The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently made changes to its labor laws. These changes are aimed at preventing companies from hiring workers who are in the UAE on visit visas. This is being done to protect the rights of workers and ensure a fair and stable labor market.

Employers that break these rules can be fined a lot of money. These new rules are part of the UAE’s efforts to modernize its labor laws and make them better for workers.

Let’s explore the new labor laws and examine their potential impacts on both employees and employers.

Crack Down On Exploitative Labor Practices

What’s the purpose of changing the law?

The UAE has increased fines for companies that hire workers on visit visas. Now, they can be fined up to AED 1,000,000! It is to make sure companies treat workers fairly.

Before, fines were only AED 50,000 to AED 200,000. The UAE government wants to protect workers’ rights and make companies follow the rules.

Companies can’t hire workers without work permits or bring workers to the UAE without jobs. They also can’t use work permits for something they’re not meant for. If a company closes down without paying workers what they owe, they will be fined too. Moreover, hiring children to work is illegal and has big fines.

Employers who break the system pretending to hire workers to get benefits or avoid paying taxes, will be punished even more. Additionally, they have to pay back the government for any money they get unfairly.

Protecting Workers and Maintaining Market Integrity

Protecting Workers from Exploitation

The UAE wants to make sure foreign workers who are here on temporary visas are treated fairly. They don’t want these workers to be taken advantage of because they don’t have a work permit. By stopping companies from hiring these workers, the UAE hopes to make sure they are paid well, have a safe place to work, and are protected by the law.

Protecting the Labor Market

The UAE government wants everyone to be treated equally at work. By stopping companies from hiring people who are just visiting, the government wants to make sure all companies follow the same rules when hiring workers. This will help stop unfair competition and make sure everyone has a fair chance to find a job.

Kieran Foury’s Case: A Warning for Illegal Workers

As reported by Khaleej Times:

Kieran Foury, a South African, came to Dubai to find a job. He found a company that hired him, but they asked him to work without a proper work visa. Kieran kept reminding them that this was illegal, but they told him not to worry.

After three months, Kieran was asked to leave the company. He had to pay a fine of Dh5,500 to leave the country because he had overstayed. He had no money with him, so his father had to send him some.

The UAE government says that working in the UAE without a proper work visa is illegal. If you are offered a job, you can only start working after you get an offer letter from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Legal experts warn companies against letting people work illegally. They say that companies can face big problems and legal consequences if they break the law.

Conclusion

The UAE has made new rules to protect workers rights and stop companies from treating employees unfairly. They have increased fines for companies that hire workers without proper permits. This is to make sure companies follow the rules and treat workers fairly.

These changes are important to make the UAE’s labor market fairer. The government is saying that companies must follow the rules and treat workers well. This will help workers feel better and make the UAE a better place to work.