Understanding Ramadan Work Hours, Overtime, and Employee Rights inside the UAE

During the holy month of Ramadan, employees inside the UAE are entitled to decreased running hours. The UAE Labor Law mandates that private quarter employees’ everyday paintings hours be reduced with the aid of hours according to day. This law targets to accommodate the non secular and physical demands of fasting, permitting employees a higher balance between their paintings and spiritual practices. However, there are some vital nuances concerning beyond regular time, exceptions, and a way to address non-compliance from employers.

Reduced Working Hours During Ramadan

As according to Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021, particularly Article 17(4), the working hours of personnel are to be reduced with the aid of way of hours inside the direction of the month of Ramadan. This is in addition outlined in Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 at the implementation of difficult work rules. The authentic language of the regulation reads: “The ordinary working hours shall be decreased thru hours inside the route of the holy month of Ramadan.” This discount applies to all personnel within the non-public area, which consist of those running for mainland organizations in Dubai, ensuring that employees have enough time for prayer, rest, and family in the course of this sacred time.

Exceptions to the Rule

While the law applies to maximum personnel within the UAE, there are sure exceptions. Managerial or supervisory positions are not entitled to extra time bills all through Ramadan. According to Article 15(4)(b) of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, human beings in managerial roles may be exempt from the 2-hour bargain in going for walks hours. These positions regularly include extra responsibilities and powers, which might justify their exclusion from the everyday running hour changes and overtime benefits. Therefore, employees in such roles must now not count on a discount in hours or additional time compensation until laid out in their agreement or organization coverage.

Overtime During Ramadan

In cases wherein employees are required to paintings past their everyday hours—either in the course of Ramadan or at different instances—there are clear guidelines on additional time payments. As in step with Article 19 of the Employment Law, overtime should be compensated with at least a 25% top rate on an employee’s simple income for extra work finished past the normal working hours. Overtime can only be asked underneath unique conditions, such as that it have to not exceed two extra hours in line with day or a hundred and forty four hours within a three-week duration.

For people who are required to paintings among 10 PM and 4 AM, the premium for time beyond regulation increases to 50% of the fundamental income. This higher charge recognizes the inconvenience of overdue-night time work, which can be specially taxing at some stage in Ramadan while employees are fasting during daylight. However, this regulation does not practice to shift workers, who typically have special running hours.

Additionally, if an employee is known as in to work on a relaxation day specified in their employment agreement, they are entitled to either a replacement rest day or a 50% extra time top class. The regulation emphasizes that employers must no longer require employees to work extra than consecutive relaxation days without presenting compensatory day off or beyond regular time pay.

Reporting Non-Compliance

If an enterprise fails to conform with these regulations—either with the aid of now not decreasing work hours at some point of Ramadan or failing to provide overtime payments—employees have the proper to report a grievance. The UAE authorities has set up procedures for making sure that labor laws are adhered to, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) serves as the primary frame for addressing such grievances.

Employees who feel that their organization is violating their rights can file a grievance with MoHRE, as a way to check out the issue and take suitable motion. This ought to include contacting the company to remind them of their responsibilities under the law, enforcing fines, or maybe taking prison movement in severe instances. MoHRE’s function is to protect workers’ rights and make sure that employers observe the labor rules, in particular all through Ramadan while the want for adjustment is most important.

Conclusion

Ramadan gives particular challenges and opportunities for each employers and employees inside the UAE. The authorities has implemented legal guidelines that reduce operating hours by two hours every day for private region workers at some stage in this holy month, acknowledging the want for relaxation and mirrored image in the course of fasting. However, employers could nonetheless observe the rules regarding additional time, making sure that personnel are pretty compensated for any additional hours worked.

Employees in managerial positions may not be entitled to those modifications or additional time payments, however for most employees, the regulation presents clear tips for each paintings hours and repayment. When employers fail to conform with these regulations, employees can file the issue to MoHRE for decision.

By expertise these laws and rights, employees can make sure they receive truthful treatment and suitable compensation, contributing to a balanced work-life dynamic at some point of the holy month of Ramadan.