I think my boss may be breaking the law but I want to double check before I make a proper complaint. I work in an office and am being made to work very long hours. I start at 8am and usually don't finish until after 7pm. I don't get any overtime pay. I have asked to be paid for the extra hours but was told that office-based employees don't get this under the law. TM, Dubai
The maximum number of working hours is set out in UAE Labour Law in Article 65, which states: “The maximum number of ordinary working hours for adult workers shall be eight hours per day, or 40 eight hours per week. The number of hours may be increased to nine hours per day for people employed in trade, hotels, cafeterias, security and other jobs whose addition may be made by virtue of a decision from the Minister of Labour”. For someone in an office, the maximum is therefore eight hours per standard working day. The law states that an individual may work up to two additional hours per working day, per Article 69, but should be compensated for this. For additional hours worked up to 9pm, the employee should be “paid a wage equivalent to the ordinary hourly wage with an addition of at least 25 per cent of the said wage” in accordance with Article 67. If the employer breaks the law in this way a complaint can be registered with the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation.
Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser and Senior Partner with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with over 20 years’ experience. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com. Follow her on Twitter at @FinancialUAE.
The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only.
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