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Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Attorneys in related practice areas.
Employment & Labor Law in Abu Dhabi is a complex and evolving area governed by the UAE Federal Law Number 8 of 1980. This law oversees all aspects of employer-employee relationships, regulating terms of contracts, working hours, holiday entitlements, maternity rights, and termination rights amongst other issues. In addition, each Emirate, including Abu Dhabi, may have its own special characteristics or rules that supplement the federal law.
There are numerous situations under the ambit of employment and labor law where a person might need legal assistance. This could include issues related to unfair termination, labor rights disputes, contractual disagreements, wage disputes, or work discrimination complaints. A lawyer can offer strategic advice, help you understand your rights, and represent you in negotiations or in court.
The UAE Labor Law mandates the rights and duties of both the employee and employer and presents clear rules for various matters including work contracts, working hours, maternity leave, annual leave, termination and resignation. Labor law in Abu Dhabi also provides for health and safety measures to protect workers. It's important to note that UAE law also requires employment disputes to first be submitted to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization for mediation before they may be referred to court.
The maximum number of working hours in a regular work week is 48, or 8 hours a day for six days. The hours can be increased to 9 hours a day for businesses, hotels and cafes.
Yes, employees who work additional hours beyond the regular working hours are entitled to overtime compensation, which is typically 25% more than their normal payment.
Employees are entitled to paid annual leave of not less than 30 days annually after completing one year of service. For service of less than one year, employees are entitled to leave on the pro-rata basis.
Employment contracts can be terminated on several grounds including mutual consent, end of contract term, dismissal for misconduct, redundancy, or unilaterally with notice and compensation.
Working women are entitled to 45 days maternity leave with full pay, which includes the period before and after delivery, provided they have served continuously for not less than a year. The maternity leave is granted with half pay if the woman has not completed one year of service. At the end of the maternity leave, a working woman has the right to extend her maternity leave for a maximum period of 100 consecutive or non-consecutive days if such absence is due to an illness preventing her from returning to work.
To obtain more information or assistance, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization is a useful resource. They handle all labor issues and disputes in the UAE and can provide guidance on local regulations and labor law. The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department also has a Labor Disputes Section dedicated to resolving employment disputes in accordance with local and federal laws.
If you need legal assistance with Employment & Labor issues, the recommended next step is to seek out a reputable and experienced lawyer conversant with local and federal laws. Prior to engaging a lawyer, you should compile all relevant documentation to your case. This includes a copy of your labor contract, any relevant work communications, and records related to your case. This will assist your lawyer to understand your situation and provide sound advice.
