The legislation aims to increase annual leave, mourning leave and other privileges.
Employees in Dubai – both expats and Emiratis, have reasons to cheer as the new HR law passed by the vice-president and prime minister of the UAE promises a host of benefits to employees.
The law recognises the possibility of ‘remote work’ for employees and gives people the power to determine additional bonuses.
According to the new law, employees can now take leave for five days instead of three to mourn the death of a second-degree relative. It also increased the annual leave from 22 to 25 days for employees of grade eight to 11. Employees of grade seven and below get up to 18 days, instead of 15.
As per the new law, getting a promotion will be easier. Now promotions will be based on performance assessment, while earlier it required a number of experience certificates to facilitate appraisals.
The law also offers a number of privileges including an annual travel allowance for the employee’s family members who are under the age of 21, instead of 18 years. The previous law limited travel allowance to three children while the new law abolishes that cap.
Besides the above provisions, it also gives employees the opportunity to apply internally for any vacant position and be transferred without the need to meet promotion conditions when that employee actually deserves it.
Most importantly, it grants employees the right to receive overtime allowance directly with the approval of their immediate supervisor, provided that the extra working hours are noted in writing specifying overtime hours spent after the official working hours.
It also grants a five-day comprehensive leave for the employee, who is preparing researches, projects and graduation letters.
As per the new law, getting a promotion will be easier. Now promotions will be based on performance assessment, while earlier it required a number of experience certificates to facilitate appraisals.
The new human resources law for the Dubai government was approved with a view to creating an environment conducive to innovation, and furthering the Emirate’s profile as a model for innovation and excellence.
The law focusses on ensuring job security and stability for all employees, improving overall performance, enhancing government work, encouraging creativity and innovation among staff, and attracting the right talent that can help strengthen the Emirate’s stature as a model.