The UAE’s labour law, Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 Regulating Labour Relations, enforces strict penalties for employers who violate provisions related to worker rights.
The penalties include substantial fines and potential jail terms, aimed at ensuring compliance and protecting workers.
Key Violations and Penalties
False Information and Employment Without Permits
- False Information: Employers providing false information or documents to bring a foreigner to the UAE for employment face fines ranging from Dh20,000 to Dh100,000 (Article 59).
- Employment Without Permits: Hiring a worker without the necessary work permit can result in fines between Dh50,000 and Dh200,000 (Article 60).
Abandoning or Misusing Work Permits
- Worker Abandonment: Recruiting or employing a worker and then leaving them without work incurs a fine of up to Dh200,000.
- Misusing Work Permits: Using work permits for purposes other than those intended also carries a fine up to Dh200,000 (Article 60).
Closing Companies Without Settling Dues
- Failure to Settle Worker Entitlements: Employers who close down their establishment or cease activities without settling workers’ dues face fines between Dh50,000 and Dh200,000 (Article 60).
Child Labour Violations
- Employment of Juveniles: Employing juveniles in violation of the law results in fines ranging from Dh50,000 to Dh200,000. The same penalty applies to parents or guardians who agree to such employment (Article 60).
Severe Penalties for System Abuse
- Misusing Online Credentials: Any misuse or abuse of online credentials to access Ministry systems, leading to disruption of labour relations, can lead to fines between Dh200,000 and Dh1 million and a jail term of at least one year (Article 61).
Multiplying Fines
- Multiple Violations: Fines can be multiplied based on the number of workers affected, with a cap of Dh10 million (Article 62).
Repetition of Violations
- Repeat Offenses: Repeated violations within one year can result in doubled fines and possible detention (Article 64).
Filing a Labour Complaint
Employees affected by these violations can file complaints through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) using the following methods:
- Online: Through the MOHRE website.
- Hotline: By calling the Labour Claims And Advisory Centre at 80084.
- Smartphone App: Using the ‘MOHRE’ app available on Apple and Android devices.
For more detailed information on the labour complaint process, click here.
