Working in the UAE is a rewarding experience, but like any country, the UAE has its own set of labour laws that employers and employees must follow. Whether you are planning to switch jobs or have just received a notice of termination, it's crucial to understand the notice period rules that apply when a work contract is terminated in the UAE's private sector. To ensure that all residents are familiar with these notice period regulations, the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has shared seven key terms and conditions on X, formerly known as Twitter. These guidelines are outlined in the UAE’s Labour Law – Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and its implementing regulations.
According to the post, the following terms and conditions must be adhered to when an employment contract is terminated:
- The notice period should not be less than 30 days and not more than 90 days.
- The employee must fulfil their duties throughout the notice period.
- If one party fails to comply, they must compensate the other with a notice allowance payment.
- The notice allowance is equivalent to the full wage or a proportionate amount for the remaining notice period.
- If the employer terminates the contract, the employee is entitled to one unpaid day off per week during the notice period for job searching, with at least three days' notice.
- The notice period allowance is calculated based on the employee's most recent wage, whether monthly, weekly, daily, or hourly.
- For piece-rate wage workers, the notice allowance is determined by the average daily wage, as per the UAE Labour Law and its implementing regulations.