Opinion | Your Say

Have your say: New labour rule in UAE

Do you understand the new law? Do you have any questions?

Gulf News
Published: 11:29 December 20, 2010

Image Credit: Megan Hirons Mahon/Gulf News
Workers who complete at least two years of contract period will not need former employer's consent to switch jobs.

Beginning January 1, 2011, foreign workers switching jobs will not need a no-objection certificate from former employers as the Ministry of Labour will make the decision, a senior official said on Sunday. Read full story here

Do you understand the new law? Do you have any questions? Fill in the comments form below and let us know what you think

Comments (43)

Added 19:31 December 20, 2010

I understand what I have read in your paper and I congratulate the ministry for having the sense to see how disadvantaged the worker has been in the past. I have a situation at the present time in which my position was taken away from me under probation rules (120) of the Labour Law for reasons undisclosed by the employer. Under any persons contract here this rule can be imposed, if the employer states they are not happy with your performance without consultation with the Labour Court. I have worked here for the past 3 years in professional positons and had very satisfied employers but now face in a holiday period the situation where I have no positon, no NOC, no final pay cheque and daily threats to cancel my visa. Being so far from home the only support I have received is from a wonderful female at the Labour Court. What can be done about my circumstances?

Anonymous, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

Added 18:06 December 20, 2010

I would like to ask the readers that if a person has finished his contract and renewed again and now he wants to change his job, can he still change his job as his renewed (Second time) work permit has not expired??...Please do inform me.

Omar, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 17:50 December 20, 2010

this is a tremendous progress in uae labour policy. only owner is getting benefit from the business but now the person who is secrefying for the company also can be the part of beneficiary and can use right of shifting job.

Anonymous, al ain, United Arab Emirates

Added 17:06 December 20, 2010

Yes, it is still confusing If a person is on unlimited contract and completed 3 years and renewed the visa again for 3years ( completed 4years) then no need to NOC as per new law.

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 16:40 December 20, 2010

The New Labour Rule is a good move. I am with a company for the last 7 months and not very happy. My labour contract is "Unlimited" and a professional category with more than 12,000AED salary. If I would like to move to a new company outside Freezone, whether any ban applied. The visa is issued from Dubai and a Manager grade one. Requesting your reply.

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 16:38 December 20, 2010

good move, but i'm confuse about this 2yrs complete service?? like me my contract is limited. i'm working in for 3yrs 4months, my labor card finish last oct & i renew, so is this new rule will be applicable to me? or can i transfer to another sponsor? i will have ban if i resign?? thank you. please clarify

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 16:06 December 20, 2010

Today's Job Market is really bad as there are many people who are looking out for a new job and many who are hunting for a job change from their present job. Yes jobs are not secure but you can really do some research on the company that you are planning to work for before signing an agreement with them. After reading this report it really made my day as now i don't need to wait but leave when i want to.Previously we were asked to work day and night, and if the company finds out that we are looking out for a new job they will start filing cases , black mailing you with a 6 months ban.Now since this new rule has been implemented finding a job will be more tough as more and more people are looking forward to seek better placements. now that the 6 months is removed its a big relief for most of us. You dont have to really worry because if the company is asking you to leave then certainly the company wont give you a ban but you need to get a job with in 1 months time. All this time i have been looking for a job only in the free zone to avoid a ban but now i can certainly look for jobs even outside the free zone as i have finished my 3 year contract and this is my 4th year.

Mathew Litty, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 15:58 December 20, 2010

Hi i have been terminated 2 weeks before due to market conditions and company cannot survive .i worked as a manager however i want to know that still NOC is required and can i switch to same nature of business.As they have told me that its against the law.my other question is if they terminated me then i should have right to search any type of job includes cimpetitor coz i have to survive please guide thanks

Imran, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 15:50 December 20, 2010

I think this is a great rule..for the Employee though. What about the employer? I think the MOL should have kept the three year contract and added the clause that an employee would have the right to leave the company after two years. This would be good for both parties. But I guess we have no complaints about the current rule. MOL has always tried to do its best and I am confident that has made this rule having considered all parties.

Steve, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 15:46 December 20, 2010

It is a good labour rule by UAE Government. But I want to know about the unlimited contract. It is not clear whether an employee can change to a new job without completing 2 year with the present employer ; if i have been placed in a professional catagory then my salary is not less than 12,000 AED in the company or what. Please explain?

Simran, Abu dhabi, United Arab Emirates