Khaleej Times

ABU DHABI, Jan 7: The new UAE labour law, incorporating a number of amendments, is expected to opt for more stringent penal measures against all those found guilty of violating it.

The draft of the new labour law, including various amendments regarding punitive action, will soon be posted on the ministry’s official web site, www.mol.gov.ae, a source at the Ministry of Labour (MoL) has said.

Breach of law

The penal action for any breach of the labour law will be tougher than in the past. For instance, the proposed amendments will raise the maximum fine limit from Dh10,000 to Dh12,000.

The jail term for those convicted of flouting the labour law will also be doubled from three to six months. “The revised penalties will be imposed strictly on anyone who tries to obstruct the implementation of the new labour law, or threatens any ministry official involved in this process,” the source said.

Two-year ban

In case of absence from work without any valid legal reasons, prior to the completion of the contract period, worker will be banned from joining any other firm for two years — even if the current sponsor agrees to it.

The various provisions of the new amendments will also cover unlimited labour contracts.

The employers will be given the right to fire workers without prior notice, in case involving impersonation or submission of any forged certificates or documents.

However, the new amendments will give the workers the right to leave their employer in case the latter commits a breach of the law by delaying wages, or fails to provide accommodations, or the labour card and employment visa.

Workers’ interests

The new law will also entitle workers to inform the MoL within 30 days of any such breach of the law, in a measure designed to protect the financial interests of the workers.

The source added, employers will also be bound to inform the authorities concerned within three days in case of any breach of the labour law by the sponsor or company managers or the company’s PROs.