Overview of UAE Labour Regulations
Employment in the UAE private sector is regulated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 regarding the Regulation of Labour Relations and its executive regulations (Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022).
The law applies to all private sector employees in the UAE (mainland and commercial free zones, excluding DIFC and ADGM which have their own employment codes).
Employment Contracts (Fixed-Term Only)
Under Decree-Law 33 of 2021, all unlimited-term employment contracts have been phased out. Employees must hold fixed-term contracts (typically 2 to 3 years, renewable).
| Provision / Area | Legal Rule & Details |
|---|---|
| Contract Type | Fixed-term contracts only (renewable by mutual consent) |
| Probation Period | Maximum 6 months. Employer must give 14 days notice to terminate during probation |
| Resignation in Probation | Employee leaving UAE must give 14 days notice; if joining another UAE employer, 30 days notice |
| Illegal Charges | Strictly prohibited for employers to charge recruitment or visa processing fees to workers |
Key Employee Rights
- 🚫 Anti-Discrimination: Equality in employment regardless of race, gender, or religion
- 💵 Equal Pay: Women must receive equal pay for equal work of equal value
- 📄 Contract Copy: Employer must provide official MoHRE contract before work starts
- 🛂 Passport Protection: Strict ban on employer holding employee passport
- ⚖️ Dispute Resolution: Free filing via MoHRE app or call 600 590 000
Employer Non-Compliance Fines
| Charging recruitment fees to worker | AED 10,000–50,000 |
| Withholding worker passport | AED 10,000–20,000 |
| Failing to pay wages via WPS | Suspension + Fines |
| Employing illegal / unregistered worker | AED 50,000–200,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
The UAE Labor Law is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. It introduced fixed-term employment contracts, banned recruitment fee charging to employees, mandated equal pay, and updated gratuity and leave rules.
Gratuity is based on the last basic salary: 21 days basic salary per year for the first 5 years of service, and 30 days basic salary per year for each year thereafter, capped at 2 years' total basic salary.
Under Article 9, the maximum probation period is 6 months. An employer cannot place an employee on probation more than once.
🧮 MoHRE End of Service Gratuity Calculator →📄 Probation & Resignation Notice Rules →⏱️ Overtime & Working Hours Calculator →
MoHRE Verified
• Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE): mohre.gov.ae
• MoHRE Labor Helpline: 600 590 000