Know your rights: UAE labour laws explained for Pakistani workers
Dubai Consulate stresses equality, fair pay and safe workplaces for all employees
DUBAI – Pakistani workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been given a comprehensive awareness guide on their rights and responsibilities under UAE labour laws.
The initiative was launched through a video message by Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, aiming to ensure that workers are fully informed of employment rules, workplace protections and legal safeguards.
The video, prepared specifically for overseas Pakistanis, covers work permits, contracts, working hours, wages, leave entitlements and procedures for filing complaints.
What are the rights?
The guide stresses that the UAE labour laws protect all employees equally, regardless of race, religion, gender or nationality. Men and women must receive equal pay for the same job, and women cannot be dismissed due to pregnancy or maternity leave.
Employment officially begins only once a work permit is issued, and every worker must have one. Importantly, the cost of visas and work permits is the responsibility of the employer, not the employee.
Contracts are generally for two years and must be signed by both employer and worker. Employees are advised to keep a copy of their contract at all times. Probation periods may last up to six months. During probation, employers must give 14 days’ notice to terminate employment, while employees must give 30 days’ notice if they wish to leave. Quitting without notice can result in a one-year work ban.
How are hours regulated?
The standard working week in the UAE is 48 hours, with daily duty capped at eight hours. After five consecutive hours, a break is mandatory. Employees are entitled to at least one rest day per week. During Ramadan, Muslim workers’ daily hours are reduced to six. Overtime pay is 25 percent extra for regular hours, and 50 percent extra for night shifts or work on rest days.
Timely payment of wages is compulsory, with salaries directly transferred into employees’ bank accounts. Employers are prohibited from making arbitrary deductions.
When can leave be taken?
Annual leave entitlement begins after one year of service, with 30 days of paid leave. Sick leave can extend up to 90 days per year – the first 15 days fully paid, followed by reduced pay. Maternity leave is set at 60 days, while fathers receive five days of paternity leave. Workers are also allowed three to five days of compassionate leave for family bereavements.
Gratuity payments depend on the duration of service. Employees serving between one and five years receive 21 days of basic salary per year of service, while those working beyond five years are entitled to 30 days per year. Workers with less than one year of service do not qualify for gratuity.
What are employer duties?
Employers are not permitted to keep workers’ passports. They must provide health insurance, suitable accommodation and return air tickets upon the completion of employment.
Employees, on their part, must not work elsewhere without permission and must adhere to honesty, discipline and contract conditions.
Where to file complaints?
If an employer fails to pay wages, withholds gratuity, or keeps a passport, workers may approach a Tasheel Centre. Cases unresolved at this stage are referred to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), which attempts reconciliation between employer and employee. If the matter still remains unsettled, the case moves to the labour court.
Workers can also contact the helpline number 80084, available in 18 languages, for immediate assistance.