UAE Labour Law Promotes Flexibility and Fairness in Wage Payments.
In a bid to ensure fairness and flexibility in the workplace, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has implemented regulations allowing for various forms of salary payments, safeguarding the rights of both employers and employees. This move comes as the UAE continues to attract expatriates seeking a high standard of living, lucrative career prospects, and tax-free income.
The UAE's Regulation of Labour Relations Law permits employers and employees to mutually agree on different forms of salary payment, enhancing the adaptability of the labor market to diverse work patterns. These arrangements, legally recognized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), encompass six distinct wage payment structures:
- Monthly wage: Employees receive monthly payments as per their contractual agreements, encompassing basic salaries, bonuses, and allowances.
- Weekly wage: Workers are compensated for their weekly labor, ensuring a steady cash flow and facilitating flexible wage management for employers.
- Daily wage: Employers remunerate workers for each day of service, often utilized for temporary or seasonal employment.
- Hourly wages: Compensation is calculated based on the hours worked, with rates determined by factors such as experience, skills, and job nature.
- Commission-based wage: Common in sales and certain service sectors, employees receive income based on a percentage of sales or services rendered.
- Piece-rate wage: Compensation is determined by the quantity of work completed or units produced.
When should employers pay salaries?
According to the law, salaries are due on the first day of the month following the end of the specified period in the employment contract. Employers failing to pay within 15 days of the due date, unless otherwise agreed upon, are considered in default.
How should the salaries be paid?
To streamline wage payments, the UAE government has instituted the Wage Protection System (WPS), mandating all MoHRE-registered employers to utilize the system for timely salary disbursement. Under the WPS, wages are transferred directly to employees' bank accounts, ensuring a secure and efficient process.
Moreover, the government has imposed penalties on companies failing to adhere to payment deadlines. While the UAE Labour Law does not stipulate a minimum wage, it mandates that salaries must cover employees' basic needs.
By fostering a transparent and equitable wage payment framework, the UAE aims to uphold labor rights and sustain its position as a premier destination for international talent and innovation.
News Source: Khaleej Times
