Starting any new journey can be scary for you, especially when it involves relocation. In this sense, we must congratulate you if your new journey implies beginning a new job in the UAE. However, knowing the employee benefits that legally correspond to you is essential learning you need.
Are you still scared about this new working experience? Do not worry. We are here to give you a pretty clear picture of the employment benefits you can get in the UAE. Above all, such benefits are mandatory as long as your new employer has the required labour permit.
On the other hand, we will present you with the benefits you can enjoy in the UAE on a federal level. Certainly, you could get additional benefits depending on local stand-alone regulations that apply to your new company. Feel free to dig deeper into such additional benefits.
Let us now show you what you need to know about employee benefits in the UAE:
The new UAE Labour Law
First and foremost, the employment benefits you can get changed recently because of a new Labour Law in the UAE. Such a new law came into effect in February of 2022 and brings the UAE labour market into this decade. Certainly, their new provisions are both innovative and business-promoting.
Furthermore, you can find in the new UAE Labour Law some additional interesting changes. For instance, your working week in the UAE is now from Monday to Friday by this new law. Moreover, it also establishes a maximum time of eight hours of work per day.
In short, the employment benefits you can get in the UAE are defined by labour legislation. Hence, you must take the time to assess future changes if a newer UAE Labour Law comes into effect.
Exciding working hours
Let us imagine you just started in your new job, and you are learning about your position’s assignments. But, one day, some unforeseen events happen. As a result, you need to stay working in your office for more than your mandatory eight hours. What benefits can you be from it?
Indeed, you are entitled to additional compensation according to the UAE Labour Law. In this case, your employer must give you compensation equal to your basic salary plus an additional 25%. Besides, such compensation increases your basic salary plus 50% when you work from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
On the other hand, the new UAE Labour Law does not state these provisions as mandatory for remote employee benefits. Actually, it allows their employers to agree on their working hours with them.
Salaries and bonuses
Different from working in other certain countries, you do not have an overall minimum wage in the UAE. Nevertheless, your employer of records dubai must pay you minimal compensation related to their business’s type and size. Such minimal compensation goes between AED 3,000 and AED 5,000.
Moreover, the UAE Government also created ways to protect your salary from employers that do not comply with the law. In this matter, you must establish working relationships only with employers that pay through the Wage Protection System (WPS). This way, you will get the right salary always on time.
On the contrary, there are no laws or regulations that restrict your bonuses in the UAE. Hence, your employer can award you with bonuses without the need to follow any guidelines.
All kinds of leaves
Both the new UAE Labour Law and the previous Labour Law establish an annual leave of 30 days. However, it does state that your working year shall include your probation period. This way, you can plan your vacations even when you are just starting to work.
Furthermore, you can also legally enjoy other types of leaves. For instance, the new UAE Labour Law contemplates maternity leaves for female employee benefits and sick leaves for health safety. In short, all your off-work time is legally allowed and must also be paid.
Other benefits
As you probably figured out by now, the list of employee benefits you can get in the UAE is long. But, it does not end here. Indeed, there are other benefits you can enjoy that are allowed under the new UAE Labour Law.
One of the most notable ones you can get is the end-of-service gratuity. Essentially, it is an entitlement your employer must payroll outsourcing you when your employment is terminated. On the other hand, you are also entitled to compensation and healthcare coverage when you suffer a working injury.
Finally, the new UAE Labour Law allows you to establish a working relationship with your employers in two ways. You can sign a limited-term contract that can last a certain time. Or, you can sign an unlimited contract to work indefinitely for your employer until he/she or you terminate it.
The bottom line
In conclusion, the UAE’s labour market is both attractive and diverse. Certainly, it also has strong legal grounds to protect employers and employee benefits alike. All of this makes working in the UAE a great idea for your professional career.
Most importantly, the employee benefits you can get in the UAE will allow you a profitable and secure time. Therefore, when you encounter a promising job opportunity in the UAE, do not think it twice. Make the move and start this new exciting professional journey.
