Employers must pay salaries through the Wage Protection System (WPS). Late payment can be reported to MOHRE. Wages delayed by 60+ days trigger automatic penalties.
You're entitled to gratuity: 21 days' basic salary per year for the first 5 years, 30 days per year after that. Applies after 1 year of continuous service.
Employers CANNOT hold your passport. This is a criminal offence in the UAE. Report to MOHRE immediately if your employer has confiscated your passport.
After 1 year of service, you're entitled to 30 calendar days of paid annual leave. After 6 months but less than 1 year, you get 2 days per month.
Overtime is paid at 125% of normal hourly rate. If overtime is between 10pm and 4am, it's 150%. Maximum 2 hours overtime per day.
Since February 2022, workers can change employers without needing a No Objection Certificate (NOC). You can transfer your work permit after your contract ends or with proper notice.
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