If you find yourself working on a public holiday in the UAE, you may be wondering what your rights are in terms of compensation.
The new UAE Labour Law – Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 – went into effect on February 2, 2022. Article 28 of the law specifically addresses public holidays and outlines how workers in the private sector should be compensated for working during these days off.
According to the law:
- Workers are entitled to official days off with full pay on public holidays, as defined by a resolution of the Cabinet.
- If work conditions require an employee to work during a public holiday, the employer must compensate them with either another day off for each day worked during the holiday or pay them the wage established for normal working days, plus an increase of at least 50% of the basic wage for that day.
It is important to keep in mind that certain conditions must be met for this compensation to apply to an employee.
Article 28 of UAE Labour Law No. 33/2021 applies to all employees, regardless of their category or grade. If an employer requires an employee to work during public holidays or if the nature of the work demands it, the employer must compensate the employee with a day off in exchange for each holiday worked. Alternatively, the employee can choose to be paid their wages for the holiday worked, along with an additional 50% of their basic salary for that day. This provision ensures that employees are fairly compensated for their work during public holidays.
How can one file a labour complaint?
As an employee in the UAE, if you have any questions regarding your rights under the UAE Labour Law or need to address any issues related to your compensation, the most efficient way to do so is by contacting the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
MOHRE is responsible for overseeing employer-employee relationships in the UAE, and any disputes between the two parties can be resolved through the authority of the UAE Labour Law.
If you need to file a complaint against your employer, you have several options available:
- Call the Ministry’s hotline at 800 60.
2. Utilize the MOHRE app to submit a labour complaint.
3. Visit http://www.mohre.gov.ae and choose the option for filing a labour complaint.
By utilizing these platforms, you can ensure that your concerns are addressed promptly and following the laws and regulations set forth by the UAE government.
To access the second and third options, you must create an account and provide your passport details and work permit (labour card) number.
After submitting a complaint, a legal advisor from the Twa-fouq centre will contact you within 72 working hours to work towards a resolution.
This process is free of charge for employees.
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