Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations, along with Cabinet Decision No. 1 of 2022 govern part-time employment in the UAE.
Key aspects of part-time employment in the UAE
Article 7 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 defines part-time employment as someone working for an employer for a specified number of hours or days, differing from full-time employment where the employee works the full daily working hours throughout the working days. Further, Cabinet Decision No. 1 of 2022 expands on the work patterns outlined in the labour law, introducing part-time work as a distinct category under Article 5. Article 6(f) of Cabinet Decision No. 1 of 2022 outlined the part-time work permits; all companies are required to register under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) to employ workers under part-time contracts.
The parties should ensure compliance with regulatory requirements while offering flexibility to both employers and employees to validate the part-time employment contract in the UAE. Article 8 of the Labour Law and Article 10 of Cabinet Decision No. 1 of 2022 explain the employment contracts for part-time workers, and it ensures that both employer and worker should adhere to the provision of these aforementioned laws. Further, the article states that the employment contracts must mention all essential details, such as the name and address of both the employer and the worker, a description of the job, wages, working patterns, working hours, off days, and all other relevant working conditions.
The employment contract may be amended or modified only through mutual consent. A part-time worker is entitled to annual leave in proportion to the actual hours worked for that employer, as stated in Article 18 of Cabinet Decision No. 1 of 2022. Essentially, the period of annual leave is calculated based on the overall working hours and then converted into working days to ensure that proportionate entitlements, such as those of full-time working employees, are granted. End-of-service benefits for part-time workers by calculating the percentage of their working hours compared to those of full-time workers as outlined under Article 30 of Cabinet Decision No. 1 of 2022. It ensures that part-time workers are equally compensated according to their contributions, except for the case of a temporary worker whose period is less than one year. Under the UAE Labor Law, an employer or a part-time worker shall comply with the provisions to ensure regulatory compliance to protect the rights and interests of both parties.
Conclusion: The understanding of the rights and entitlements of part-time workers, as well as the establishment of a favourable environment for flexible and practical employment practices in the UAE, are supported by these legislative measures. Additionally, the employer and employees are required to adhere to specific guidelines.
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About the Author
Dr. Hassan Elhais publishes analysis of UAE labour law matters, including employment relationships, workplace rights and employment disputes. For readers researching a labour lawyer in Dubai, his writing offers insight into the legal questions surrounding these topics. Explore his published work and practice-area information for further context.
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