The Pakistan Consulate in Dubai has launched an informational video aimed at guiding Pakistani workers in the UAE about their legal rights and responsibilities under local labour laws.
The video outlines essential employment rules, covering areas such as salaries, leave entitlements, gratuity, overtime, resignation procedures, and workplace conduct. Workers were reminded to begin employment only after receiving an official work permit, which must be arranged and paid for by the sponsoring employer.
متحدہ عرب امارت میں مقيم پاكستانی ورکرز كيلئے UAE labor laws کے حوالے سے بنائی گئئ خصوصی آگاہى ویڈیو !
Awareness video on UAE labor laws for Pakistani workers residing in the United Arab Emirates pic.twitter.com/dtHc5z8XS6
— Pakistan Embassy UAE (@PakinUAE_) October 2, 2025
Key highlights of the awareness message
- Contracts & Probation: Employment contracts in the UAE usually last two years and must be signed by both parties, with workers keeping a copy for reference. Probation can last up to six months. Employers must provide 14 days’ notice before terminating a contract, while employees must give 30 days’ notice if they wish to leave during probation. Quitting without notice may result in a one-year employment ban.
- Working Hours & Overtime: Standard duty is eight hours a day or 48 hours a week, with a break after every five hours. During Ramadan, working hours are reduced to six per day. Overtime pay includes 25% extra for additional hours and 50% more for night shifts or holiday work.
- Salaries & Leave: Employers must pay wages on time, preferably through direct bank transfer, and cannot deduct pay without valid reasons. Employees are entitled to 30 days of annual leave, up to 90 days of sick leave, 60 days of maternity leave for mothers, 5 days of paternity leave for fathers, and 3–5 days of compassionate leave in case of a family bereavement.
- Gratuity: Workers with 1–5 years of service are entitled to 21 days of gratuity pay per year of service, while those serving more than 5 years receive 30 days’ pay for each additional year. Employees serving less than one year are not eligible.
- Resignation: Employees must notify their employer before leaving a job. However, if the workplace is unsafe or salaries remain unpaid, they can legally resign without prior notice.
- Employer’s Duties: Employers are prohibited from holding employees’ passports. They must also provide health insurance, accommodation, and return tickets upon termination for blue-collar workers.
- Employee’s Duties: Workers must remain honest, disciplined and cannot join another employer without permission.
- Filing Complaints: If employers fail to pay salaries, withhold gratuity, or confiscate passports, employees may approach the Tasheel Centre. Disputes are initially handled by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and unresolved cases proceed to the labour courts.
Consul-General Hussain Muhammad, in his video message, emphasized that overseas Pakistanis represent their country and should respect UAE laws. He added that the initiative was designed to help workers avoid legal complications and safeguard their rights.
The consulate also reminded the community that UAE laws ensure equal treatment for all, regardless of nationality, gender, race, or religion. Women, it noted, cannot be dismissed due to pregnancy, and both men and women are entitled to equal pay.
Closing the message, the consulate said: “UAE labour laws protect all workers. Know your rights, fulfill your responsibilities with integrity, and in case of problems, call the helpline 80084, available in 18 languages.”
