Latest news with #MoHRE
CairoScene
4 days ago
- Climate
- CairoScene
UAE Implements Annual Midday Work Ban to Protect Outdoor Labourers
Employers found violating the ban face fines of up to AED 50,000, with penalties of AED 5,000 per worker. Jun 17, 2025 The UAE's annual Midday Work Ban has come into effect and will remain in place until September 15th, 2025. Enforced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), the regulation prohibits outdoor work between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM during the summer months. The ban is part of a broader effort to safeguard labourers from heat-related illnesses and injuries at the height of the season. Employers found violating the rule face fines of up to AED 50,000, with AED 5,000 issued per worker in breach. According to MoHRE, compliance has exceeded 99%, underscoring the UAE's emphasis on occupational safety and worker welfare. To ensure adherence, MoHRE teams conduct regular inspections at work sites and employee accommodations. Employers are required to provide shaded rest areas, access to drinking water, cooling devices, and first aid supplies. For essential outdoor work—such as asphalt laying or urgent repairs—permits are required, and all necessary precautions must be in place to mitigate health risks.
Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Ministry reveals 5 categories exempted from Unemployment Insurance Scheme in UAE
Abdul Rahman Saeed, Staff Reporter The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has affirmed that five categories are exempted from the Unemployment Insurance Scheme (UIS). These include Investors (Business Owners) working in their registered business, domestic workers, temporary contract workers, minors under 18 and pensioners (retirees receiving a pension and joining new employment). MoHRE outlined four eligibility conditions for receiving compensation under the UIS as follows: the insured must have a minimum of 12 consecutive months of subscription, the insured must not have been dismissed for disciplinary reasons as per labour laws or federal HR regulations, claims must not involve fraud or fictitious employment and compensation ceases if the insured obtained a new job during the payout period.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Public sector workers in Dubai to get flexible working hours: What you need to know
Under the 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative, Dubai public sector staff can either take Fridays off or work reduced hours on Fridays, depending on their chosen schedule/ Image (File) Dubai has officially reintroduced its seasonal workplace initiative, 'Our Flexible Summer', offering government employees flexible working hours aimed at boosting productivity and enhancing work-life balance during the scorching summer period. The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) confirmed that the initiative will run from July 1 to September 12, 2025, and will apply across government entities at each department's discretion. This follows a successful pilot conducted in 2024. 'This is all about supporting a better work-life balance for our government teams,' the DGHR said in a public statement, highlighting the initiative's aim to make summer 'a little cooler' for public sector staff. Two Work Schedule Options Under the Initiative Under the temporary model, the standard five-day workweek remains in place, but employees can choose from two flexible scheduling options: Group 1: Work 8 hours per day from Monday to Thursday and take Friday off entirely. Group 2: Work 7 hours per day from Monday to Thursday, and 4.5 hours on Friday. The choice of implementation is left to each government department, allowing flexibility across different operations. The DGHR stated that the initiative 'comes after the successful trial run earlier this year' and is intended to increase employee happiness and overall productivity during the UAE's peak summer months. Results from the Previous Trial Phase The program isn't new. In 2024, the Dubai Government rolled out a similar model between August 12 and September 30 across 21 government entities. According to data analysed from that pilot, the initiative: Led to enhanced productivity Created more positive work environments Achieved a 98% satisfaction rate among participating employees, based on official evaluation systems The results confirmed that flexible working arrangements could have a measurable impact on both employee wellbeing and departmental performance. This year's expanded rollout reflects the government's confidence in the model's success. Longer Weekends and Broader Worker Welfare Measures Currently, most government employees in Dubai enjoy a two-and-a-half-day weekend, with a half-day on Friday, and full days on Saturday and Sunday. The new schedule will allow some staff to enjoy a full three-day weekend, depending on the group selected. In parallel, the UAE continues to implement additional summer workforce protections, particularly for outdoor and field-based workers. As of June 15, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) began enforcing the annual midday break, which bans work under direct sunlight from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM, daily until September 15. MoHRE inspectors have already begun site checks, with fines of Dh5,000 per worker for violations, up to a maximum of Dh50,000 in cases involving multiple breaches. In addition, the ministry has set up over 10,000 air-conditioned rest stations across the country to support delivery service workers, helping them cope with extreme heat during the peak season.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
How the UAE is protecting employers from non-compliant domestic worker recruitment agencies
The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has taken decisive action against several domestic worker recruitment agencies found to be in breach of regulations during the first half of 2025. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Among the most significant violations recorded was the failure of some agencies to refund recruitment fees, either partially or fully, to employers within the legally mandated timeframe. The law requires that if a domestic worker is either returned to the agency or fails to report for work, the recruitment agency must refund the applicable fees within 14 days. MoHRE also documented multiple other infractions, including: Non-compliance with ministry-issued circulars and operational guidelines Breaches of commitments under licensed recruitment agency regulations Violations of ministerial decisions and the Domestic Workers Law Zero-Tolerance Policy and Legal Recourse for Employers Through its official website, the ministry reiterated its firm zero-tolerance stance toward any form of non-compliance. It emphasized that strict legal measures, including license revocation, will be enforced in cases deemed severe enough to warrant closure of the agency. MoHRE also reaffirmed the rights of employers, stating 'Employers have the right to file a complaint if a licensed recruitment agency fails to refund recruitment fees within 14 days from the return of the domestic worker or their unauthorized absence.' Employers can submit complaints by contacting the Labour Advisory Call Center at 80084. Once submitted, a specialized team will review the case and attempt to reach an amicable settlement. If a resolution cannot be reached and the claim is under Dh50,000, the ministry will issue a formal legal ruling. In addition to monetary concerns, MoHRE warned that further legal and administrative action will be taken against agencies violating any aspect of the Domestic Workers Law or related regulatory decisions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Ministry Urges Direct Communication and Cautions Against Unlicensed Operators To help streamline conflict resolution and enhance transparency, MoHRE encouraged the public to communicate directly with the ministry via its digital platforms or by calling the 80084 hotline. It assured residents and employers of its commitment to: Listening to concerns with seriousness Handling complaints with transparency Enforcing laws with consistency and firmness Furthermore, the ministry stressed the vital role of licensed recruitment agencies, stating that they are critical in providing employers with: Verified, trained and qualified domestic workers Recruitment packages that fully comply with UAE laws and standards MoHRE also issued a public advisory, urging Emirati and resident families to avoid engaging with unlicensed recruitment offices or unverified social media platforms advertising domestic worker services. It highlighted the legal, health, and safety risks posed by such informal arrangements. 128 Accredited Recruitment Centers Now Operational Across UAE To guide the public toward safe and legal recruitment channels, the ministry released an updated list of licensed domestic worker recruitment centers, which now totals 128 centers across the UAE: 41 in Abu Dhabi 41 in Dubai 5 in Sharjah city 1 in Kalba 2 in Khorfakkan 19 in Ajman 13 in Ras Al Khaimah 4 in Fujairah city 1 in Dibba 1 in Masafi This extensive network aims to ensure that all residents have access to legally compliant, trustworthy, and professional services, reinforcing the ministry's broader effort to maintain accountability and improve standards within the domestic labor sector.
Gulf Today
5 days ago
- Gulf Today
Great move!
The MoHRE's initiative to build 10,000+ air conditioned rest areas for delivery riders is a commendable move ('Over 10,000 rest stations provided for delivery workers across UAE during Midday Break', Gulf Today, June 10.) Working outside in this scorching heat is risky. The cool rest areas help prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion for delivery workers. Riders can take break there during the midday work break. These rest areas give delivery workers a safe, cool place to rest. We must appreciate the effort of MoHRE, RTA and others for valuing the health, safety for these workers. Hats off to the MoHRE and it is indeed an example for the entire world. Umm Ul Khulsum Sharjah
