Pakistani workers in UAE briefed on rights via consulate video

DUBAI: The Pakistan Consulate in Dubai has released an informational video for Pakistani workers in the UAE, highlighting their legal rights and responsibilities under local labor laws.

The video highlights basic employment rules, including salaries, leave, gratuity, overtime, resignation procedures, and workplace code of conduct.

Pakistani workers are reminded to start work only when they have a formal work permit, which is the responsibility of the sponsoring employer, and they will bear all costs.

Employment contracts in the Emirates are usually for two years and must be signed by both parties. The probation period can be a maximum of six months.

During the probation period, if the employer terminates the contract, a 14-day notice must be given, while the employee must give a 30-day notice. Leaving the job without notice can result in a one-year ban.

The standard working hours are eight hours per day or 48 hours per week, with a break of five hours.

During Ramadan, the duty hours will be six hours per day. Overtime will be paid at a 25% premium, and night or holiday pay will be 50% premium.

Wages are paid on time and preferably directly into a bank account. Employees are entitled to 30 days of annual leave, up to 90 days of sick leave, 60 days of maternity leave, 5 days of paternity leave, and 3 to 5 days of bereavement leave.

Those who have worked for one to five years will receive 21 days of salary for each year of service, while those who have served for more than five years will receive 30 days of salary for each year of service. Those who have served for less than one year will not receive gratuity.

Employees must give notice before resigning; however, if they do not receive a salary or the workplace is unsafe, immediate resignation is permissible.

It is prohibited to keep passports in possession. Health insurance, accommodation, and return tickets for blue-collar employees are mandatory.

It is mandatory to work honestly and with discipline, and one cannot work for another employer without permission.

In case of problems related to salary, gratuity, or passport, employees can approach the “Facilitation Center”.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization will first hear the complaint, and later the matter can be sent to the court.