31 December 2015, The National
The latest labour recruitment rules come into force from Friday, designed to provide greater protection for those entering the UAE to work.
The Ministry of Labour will not issue new work permits to overseas workers or renew current residents’ permits if their employer fails to provide a new unified contract.
Humaid Al Suwaidi, assistant undersecretary for labour affairs, said: “New procedures aim to ease the issuance of work permits for employees outside [the UAE] or those residing here while maintaining rights of both sides.”
The new contract must contain a comprehensive description of an employee’s rights and duties and employment terms and conditions.
Employers should electronically “sign” a job offer and send it to the worker or their employment agency.
A signature is required from those in first, second and third occupational levels. A fingerprint can be used to sign the contract for workers on lower levels.