running a trial of a four-day workweek since 2017, and the results have been positive. Employees have reported feeling less stressed and more productive, and the country's economy has not suffered as a result.

It remains to be seen whether the UAE's new work pattern will be as successful as Iceland's. However, the government is confident that it will be a positive change for the public sector.

In addition to the new work pattern, the UAE government has also announced a number of other measures to improve work-life balance in the public sector. These include:

•     Increased flexibility for employees to work from home.
•     Increased opportunities for employees to take parental leave and other types of leave.
•     Improved health and wellness programs for employees.

The UAE government is committed to creating a more attractive and productive work environment for its public sector employees. The new work pattern and other measures are part of this effort.

How new corporate tax effect Free Zone companies in the U.A.E

The corporate tax in the UAE will affect free zone companies in the following ways:

  Qualifying income: Free zone companies that earn qualifying income will be taxed at 0%. Qualifying income is defined as income derived from activities carried out in the free zone, such as manufacturing, trading, and providing services.
  Non-qualifying income: Free zone companies that earn non-qualifying income will be taxed at 9%. Non-qualifying income is defined as income derived from activities carried out outside of the free zone, such as selling goods or services to mainland customers.
    Small business relief: Free zone companies with gross revenue of less than Dh3 million per year may be eligible for small business relief, which means they will not be taxed on their non-qualifying income.

The corporate tax will have a mixed impact on free zone companies. On the one hand, it will increase the cost of doing business for companies that earn non-qualifying income. On the other hand, it will reduce the cost of doing business for companies that earn only qualifying income. The overall impact of the corporate tax on free zone companies will depend on their specific circumstances.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the corporate tax and its impact on free zone companies in the UAE:

1.     The corporate tax is a new law, and there is still some uncertainty about how it will be implemented.
2.     The tax authorities have the discretion to interpret the law in a way that could be unfavorable to free zone companies.
3.     Free zone companies should carefully review their business activities to determine whether they are earning qualifying income or non-qualifying income.
4.     Free zone companies should consult with a tax advisor to understand their specific tax obligations under the new law.
   

New Changes in UK Visa rules for the Citizens of Arab Countries

 The UK government has announced a number of changes to its visa rules for citizens of Arab countries. These changes will come into effect on 1 January 2023.

Under the new rules, citizens of the following Arab countries will be eligible for visa-free travel to the UK for up to 6 months:

    UAE
    Saudi Arabia
    Qatar
    Kuwait
    Bahrain
    Oman
    Jordan

Citizens of these countries will still need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travelling to the UK. The ETA is a free online application that can be completed in minutes.

The UK government has said that the new rules are part of its commitment to "building a global Britain" and "making it easier for people from all over the world to visit the UK."

The changes have been welcomed by some businesses and tourism groups, who say they will make it easier for people from Arab countries to visit the UK. However, some security experts have raised concerns that the new rules could make it easier for terrorists to travel to the UK.

The UK government has said that it has taken steps to mitigate these concerns, such as requiring all ETA applicants to provide their passport information and travel history.

The new rules will be reviewed after 12 months to assess their impact.

Here are some of the key changes to the UK visa rules for citizens of Arab countries:

    Visa-free travel for up to 6 months for citizens of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Jordan.
    Requirement to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling to the UK.
    Free online application for ETA.
    Review of the new rules after 12 months.

The new rules are part of the UK government's commitment to "building a global Britain" and "making it easier for people from all over the world to visit the UK."

Types of work arrangements available in the U.A.E

 There are a variety of work arrangements available in the UAE, including:

    Full-time: This is the most common type of work arrangement, and it involves working a set number of hours per week, typically 40 hours. Full-time employees are typically entitled to benefits such as health insurance, paid leave, and retirement plans.

    Part-time: Part-time work arrangements involve working fewer hours per week than full-time employees. Part-time employees may be entitled to some benefits, such as paid leave, but they are typically not entitled to the same level of benefits as full-time employees.
    Temporary: Temporary work arrangements are typically for a specific period of time, such as a few months or a year. Temporary employees may be entitled to some benefits, such as paid leave, but they are typically not entitled to the same level of benefits as permanent employees.
    Freelance: Freelance work arrangements involve working on a project-by-project basis. Freelancers are typically self-employed and are responsible for finding their own work and managing their own finances.
    Remote: Remote work arrangements involve working from home or from a remote location. Remote employees typically have the same level of responsibilities as in-office employees, but they are able to work from anywhere with an internet connection.

The type of work arrangement that is right for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a stable job with benefits, then full-time work may be the right choice for you. If you are looking for flexibility and the ability to work from home, then a remote work arrangement may be a better fit. If you are looking for a temporary job to gain experience or to supplement your income, then a temporary work arrangement may be a good option. And if you are looking for the freedom to work on your own terms and to set your own hours, then freelance work may be the right choice for you.

No matter what type of work arrangement you choose, it is important to make sure that you understand the terms of your employment contract. Your contract should clearly state your job title, responsibilities, salary, benefits, and termination procedures. It is also important to make sure that you are familiar with the laws governing employment in the UAE. The UAE has a comprehensive labor law that protects the rights of employees. If you have any questions about your employment contract or the UAE labor law, you should consult with an employment lawyer.

Important changes in the U.A.E Labour law in 2023

The UAE Labour Law was amended in February 2022, introducing a number of changes to the employment landscape in the country. Some of the key changes in the law for you to consider

  The introduction of fixed-term contracts: All employees in the private sector are now required to be employed on fixed-term contracts, with a maximum duration of three years. This change was made in an effort to increase flexibility for employers and to reduce the number of cases of unfair dismissal.
  The removal of the no-objection certificate (NOC) requirement: Under the old law, employees were required to obtain a NOC from their employer before they could leave their job. This requirement has now been removed, making it easier for employees to switch jobs.
  The introduction of a new grievance procedure: Employees are now entitled to raise a grievance with their employer if they believe that they have been treated unfairly. The new grievance procedure is designed to be more accessible and transparent than the previous system.
  The increase in the minimum wage: The minimum wage for employees in the private sector has been increased from AED 3,000 to AED 4,000 per month. This change was made in an effort to improve the lives of low-income workers.

These are just some of the key changes that have been introduced to the UAE Labour Law in 2022. If you are an employee or employer in the UAE, it is important to familiarize yourself with these changes so that you can ensure that you are compliant with the law.

In addition to the above, the UAE government has also introduced a number of other changes to the labor market in recent months, including:

  The introduction of a four-and-a-half day working week: The UAE government has announced that the working week in the public sector will be reduced from 5 to 4.5 days, starting from January 1, 2023. This change is expected to be extended to the private sector in the near future.

 The introduction of a compulsory unemployment insurance scheme: The UAE government has also announced the introduction of a compulsory unemployment insurance scheme, which will come into effect on January 1, 2023. This scheme will provide financial support to employees who lose their jobs.

These changes are part of a broader effort by the UAE government to improve the working conditions and opportunities for its citizens and residents.