While UAE residents are constantly on the lookout for extra-income opportunities to make ends meet, strict labour rules are discouraging them from taking on part-time work.
Legal experts said working at secondary jobs is still considered technically illegal in the UAE, but there are ways for full-time employees to make money on the side without running the risk of losing their contracts.
"A lot of people want extra income but they're discouraged because they fear there's always this danger that their employer or sponsor will come to know that they're working for someone else. But there are still other ways for people to raise money without facing these obstacles," noted Sandi Saksena, financial planner and member of Million Dollar Round Table, an association for financial professionals.
Sponsor
Sara Khoja, senior associate, employment and incentives group, at Clyde & Co said the rules say that an employee must only work for the organisation or individual sponsoring him for work permit and residency visa purposes.
He may work for another organisation provided it is under common ownership with the sponsor.
"Strictly speaking, anyone working should be sponsored to do so and if you are working on your own account, then you should have a trade licence covering your activities," Khoja said.
To be able to work part-time, a government source at the Ministry of Labour said two documents may be required: a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the employer and an approval letter from the Ministry of Labour undersecretary. The approval letter is free of cost.
However, to be on the safe side, Pierre Mehawej, a legal consultant with Kanaan and Azhari, advised that any paid activity outside one's main job should be done at home or at a public place.
He suggests taking on home-based and computer-related jobs that don't require one to work in an office setting. Other side earners such as teaching music and language, baby-sitting, mentoring children are also safe options, as long as these are done outside company premises and during your free time.
"The important thing is you don't go and work in another company's office. You can't be at someone else's company because their offices are subject to inspection. If the inspector finds out that you're sponsored by another company and you're working at another office, there's going to be a problem. The company that you are working part-time for will be fined," Mehawej told Gulf News.
No objection
He said a no-objection certificate (NOC) can also provide some kind of protection for the employee. "If something comes up and the labour office knows about it, that NOC could work in your favour," he added.
He, however, cautioned residents against initiating any form of trading, especially the ones that involve food, without getting a licence from the government.
