Part-Time Work in the UAE: Key Rights and Legal Guidelines for Employees and Employers

Part-time work has become more popular as people seek flexibility and businesses look to diversify their workforce. In the UAE, part-time employment is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations, which protects the rights of both employees and employers. Here is a full review of the legal framework governing part-time work and its relationship to employment law.

Legal Framework for Part-Time Employment

Part-time work is explicitly recognized as a separate category of employment under UAE labour law. This categorization enables persons to work fewer hours than full-time employees while still retaining certain rights and benefits. The key provisions include:

1. Employment Contracts: Part-time employees must have written contracts specifying the working hours, responsibilities, and payment.
2. Work Hours: The law does not prescribe a minimum number of hours for part-time roles, but working hours should align with the contractual agreement.
3. Multiple Employment: Part-time employees are permitted to hold multiple jobs simultaneously, provided they secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their primary employer.

Employee Rights in Part-Time Roles

Even as part-time employees, workers in the UAE enjoy many of the same rights as full-time employees, including:

• Wages: Payment must be proportionate to the agreed working hours and completed work.
• Leave Entitlements: Part-time employees are eligible for annual leave, sick leave, and maternity leave on a prorated basis.
• End-of-Service Benefits: Upon contract termination, part-time employees are entitled to gratuity calculated based on their actual working hours and service duration.

Employer Obligations Under UAE Labour Law

Employers hiring part-time staff must adhere to specific obligations to remain compliant with the law:

• Fair Treatment: Part-time workers must not face discrimination in terms of wages or benefits compared to full-time employees performing similar roles.
• Overtime Pay: If part-time employees work beyond their contractual hours, they must be compensated for overtime as per labour law regulations.
• Contract Compliance: Employers are responsible for drafting and registering part-time employment contracts with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

Link to Employment Law: Protecting Rights and Ensuring Compliance

Part-time work laws are strongly entrenched in employment law concepts, to strike a balance between employee rights and business interests. Legal protections ensure that part-time employees have access to:

• Proportional benefits for their contributions.
• Legal recourse in the event of unfair treatment.
• Opportunities for professional growth through multiple employment.

Employers, in turn, benefit from clear guidelines that reduce the risk of legal disputes and promote workforce flexibility.

Common Challenges and Legal Support

Despite clear regulations, part-time employment can present challenges such as:

• Misclassification of employees leads to disputes over benefits.
• Non-compliance with contractual obligations.
• Legal issues arising from multiple job arrangements.

Engaging legal experts can help resolve these issues, ensuring compliance with labour laws and safeguarding the rights of all parties.

Conclusion

Part-time employment in the UAE is a flexible and legally protected option that benefits both companies and employees. Employers can create diverse workforces by following the rules outlined in the UAE Labour Law, while employees enjoy safe and fair working conditions.

If you need help drafting part-time employment contracts, understanding labour law difficulties, or settling disputes, our legal team can give experienced guidance tailored to your needs.