New UAE rule to ensure worker's say in job contract renewals

DUBAI: In order to simplify the work permit systems, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced new procedures. The new orders will require the “clear signature” of employees for contract renewal, revival of expired contracts and the issuing of new work permits from the beginning of 2016.

The current work permit renewal procedures simply follow a notification from employers. “Workers, under the new procedures, will enjoy better options of either accepting renewal of the contract according to marked privileges and stipulated requirements in the new contract, or amend these privileges and conditions upon agreement by both parties, which actively contributes to promoting a strong working relationship,” assistant under-secretary for Labour Affairs Humaid Bin Deemas Al Suwaidi said, according to WAM news agency. “It will also enable employees to completely end the relationship, search for alternatives, or return back home.”

The new decrees calls for employers to issue a contract in the preferred language of labourers prior to their signature.

The new regulations will enable the worker to review an offer before travelling abroad and then signing the new unified contract with the employer upon entry. After this a contractual relationship is recorded into the ministry’s database highlighting all rights and obligations as per the contract.

Workers already in the UAE must also sign the offer before the employer applies for tentative approval to employ them, the report said.

The UAE’s minister of Labour Saqr Bin Ghobash Saeed Ghobash said the ministry is moving to a “new phase based on establishing and promoting a balanced and productive business relationship between both sides, based on transparency.”

October 31, 2015