DUBAI // Inspection teams will be sent to companies accused of flouting the Labour Ministry’s reduced work timing rule during Ramadan.
“Violating it might pose sanctions, warnings and suspensions, but no fines,” a ministry spokesman said.
Employers would first be called to meet with officials at the ministry where the reasons and benefits of reduced hours would be outlined after which a warning issued for immediate compliance.
Inspection of worksites and awareness campaigns help curb irregularities, said the spokesman.
The ministry has the authority to suspend the work visas of staff employed at companies that continue to disregard the rules, placing an additional financial burden on the firm to find new workers.
“The ministry may terminate the employment relationship between the worker and the owner of the offending company if found violating,” said the spokesman, adding this would give employees the right to find work in another company.
Details were not available about the number of complaints received so far this Ramadan.
Disgruntled employees can complain at labour service centres, call the 800 665 helpline or send a letter signed by staff to the Labour Disputes department at the ministry.
According to article 65 of the UAE Labour Law, the maximum number of working hours is eight per day or 48 a week, which could increase to nine a day for hotels, supermarkets and other commercial businesses.
During the month of Ramadan, normal working hours are reduced by two hours for all employees in all enterprises, institutions and private sector companies in the country without a wage cut.
rtalwar@thenational.ae
