Living In UAE

UAE: How to report workplace harassment?

What does the law say and who can you reach out to seek help?

Published: September 17, 2020 18:37 Huda Tabrez, Senior News Editor

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If you are verbal, physical or sexual harassment, how can you raise you concerns with the relevant authorities? — Facing harassment at the workplace? Here is what you can do. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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The UAE Labour Law and UAE Penal Code provides rules about safety and protection of people in the UAE. — The UAE's laws are strict, ensuring the dignity of individuals. Image Credit: Stock image

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Sexual harassment In cases where an individual is a victim of indecent behavior, Article 358 and Article 359 of the UAE penal code detail provisions dealing with scandalous and disgraceful acts. — How to report sexual harassment Image Credit: Stock image

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Article 358 penalises an offender who openly commits an indecent and disgraceful act by confinement for a period of at least six months. — Article 358 of UAE Penal Code Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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Article 359 provides that whosoever disgraces women by words or deeds in a public place, or a street, shall be punished with imprisonment of a period not more than two years and a maximum fine of Dh10,000. — Article 359 of the UAE Penal Code Image Credit: Gulf News

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Verbal abuse If you are facing verbal abuse or harassment at the workplace, you can report it to the human resources (HR) department as well as police authorities, as it is a criminal offence in the UAE. — Verbal harassment Image Credit: Gulf News

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This is in accordance with Article 374 of the Penal Code, which states: — Article 374 of the Penal Code Image Credit: Stock image

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“Punishment by detention for a period not exceeding six months or by a fine not exceeding Dh5,000 shall apply if slander or abuse is transmitted by telephone, or face to face with the victim and in the presence of a third party.” — Incidents of slander and abuse can lead to a fine of up to Dh5,000 or a jail term of up to six months. Image Credit:

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Based on these provisions, a criminal action may be lodged upon a written or verbal complaint of the victim with the police against the perpetrator of an offence related to insult and slander. — Criminal action can be taken in such case. Image Credit:

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An individual facing workplace harassment can raise his or her concern at various levels: — How to report workplace harassment? Image Credit: Stock image

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1. File a complaint with your company’s HR department 2. File a police complaint 3. File a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) — You have various avenues to raise your concerns. Image Credit: Gulf News

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This is in accordance to Article 155 of the UAE Labour Law, which states that in case of a dispute between an employer and employee, which cannot be settled amicably … — Article 155 of the UAE Labour Law details the process which needs to be followed in case of an official complaint being lodged. Image Credit: Stock image

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employer is expected to respond within a set amount of time — Image Credit: Stock image

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MOHRE can mediate to settle the dispute amicably — Image Credit: Gulf News

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the employer has the right to terminate the service of an employee — If found guilty by a court of law, the individual can be fired from work. Image Credit: Gulf News

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If you want to seek advice on how to file a complaint as an employee, you can reach out to MOHRE through their hotline – 800 60. — Helplines - MOHRE Helpline: 800 60. Image Credit: Gulf News

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For incidents related to harassment or safety, contact: Abu Dhabi Police’s Aman service on 8002626 or send SMS to 8002828. — To report safety concerns in Abu Dhabi. Image Credit: Stock image

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Dubai Police’s Al Ameen service - 8004888 / +9718004888 Sharjah Police’s Najeed service - 800151, or send SMS to 7999. — To report safety concerns in Dubai and Sharjah. Image Credit: Stock image

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