uae labour card processing time

The region did not begin seeing returns from the oil industry until 1962 when Abu Dhabi exported their first cargo of crude oil. Previously, groups who have declared their true religion on government applications have had their residence permits and visa applications rejected, forcing them to leave the country. A Free Zone Establishment (FZE) is a limited liability company operating within the Free Zones. Federal Law No. In addition to the work permit, the employee will receive an Emirates ID card, which is useful for everyday identification purposes (rather than carrying a passport). Once finalized, a work permit is typically valid for two years. In accordance with Muslim culture, large and close-knit Emirati families are encouraged by the UAE and can be indicative of an individual’s social standing within the community. Additionally, some labor industries and employment situations are exempt from the employment ban, including UAE nationals, expatriates switching to government jobs, those working for an oil company, and some skilled laborers. Abu Dhabi strictly enforces the sponsored medical insurance system, with the Abu Dhabi Health Authority fining companies 300 AED per employee to establishments that do not comply with the mandatory coverage. When sitting, one must also be careful not to cross their legs since it is considered an insult to point your feet at another person in the room or to show the soles of your shoes. Exemptions from the Law are stated as follows: In the event that an employer cannot find suitable national workers, employment preference shall be given to workers from a country that is an Arab State before workers holding other nationalities. Additionally, due to government social security payments, many Emirati would prefer to remain unemployed rather than work a menial job. It is estimated that the number of international students studying in the UAE’s higher education institutions is over 42,000, with 72% of them originating from surrounding Middle Eastern countries. Despite this, there is still a wide variety of expatriate positions available in the UAE with multiple avenues for securing such employment including: The employment rights and duties of the UAE can differ substantially to that of one’s country of origin. Additionally, census figures do not include the “temporary” visitors and workers residing in the UAE so actual figures may differ. The system, however, does not apply to domestic workers. The government, referred to as a federal presidential elected monarchy, elects one of the seven absolute monarchs (each representing one of the seven Emirates) who comprise the Federal Supreme Council (FSC) to rule as the president of the country. 1 of 2015 amending some provisions of Federal Law No. The Federal Judiciary includes the Federal Supreme Court of Abu Dhabi, which consists of five judges and a president of the Supreme Court appointed by the Federal Supreme Council, the Court of Appeals, and the Courts of First Instance for each emirate. Portuguese annexation of Julfar in 1515 was met with bloody conflict and European taxation of the Gulf’s trade with India and the Far East. Using a recruitment agency. Unless there are extreme circumstances which have occurred, overtime should not exceed two hours per day. Since 1994, the UAE has been a party to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), as well as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since 1996, both regulating international trade. 589 of 2007, dated 17 September 2007. Otherwise, the approval should be granted. After the probation period (three months working) has been completed the employee receives 90 days of continuous or intermittent sick days. There are two options to enter the country and begin the work permit process. CPP Investments says Mark Machin tendered his resignation to the board Thursday night. While it is common for men to shake hands, a man should not shake hands with a businesswoman unless she offers her hand first. Working females are entitled to 45 days of full pay for maternity leave provided that she has served continuously for at least one year. In addition to fasting, charity is another vital aspect of Ramadan. Staple foods include meat and rice, with the prohibited pork being replaced by beef, chicken, camel, goat, and lamb. However, complications with border disputes between Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the present day UAE region, World War II, and restriction imposed by the Red Line Agreement suppressed the inevitable growth of the industry in the years to come. The UAE Labor Law also applies to workers in the UAE’s Free Zones; however, workers in the Dubai International Finance Center (DIFC) are exempt from the application of the Law. Basic wage is crucial in determining the end-of-service gratuity which is based off of the last drawn basic wage and not the total wage of the employee. Although the Ministry of Interior reports that the information is only being collected for demographic statistical analysis, The US Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report for 2011 states that there have been accounts of minority groups fearing that their religious affiliation will have negative implications on their legal status and have therefore falsely declared themselves as Sunni or Christian. Additionally, legal action can be taken against any person showing signs of intoxication in public. Date syrups are served alongside dessert dishes such as the cardamon and saffron pancake called Chebab and Lgeimat, which is a deep-fried batter mixture of butter, milk, sugar, flour, cardamom, and saffron. No more than 10% of the employee’s periodic pay may be deducted in cases of repayment of advances or amounts of money paid to the employee in excess of his entitlement. Although public primary schools may be co-ed, public secondary schools are always segregated by gender; private schools may segregate their institution with approval from the Cabinet of the Ministry of Education. Visa processing time is approximately 3 to 4 working days. Despite these setbacks, the government has created multiple initiatives including Emirati quotas for certain companies, new jobs which are restricted to local citizens, and multiple training programs to teach Emiratis the skills they need to succeed in the job market. Muslims are prohibited from purchasing and consuming alcohol under all circumstances. The disciplinary code provides penalties which an employer may impose upon his employees: No disciplinary action, however, shall be taken against an employee if the offenses were committed outside of the workplace as long as the misdeed was not directly related to work or the employer. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is located in the Arabian Peninsula and is one of the six member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). 275 of 2006, dated 25 February 2006, protects job applicants who are nationals with disabilities from discrimination so long as their disability does not prevent them from completing the necessary work. 8 of 1980, often referred to as the Law. The first step towards getting the Entry Visa (and work permit) is to get visa quota approval from the Ministry of Labour (MOL), and the employer will apply for this on behalf of the employee. 851 of 2005, Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. Privately owned schools are allowed to educate their students on their respective religion as long as the private school does not enroll any Muslim students. With approximately 10% of the total known oil reserves in the world within the UAE’s borders, the oil and gas sector contributes to 25% of the UAE’s GDP, with 90% of the oil reserves in Abu Dhabi and 10% in Dubai. It is advisable to get these procedures done as soon as possible rather than waiting till the last moment. Currently, the UAE is ranked 31st in the World Bank’s 2015 Ease of Doing Business Index, putting the UAE significantly higher than any of its neighboring countries and above many established industrialized economies. Welcome to United Arab Emirates Labor Law, thrived as the main industry for the people of the Persian Gulf; however, the rapid decline of pearl fishing was brought about by World War I, the Japanese cultivation of. In 1820, the British signed a General Treaty of Peace on the nine Arab sheikhdoms redefining the region as the Trucial Coast specifically in an attempt to protect their links to India, combat piracy, and remove any European competitors from the area. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Foreign Trade and President of Zayed University, holds the title of being the first woman in the country to hold a ministerial post, subsequently leading to her rating of 42nd most powerful woman in the world by Forbes Magazine. The full text version of the UAE Labor Law including its amending texts is available on the site. Using various job search engines and online resources to submit applications online; a few examples are: Additionally, these UAE based companies are regularly hiring: Looking for referrals from family member or friends who are already working in the UAE is very beneficial as many business encounters are based on trust and personal relationships. The labour contract can be uploaded to the MOL website. If you consider the time and complexity of all these steps, it becomes apparent why companies assigning employees to UAE often look for assistance. (764) of 2015 on Ministry of Labour approved Standard Employment Contracts, issued 27 September 2015, creates a standard employment contract as well as the conditions for amending the contract through the Ministry of Labour. Applications for permits will be automatically rejected for any person facing a ban. Friday is the set day of rest for all workers. Domestic servants in private households and similar occupations. 240 of 2008 with Ministerial Resolution No. Employees are entitled to full wages on the following official holidays: Additionally, employers must give the employee one period of special leave during their employment, without pay and not exceeding 30 days, to complete the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. The establishment of Free Zones, which grant licenses to foreign owned business, have provided the country with a significant rise in international students. The law criminalizes those who use deception, fraud, coercion, or even threats such as deportation to manipulate vulnerable people into exploitative labor conditions, including forced labor and quasi-slavery situations, by labeling the act as human trafficking. Following their independence on 2 December 1971, six of the emirates, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah, combined to form the UAE. Sunni Islam is the majority religion and the Dirham (AED), first introduced on 19 May 1973, is the official currency of the UAE. The total weekly as well as daily hours, working times, and job descriptions for youth employment are restricted. Additionally, the Ministry of Labour has begun to impose quotas for employment of nationals, referred to as Emiratisation, on certain job sectors as well as companies. As oil prices began to climb, so did the need for foreign workers as the UAE began rapidly developing and taking on large infrastructure and construction projects. If neither form is in your native language, make sure that you have had the document properly translated for you. Once the probation period has ended, the time lapsed is included toward the overall period of service. A probation period for employment can last up to six months. During the probation period, the employee may be dismissed for any reason without receiving notice or gratuity from the employer. 810 of 2006, dated 11 December 2006, requires an electronic signing card from an authorized signatory in order to open a new facilities card or apply for a collective work permit. The previous and new employers will be jointly liable in executing the obligations relating to the contract for a period of six months; once this period has lapsed, the new employer takes sole responsibility of the contract. Non-Muslim residents must apply for a license to consume or purchase alcohol which is valid only within the emirate they have applied with large fines imposed upon those who disobey. All restaurants are generally closed during Ramadan and there is a total ban on alcohol during the day, even in hotel bars. Employees shall not be required to work more than five consecutive hours per day without a period of time allocated for rest, meals, and prayer. On a federal level, the UAE has created a 2021 Vision to put the UAE as one of the leaders in innovation, research, science, and technology, aiming to create a more productive and competitive economy. Weekend days in the UAE are Friday and Saturday, since Friday is the holy day of Islam. Youth of both genders must be at least fifteen years of age in order to work within the UAE. A set of independent regulations, separate from UAE law (with the exception of UAE criminal law), is enforced through an independent Free Zone Authority (FZA) who is assigned to govern each individual zone. Despite attempts to strengthen federal institutions, each emirate still has significant autonomy. The act of fasting is thought to enable one’s control over their desires, thus cleansing the soul, attaining piety, and bringing forth compassion and empathy for those less fortunate. Compliance to fasting is to be observed by all in public areas; the penalties of eating or drinking in public, even if it is only chewing gum, can be a one month prison sentence. Regarding size, the UAE is comparable to the US state of Maine; however, at roughly per year, the UAE boasts one of the highest GDP per capita (PPP) in the world. Processing time is the time between the day they receive your request and the day they decide on your request. Members of armed forces, police, and security. The next step is sending the job offer contract for the employee’s signature, and having them return it to the employer. Once the employee enters the country, they have sixty days in which to complete all the formalities required to get a work permit and residence visa. Dubai is the only exception as some bars do stay open but will usually have their music off. Employment matters in the UAE are governed by Federal Law No. Unless the employee’s wages are calculated on a daily basis, the employee cannot be asked to work two consecutive Fridays. The commencement of Ramadan is marked by the new crescent moon, or Hilal. Should the form of the establishment or its legal position change, Article 126 protects employees by stating that any contract valid during the time of the change shall remain valid and the service considered continuous. The abayas are often embroidered with bright colors at the sleeves and are commonly designed by some of the greatest couturiers such as Dior, Pierre Cardin, and Channel among others. Since Federal Law Number 8 of 1980 was ratified on 20 April 1980, few actual amendments have been imposed. Federal Law No. Article 3 of the Law states that all employees, whether UAE national or expatriates, are protected under its provisions. Ministerial Circular No. Immigration authorities routinely ask foreigners applying for residence permits to declare their religious affiliation on their applications. All visas are valid to enter Dubai for 60 days from the date of issue, except the 96-hour and 48-hour visas, which are valid for 30 days from the date of issue. In addition, for all companies with more than 100 employees a quota is imposed for some positions. Partial disability does not constitute the termination of an employment contract if the employee is able to perform other work that suits their health. Should a dispute occur between the employer and one or more employees and fail to be settled between them, the workers should submit their complaint or claim in writing to both the employer and the Labour Department. The central location of the UAE between Asia, Europe, and Africa has secured the area as an international trading hub for hundreds of years. Although limited-term workers are still more susceptible to labor bans than those on unlimited-term contracts, Decree 766 has drastically reduced the circumstances which would allow for a ban. In recent years, the UAE has significantly reformed its migration policies due to both increasing security concerns in the region and Emirati national unemployment which has recently reached 9.2%. 11. In order to improve the success rate of newly formed unions and create long-lasting, stable Emirati families, the Marriage Fund was established in 1992 to issue financial grants to Emiratis who marry other nationals. In May of 2013, employees of Arabtec, the largest construction company in the Persian Gulf, went on strike to demand increased wages and better working conditions. If these attempts are unsuccessful the party must then go to the Ministry of Labour who will issue a recommendation as to the resolution of the matter. Muslims must not only abstain from food and drink, but also from such behaviors and thoughts that are deemed immoral or impure. Our local Employer of Record in UAE will handle the entire scope of work permit and visa applications for you, and ensure that your staff meet every one of the immigration requirements in UAE. Arabic is the national language; however, English is widely spoken as, according to 2015 estimates, over 88% of the UAE’s 8.26 million residents are expatriates. Either party may terminate a contract at any time; however, the following procedures must be obeyed or legal consequences will be enforced: The terminating party must give written notice to the other party in order to terminate the contract. Ministerial Resolution No. Some of these steps will take place prior to the employee entering the UAE, while others can be taken after arrival. Larger companies may be required to keep additional records. Because health insurance is now mandatory in UAE, all employers must provide coverage for expat workers (or they have to buy it on their own). Get in touch. 24 of 1981, dated 07 November 1981, Federal Law No. During this approval process, the Ministry of Labour usually bases its decision on whether there are no unemployed UAE citizens who could perform the job, and that the sponsor is a registered UAE corporate entity. Since a worker does not have the ability to freely transfer between businesses, employers are able to suppress pay rates as there is essentially no wage competition. Among the GCC countries, the UAE has taken the lead by initiating reforms that will offer more protection for foreign workers. The increased interest in the city aided Julfar in becoming a wealthy port and pearling center. Islam was introduced to the region in AD 632 bringing with it Arabic language, writing, and Islamic art. In the case of a dispute relating to a Free Zone entity, employees should submit their disputes to the relevant Free Zone Authority who will then refer the issue to the Ministry of Labour. At the end of 2020, the European Union and United Kingdom finalized Brexit, where the UK formally left the EU, to once again become an independent nation. (765) of 2015 on Rules and Conditions for the Termination of Employment Relations, issued 27 September 2015, clarifies the termination provisions for both unlimited and limited contracts. The following benefits are required to be provided by the employer to the employee: Establishing any form of labor union or trade union is not permitted in the UAE. Employees who have completed at least one full year receive 30 days of paid leave per year. After successful clearance, the employee will be issued a two year visa after which the employer will apply for a Labor Card which allows the employee to commence employment. Non-Muslim residents may arrange for their wedding to be performed in a church, court, or another venue with a wedding license; this often ends up being the embassy of their home country. The UAE Minister of Labour, Saqr Ghobash, reports that the new labor reforms which took effect on January 1, 2016 will put the UAE on the path to completely eliminating “all the practices that were associated with the kafala” system. The elections are not based on a party system, but on individual candidates because political parties are not permitted in the UAE with the exception of Hizb ut-Tahrir, an international Islamic political organization whose mission is to re-establish the Caliphate or Islamic state throughout the Muslim world. If the ailment prevents the worker from performing their work, the employer must pay an allowance set out by Article 145. Employment contracts for UAE nationals are not required to be in writing; however, a labor permit for an expatriate employee will not be issued by the Ministry unless the employer has filed a formal, written labor contract. Should the ruling be disagreed upon by either party, the parties then have the ability to have the case heard again in the Court of Appeals. All public displays of affection, such as kissing or even hugging, are banned in the UAE. Rulers Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi and Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum of Dubai were the first to agree on a principle union of the previous nine states; however, Bahrain and Qatar withdrew from all negotiations, leaving the six original emirates to join in the Act of Union which formed the United Arab Emirates. If the visa is for application in any of the free zones, quota approval must be granted before the employee enters the UAE. 589 of 2007, dated 17 September 2007, amends Ministerial Resolution No. Suspension from work with reduced pay for a period not exceeding ten days. During Ramadan, the ordinary working hours shall be reduced by two hours. During the month of Ramadan the working days are shorter both to compensate for additional prayers as well as allowing practicing Muslims more time to prepare for end of the day celebrations. This page will be continuously updated to communicate any new advancements to the UAE Labor Law. The Shield GEO employment solution for international assignments is designed to make your employee assignments simple and fully compliant. Throughout the UAE, the work day is usually reduced by two hours regardless of one’s religion. Other popular drinks include Tamar Hindi which consists of crushed tamarind, water, sugar, and lemon juice, Laban, which is a buttermilk drink, and Ayran, consisting of yoghurt, ice water, and salt. Estimated processing times are listed, which can total up to 40 days from start to finish. In time, the Bedouin tribe, translated from Arabic to desert-dwellers, would emerge as the principal pillars for modern day UAE society. Dubai, as the top tourist destination in the Middle East, brings in roughly 66% of the UAE’s tourism economy while Abu Dhabi only brings in 16%. In addition to the numerous amount of mosques, a diverse range of places of worship can also be found including over thirty-one churches throughout the country, one Hindu temple, one Sikh Gurudwara, and one Buddhist temple. No clauses can be added, altered, or substituted unless approved by the Ministry. Ramadan derives its significance from the common belief that it is the month when the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. All amendments to the Law have been incorporated into official publications of the Law; they include: However, the UAE has adopted multiple measures, decrees, and resolutions to increase worker protections and clarify the existing Law. Visitors and expatriates alike, while not expected to wear traditional clothing, are required to abide by local standards of modesty. Of the nationals, there are four main social classes which are as follows: the ruling families, who hold the highest positions in society in regard to both politics and prestige, the merchant class, who are generally international traders, the new middle class, made up of professionals, and lastly, the low-income groups or labor class. Employer name, place of work, and type of work, Nature of the contract (limited or unlimited), Term start and end dates of contract (for fixed term or limited contracts), Agreed salary rate and salary release schedule, Repatriation to your country of origin once your employment contract has been completed. Labor inspections are carried out by specialized inspectors affiliated with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs to ensure that the work place is compliant with all laws stated in Federal Law No. Contracts for both nationals and foreign workers come in the form of limited employment contracts, or fixed term contracts, which detail a specified duration of time (typically two years) and are inclusive of commencement and completion dates, and unlimited contracts where a commencement date is given and the employee may work until the contract is terminated by either party with prior notice given. The final degree of litigation is the Abu Dhabi Federal Supreme Court, or Court of Cassation in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah; all judgements by the Supreme Court and Court of Cassation are final with no further appeal available. The UAE legal system is based off of both civil courts, modeled in the style of French, Roman, and Egyptian legal systems, as well as Sharia law, or Islamic law. The Ministry of Labor and the Central Bank took a step forward in 2009 for hassle-free and on-time payments of employees. At the end of the maternity leave, the woman has the ability to extend her leave at an unpaid rate for a maximum period of 10 days. How and where to apply for your prearranged UAE visa Conversely, the employee may also resign from his employment during the probation period without any consequences. The Ratibi Salary Card is also initiated with WPS. It must be in both English and Arabic, as well as the employee’s native language (if that is different). Replies 342 ... IRCC Abu Dhabi Processing Time, how long does it take? 1 of 2015 amending some provisions of Federal Law No. Tourism has been one of the largest successes of the UAE’s economic diversification. During this period, observers of the religion focus on prayer and spirituality while practicing discipline, self-restraint, and self-reflection. Passengers who have fresh Resident visas (paper visa) issued effective 7th July, 2020 need not apply for GDRFA approval. Here you can find information pertaining to the United Arab Emirates Labor Law both in the private sector and public sector as promulgated by the Ministry of Labour. 76% of the total population of the UAE identifies as Muslim. Current chief of state and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, stepped into power in 2004 following the death of his father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, ruler of the UAE since the country’s formation. Muslim employees are entitled to a Hajj pilgrimage leave once during their employment. A. N. ... PR Card courier. The kafala system, meaning sponsorship in Arabic, is used throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including the UAE. Throughout the month, the Qur’an is recited in abundance, with some attempting to recite the entire Qur’an during this period through special prayers called Tarawih. Annual leave for employees who have completed six months of work but less than one year receive two paid days per month of annual leave. Should the contract fail to adhere to the minimum wages set within the drop-down list of the eMigrate Indian recruitment site, the contract will automatically be rejected and the prospective worker will not pass the Emigration Check Required (ECR) to leave India. On independent levels, both Abu Dhabi, with their Economic Vision 2030, and Dubai, with their Strategic Plan 2021, are taking initiative towards expanding economic diversification. Most women who do enter the workforce tend to choose jobs which minimize their interactions with men and limit the time spent commuting from the home, most often in the fields of education, health, and civil service. At a minimum, you need a locally incorporated entity to sponsor the work permit, as well as advice on submitting all of the requirements listed here in this guide. All of the violations must be presented to the employee in writing then recorded with a statement of the employee’s defense, if given, and documented with the punishment imposed. Additionally, any debts payable in execution of court judgement may not exceed one-forth of the employee’s pay; should the employee owe numerous debts or creditors, no more than half of their wages may be deducted. Free-zones are exempt from the kafala system. Employees who have completed at least six months of work but have not yet completed one full calendar year of service are granted two paid days per month of annual leave. The federal court system of the UAE is comprised of three branches: civil, criminal, and Shariah. Every employer is required to provide their employees with suitable means of protection against occupational hazards, such as injury and disease, which may be contracted during work. Ministerial Decree No. The decline of pearling was devastating for the region, allowing little opportunity to build any infrastructure. Despite these advances, a large number of women choose to remain at home and rear children, a role that is compliant with Muslim culture and highly valued in UAE society.