The Role of HR Professionals in Aligning with UAE Labour Law

“The strength of an organisation lies in how well its HR professionals balance compliance, culture, and care for people.”

Human Resource (HR) professionals are crucial in developing compliant, ethical, employee-oriented workplaces. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where labour laws are aimed at balancing the rights between employers and employees, the HR role extends well beyond recruitment and payroll. They keep organisations in line with the developing labour codes and establish a non-discriminatory, welcoming workplace atmosphere.

As a professional working in or with companies based in the UAE, the Role of HR Professionals in aligning with the UAE Labour Law is an essential responsibility for every HR professional.

So, let’s begin to understand the same.

Why is UAE Labour Law Compliance Important?

The UAE Labour Law, which last came into effect in 2022, covers contracts, working hours, salaries, leaves, dismissal, and the rights of employees. These laws govern local and foreign firms located in the Emirates.

Non-compliance can lead to:

• Significant Business fines.
• Loss of reputation in the local market.
• Employee-employer disputes in courts.

The fundamental option to avoid these risks is for HR professionals to become the front runners in ensuring compliance is part of the daily HR practices.

Key Roles of HR Professionals in UAE Labour Law Alignment

1. Employment Contracts (Fixed Term)

HR departments make sure that the employment agreements are written according to the UAE laws. They convey provisions concerning probation, notice period, and benefits at the termination of the service in line with the most recent Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation guidelines.

2. Overseeing Working Hours and Leave Policies.

The legislation provides the daily, weekly working hours and entitlements to leave, including annual leave, maternity/paternity leave, sick leave, and paid holidays. HR professionals should take care of these to prevent conflicts and ensure the welfare of the employees.

3. Payroll and Wage Protection

The UAE Wage Protection System (WPS) enables HR departments to pay salaries on time. Moreover, they also stay updated with new rules that address issues associated with overtime, allowances, and deductions so that the interests of employers and employees do not suffer.

4. Equal Employment Opportunity

The UAE labour laws are concerned with non-discrimination on the grounds of gender, nationality, or disability. HR professionals have the responsibility of ensuring that they come up with a fair recruitment process and working environments that reflect these values.

5. Addressing Terminations and Grievances

According to the UAE law, termination of employees should be done in due process. HR plays a crucial role in handling conflict, punishment, resolving end-of-service benefits, and protecting an organisation against court consequences.

The Global Perspective

UAE is the key setting, but multinational organisations need to make the UAE Labour Law consistent with international HR best practices as well. This twin burden demands that HR professionals harmonise international standards and local compliance so that consistency and equity across borders are forthcoming.

How Acamind Academy Supports

At Acamind Academy, we are providing online and offline training programmes on HR and Labour Law, comprehensive training to professionals in the UAE and beyond. Our programs are designed to:

• Enhance knowledge of compliance with the UAE Labour Law.
• Provide HR professionals with day-to-day operational tools.
• Include direct, real-life case studies of the UAE business environment.
• Contribute to career development through credentials and compliance knowledge.

Our courses will help you stay abreast with the legal framework as a future HR practitioner or even establish ethically future-driven workplaces.

Key Takeaway

The Role of HR Professionals in Aligning with UAE Labour Law plays the key role of safeguarding the employees and organisations. Through the process of staying informed, being proactive, and compliant, the HR professionals ensure the sustainable development of businesses in the Emirates and the world as a whole.

Enrol today in Acamind Academy’s KHDA-approved HR Professional Training to master HR essentials and stay fully aligned with UAE Labour Law.