Employers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can no longer change employment contracts without the worker’s written approval. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has clarified that changes to salary, job title, or the nature of work must be formally agreed to by the employee and documented through official channels.
The rules are part of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021, which regulates labour relations and aims to protect both employees and employers. Any company seeking to amend contract terms must use the Ministry’s online ‘Modification of Work Permits / Employment Contracts’ service, available on its website and smart app. This ensures that all changes are recorded and legally valid.
The Ministry stressed that any amendment not processed through its electronic systems will have no legal effect. It also made clear that any condition or agreement reducing the minimum rights guaranteed to employees under the law will be considered void. Only changes that provide additional or more favourable benefits to workers will be recognised.
This move is designed to prevent employers from unilaterally altering contracts in ways that disadvantage staff, such as reducing pay or downgrading roles. It also strengthens transparency by requiring all modifications to be officially approved.
The UAE had rolled out a revamped Wage Protection System (WPS) effective 1 June, introducing tighter deadlines and stricter enforcement measures to ensure workers in the private sector receive their salaries on time. Under the new framework issued by MoHRE, the first day of every month will now serve as the official salary due date for wages earned during the previous month. Any payment made after this date will be treated as delayed.