UAE: Annual Update – Expected Labour Law Changes in 2017
Emiratisation – Data entry
Online registration requirement: As of January 1, 2017, companies with over 1,000 staff must register with Tas’heel online. ‘Tas’heel’ is the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation service provider, which processes work permits. Businesses must declare that they are an employer, and register every staff member; two employees who are UAE nationals must be appointed to enter the data.
Non-compliance can result in Tas’heel implementing a temporary ban on work permits.
Action required:
(1) Assess staff population. If the 1000 person threshold is met, complete the necessary registration.
(2) Assign data entry responsibility to two staff members who are UAE nationals.
Emiratisation – Health and safety
Appoint at least one UAE national to act as the Health and Safety Officer: Â From January 1, 2017, construction and industrial sector companies employing over 500 staff, must employ a UAE national as the Health and Safety Officer. The employee should implement and monitor employee health and safety practices.
Non-compliance can result in Tas’heel implementing a temporary ban on work permits.
Action required: Assess staff population and if the 500 person threshold is met, employ a UAE national to act as Health and Safety Officer.
Family leave
Additional maternity and new parental leave rights:Â Â Additional maternity leave rights (and potentially new paid paternity leave rights) for employees in the private sector are expected in 2017. Details have not been released.
This follows recent revisions to the Human Resources Law, which gave government employees in Abu Dhabi more generous maternity and paternity leave.
Speculation is further propelled by the creation of the Gender Balance Council, which aims to promote gender equality in the workforce. The Council is expected to push for increased parental leave.
Action required: Keep up to date with the legal changes to ensure HR policies and employment contracts remain compliant.