UAE Labour Law 2026: Key Rights Every Migrant Worker Must Know

Last updated: September 2026

UAE labour law gives every private sector worker clear rights: a written contract, a normal limit of 8 working hours a day, paid weekly rest, 30 days’ annual leave, salary on time through the Wage Protection System, and the right to keep your own passport. Employers cannot charge you recruitment fees. If your rights are broken, you can complain to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for free.

Here are the key rights every migrant worker should know in 2026, explained in simple words.

Quick summary

• Main law: Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and its later amendments.
• Normal hours: 8 a day or 48 a week. Overtime is limited to 2 hours a day and paid extra.
• At least one paid rest day every week.
• 30 days’ paid annual leave after one year; up to 90 days’ sick leave a year.
• From 1 June 2026, salary is due on the 1st day of each month.
• Keeping your passport and charging recruitment fees are illegal.
• Complain via the MOHRE app, website or toll-free 80084.
• Most workers must join the ILOE job loss insurance scheme.

Who does this law cover?

The law covers private sector workers on the UAE mainland and in most free zones. DIFC and ADGM have their own employment laws. Domestic workers, such as housemaids and family drivers, are covered by a separate law with different rules.

1. Your employment contract

Every worker must have a written contract registered with MOHRE. All private sector contracts are now fixed-term, and old unlimited contracts had to be changed by the end of 2023.

• Your contract should show your job title, basic salary, allowances, working hours and start date.
• Compare it with the offer letter you signed in your home country. If the salary or job is different, do not sign it without asking questions.
• Keep a copy of your contract on your phone.
• Probation can be a maximum of 6 months.

2. Working hours and overtime

Normal working hours are 8 hours a day or 48 hours a week. You should not work more than 5 hours in a row without a break, and breaks should total at least one hour a day.

Your employer can ask for overtime, but it has limits:

• No more than 2 extra hours a day.
• Total working hours should not be more than 144 hours in any 3 weeks.

3. Weekly rest and leave

You have the right to at least one paid rest day every week.

Annual leave

• After one full year: at least 30 days of paid leave each year.
• After 6 months but before one year: 2 days for each month worked.
• Unused leave should be paid when your job ends.

Sick leave

After probation, you can take up to 90 days of sick leave a year, with a medical report:

• First 15 days: full pay
• Next 30 days: half pay
• Remaining 45 days: no pay

Other leave

• Maternity leave: 60 days (45 days full pay, 15 days half pay).
• Parental leave: 5 days for a mother or father, within 6 months of the birth.
• Bereavement leave: 5 days for a spouse, 3 days for other close relatives such as a parent or child.

4. Salary and the Wage Protection System (WPS)

Most private companies must pay salaries through the WPS, an electronic system that lets MOHRE see if wages are paid on time. Your salary goes to a bank account or an approved exchange card, not in cash.

A big change came in 2026. Under Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026, effective 1 June 2026, salary for the previous month is due on the 1st day of every month. If a company is late, MOHRE takes step-by-step action. This can include warnings, stopping new work permits, fines and, after longer delays, opening a labour dispute and possible travel bans on those responsible.

A company that pays at least 85% of total wages on time may count as compliant, but you can still claim any money that is missing.

5. Your passport belongs to you

Article 13 of the labour law says an employer must not withhold a worker’s official documents. Your employer may need your passport for a short time for visa or permit work, but it must be returned. If a company refuses to give it back, ask in writing and then complain to MOHRE. You can also contact your embassy.

6. Recruitment fees are banned

Employers must pay recruitment costs. They cannot charge you, directly or indirectly, for getting the job or your visa. Forced labour is also banned. If an agent or company takes money from you, keep receipts, bank transfers or chat messages as proof.

7. Notice period and ending the contract

• After probation, the notice period in your contract must be between 30 and 90 days. You get full pay during notice.
• During probation, the employer must give at least 14 days’ notice.
• If you leave during probation to join another UAE employer, give one month’s notice. If you are leaving the UAE, give 14 days’ notice.
• If you quit without the right notice, you may have to pay compensation, so always resign in writing.

If an employer ends your job unfairly, for example because you filed a genuine complaint, a court can order compensation. Your final dues, including gratuity after one year, must be paid within 14 days after the contract ends. See our guide on UAE gratuity calculation for full details.

8. Job loss insurance (ILOE)

The Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) scheme is mandatory for most private sector and federal government workers. Domestic workers, business owners, temporary contract workers and people under 18 are among those exempt.

• If you lose your job, you can get 60% of your basic salary for up to 3 months.
• You must have been subscribed for at least 12 months in a row.
• Claim within 30 days after losing your job, while you are still legally in the UAE.
• No payout if you resigned or were dismissed for disciplinary reasons.
• Not subscribing can lead to an AED 400 fine.

Subscribe only through official channels such as the ILOE website, app or approved banks and exchange houses.

How to file a complaint with MOHRE

Filing a labour complaint is free. You can use:

• The MOHRE app or the MOHRE website
• A Tasheel service centre
• The Labour Claims and Advisory Centre on toll-free 80084, which offers help in more than 20 languages

MOHRE first tries to settle the problem with your employer. For claims up to AED 50,000, MOHRE can make a binding decision. Bigger or unsettled cases go to the labour court, and workers do not pay court fees for claims under AED 100,000. Complain early, because labour claims have a time limit.

Stuck with an employer who breaks the rules? Sometimes the best move is a better job. If you need a better job or a professional Gulf-ready CV, visit WTS CV for help with a CV that stands out to UAE employers.

Want free alerts about new Gulf labour rules? Join the Khadi News WhatsApp group.

FAQ

Can my company keep my passport in the UAE?

No. Employers must not withhold your passport. They may hold it briefly for visa work, but it must be returned.

What date must my salary be paid in 2026?

From 1 June 2026, salary for the previous month is due on the 1st day of each month.

How much overtime pay should I get?

At least 25% extra on your basic hourly wage, or at least 50% extra for work between 10pm and 4am.

Is ILOE insurance compulsory for foreign workers?

Yes, for most private sector workers. Domestic workers and a few other groups are exempt. Not subscribing can bring an AED 400 fine.

Can an agent or employer charge me for my visa?

No. Recruitment and visa costs must be paid by the employer. Report any demand for money to MOHRE.

Which number do I call to complain?

Call MOHRE’s Labour Claims and Advisory Centre on toll-free 80084, or use the MOHRE app or website.

Sources

• UAE Government Portal – Resolving labour disputes
• Gulf News – UAE clarifies rules on working hours, wages and leave
• Khaleej Times – Unified salary deadline from June 1, 2026
• Khaleej Times – Leaves, wages and hours in the private sector
• Emirates 24|7 – UAE job loss insurance guide 2026
• Gulf News – Resigning during probation

This article is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change, so always confirm your case with MOHRE or the relevant UAE authority.