New UAE labour law explained: What workers need to know about annual, sick, maternity leaves

New UAE labour law explained: What workers need to know about annual, sick, maternity leaves

Top legal experts discuss recent updates in country's labour law at the second forum for employers

Published: Tue 7 Jun 2022, 6:03 PM

Several new standards, welfare and leave policies were added to ensure employee work life balance and overall wellbeing of private sector employees in the UAE, a top legal expert said Tuesday.

Dr Ahmad Al Shehi, legal expert, and head of labour complaints at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization said significant changes have been introduced to family leave entitlements, discrimination laws, termination of employment and ‘non-compete’ clauses in employment contracts drafted after February 2022.

Dr Shehi was speaking at the second forum for employers, organised by the Labour Standards Development Authority (LSDA) in Sharjah.

Federal Decree – Law No. 33 of 2021 on the regulation of labour relations in the private sector came into force on February 2 this year. According to the UAE government, the law is designed to enhance employment rights and boost the competitiveness of the Emirates as a place to live and work, helping the region to attract and retain world class talent.

The new law also makes provision for businesses to put in place part-time and flexible working arrangements.

The leave policies stipulated in the new labour law