The new UAE Labour Law, Federal Law No. 33 of 2021, will come into effect on February 2, 2022. Employers will need to follow the new law and should therefore start reviewing existing employment contracts, local policies and procedures, now.Here are just some of the changes:
– Flexible contracts, including full-time, part-time, temporary or flexible work.
– Prohibition of discrimination, harassment and abuse.
– Non-compete clause limited in place, time (maximum two years) and type of work.
– Maternity leave of 60 days, 45 days at full-pay and 15 days at half-pay.
– Bereavement leave of five days for the death of a spouse and three days for the death of a parent, child, sibling, grandchild or grandparent.
– Study leave of 10 working days.
– No more unlimited contracts. Fixed-term employment contracts with a three-year ma

ximum term (renewable).
– 14 days written termination notice by employer during probation period (30 days if terminated by the employee).
– No severance pay reduction in case of termination by the employee.

Together with the introduction of the UAE’s first-ever comprehensive Data Protection Law the New Labour Law is a clear indication that the HR-Legal landscape in the UAE is evolving.

Contact us now for a comprehensive review of your policies and procedures. We are here to help.