As Eid Al Adha approaches, many residents in the UAE look forward to the holidays, a time of celebration and reflection. This year, Arafah Day falls on Saturday, June 15, followed by Eid Al Adha from June 16 to 18, granting a total of four days off for most employees. However, if you are required to work during these holidays, it is essential to know your rights and entitlements as outlined by the UAE Labour Law.
Entitlement to paid holidays
According to the new UAE Labour Law – Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, which came into effect on February 2, 2022, workers are entitled to official days off with full pay on public holidays. These holidays are specified by a resolution of the Cabinet.
Compensation for working during public holidays
If your job requires you to work during Eid Al Adha or any other public holiday, Article 28 of the UAE Labour Law ensures that you are compensated fairly. Here are the details:
- Additional Day Off or Extra Pay: Your employer must compensate you with another day off for each holiday worked. Alternatively, they can pay you the standard wage for the day worked plus an increase of not less than 50% of your basic wage for that day.
- Conditions for Compensation: To be eligible for this compensation, your employer must have explicitly requested you to work or the work conditions must necessitate your presence during the public holidays.
Suneer Kumar, a senior associate at Al Suwaidi and Company, clarified in a Gulf News report that Article 28 applies to all employees regardless of their category or grade. If the employer requests the employee to work during a public holiday, the employer must either provide another day off or pay the required additional compensation.
How to enquire about your rights
If you have any questions regarding your rights or if you need to raise a complaint about compensation, you can reach out to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). MOHRE is responsible for managing and regulating employer-employee relations in the UAE and can help resolve disputes based on the UAE Labour Law.
Filing a complaint
If you believe you are not receiving the compensation you are entitled to, you can file a complaint with MOHRE using the following methods:
- Hotline: Call the Ministry’s hotline at 800 60.
- MOHRE App: Download the MOHRE app and file a labor complaint.
- Website: Visit www.mohre.gov.ae and select the option for filing a labor complaint.
For the app and website options, you will need to create an account using your passport details and work permit (labor card) number. After filing a complaint, you will receive a call within 72 working hours from a legal advisor with the Twa-fouq center, who will try to find an amicable solution to your issue. This service is provided free of charge to employees.
