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The new UAE Labour Law empowers working women in the private sector with equal pay, extended maternity leaves, and more
17 November 2021
| Last updated on 21 November 2021
The new labour law is effective from February 2, 2022.
Earlier this week the UAE Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 introduced some major reforms, some of which brings a positive modernised workplace for women working in private sectors across the country.
Under the new labour law, women can look forward to anti-harassment and anti-discrimination provisions, extended maternity leaves, and equal pay for the same jobs performed by men.
Other reforms include revisions to the termination rules during probation, flexible working hours, as well as changes to paid leaves and 3-year work contracts in the UAE.
These labour regulations will come into effect starting February 2 next year.
It's a welcome change for many expat women working in private businesses in the UAE, especially for new and expecting mothers.
Here's what you need to know about the new UAE labour laws coming in 2022.
Anti-discrimination provisions
As per the new UAE labour laws coming in February 2022, employers are prohibited from hiring on the basis of race, gender, colour, religion, nationality, or disability that would weaken equal opportunity or impair equality in the workplace.
His Excellency Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, said the law aims to promote equality in UAE workplaces to support the skills and abilities of workers in the private sector.
The Minister aims to ultimately increase labour market efficiency and productivity.
Extended maternity leaves for female private sector employees
The new UAE labour law extends maternity leave for women working in the private sector to 60 days, including 15 days on half wage.
If the mother or the newborn baby falls ill, the female employee is eligible to receive an extra 45 days of unpaid leave once the initial maternity leave is over. She must provide an official sick leave.
Anti-harassment provisions
The new UAE labour law prohibits sexual harassment, bullying, or verbal, emotional, and physical violence against workers by the employer, coworkers, or superiors.
Employers in the UAE will also prohibited from using penalty threats or any means of coercion to force employees to perform a task against her will.
