If you work in the UAE, you have rights. Specific, enforceable, legally backed rights. The problem is that many Indian workers don't know what they're entitled to — and some employers count on that ignorance.
UAE labour law was significantly updated in February 2022 (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), replacing the 1980 law. Here's what every Indian worker in the UAE needs to know.
Your Employment Contract
Every employee in the UAE must have a written employment contract registered with MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation). Since 2022, all contracts in the UAE are fixed-term (no more "unlimited" contracts).
What your contract must include:
**Critical rule:** Your actual job must match your contract. If you were hired as an accountant but your employer makes you work as a warehouse laborer, that's a contract violation. You can file a complaint with MOHRE.
**Offer letter vs contract:** The offer letter you signed before coming to the UAE should match the contract registered with MOHRE. If they differ, the MOHRE-registered contract is the legal document. Always check both.
Salary Rights
**Payment frequency:** Salaries must be paid through the Wages Protection System (WPS) — a MOHRE-monitored electronic system. This means your salary goes directly to your bank account, and the government can see if your employer is late.
**Salary delay:** If your employer doesn't pay for 15 days, you can file a complaint with MOHRE. The system flags employers who are chronically late, and they can be blacklisted from hiring new workers.
**Salary deduction limits:** Your employer cannot deduct more than 50% of your salary for any reason (including fines, loans, or damages). The remaining 50% is protected by law.
**No salary reduction without consent:** Your employer cannot reduce your salary unilaterally. Any reduction requires your written consent. If you're asked to sign a salary reduction letter, you are NOT obligated to sign.
**End of service gratuity:** You are entitled to end-of-service gratuity after completing one year of continuous service:
Example: 7 years of service with AED 5,000 basic salary:
This is your money. It is not a bonus or a gift. If your employer refuses to pay, file with MOHRE immediately.
Working Hours and Overtime
**Standard hours:** 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. During Ramadan, working hours are reduced by 2 hours daily for all workers (not just Muslims).
**Overtime:** Any work beyond standard hours must be compensated:
**Friday (or designated rest day) work:** If you work on your rest day and don't get a substitute rest day, you're entitled to 150% of your normal daily rate.
**Important:** Many Indian workers in construction, retail, and hospitality work overtime without proper compensation. This is illegal. Track your hours. Document everything.
Leave Entitlements
**Annual leave:** 30 calendar days per year after completing one year of service. 2 days per month during the first year.
**Sick leave:** 90 days per year after probation:
**Maternity leave:** 60 days (45 full pay + 15 half pay). Additional 45 days unpaid if needed for illness related to pregnancy. Fathers get 5 days parental leave within 6 months of birth.
**Bereavement leave:** 5 days for spouse's death, 3 days for parent/child/sibling/grandparent.
**Hajj leave:** 30 days unpaid, once during your employment, if you haven't performed Hajj before.
Termination Rights
**Notice period:** Both employer and employee must give written notice (as specified in the contract, minimum 30 days).
**During probation:** Either party can terminate with 14 days written notice.
**Arbitrary dismissal:** If you're fired without valid reason (valid reasons include poor performance, misconduct, criminal conviction), you may be entitled to compensation of up to 3 months' salary in addition to gratuity.
You can resign if:
**Ban on new employment:** Under the 2022 law, there is NO automatic ban on getting a new job after leaving your employer. The old 6-month/1-year ban system has been abolished. You can move to a new employer after your notice period ends.
How to File a Complaint
1. **Try to resolve directly first.** Talk to your employer or HR department in writing (email/WhatsApp message you can screenshot).
2. **File with MOHRE.** Use the MOHRE app or website (mohre.gov.ae) or call 600 590 000. You can file in English, Arabic, Hindi, or Urdu.
3. **Mediation.** MOHRE attempts mediation between you and your employer. This is free.
4. **Labour Court.** If mediation fails, your case goes to labour court. Filing fee is refundable if you win. Legal aid is available for workers earning below AED 8,000.
Critical documents to keep:
Common Violations Indian Workers Face
**Passport confiscation:** Illegal under UAE law. Your employer cannot hold your passport. If they do, file a complaint with MOHRE or call the police.
**Contract substitution:** You were promised one salary/job but given a different contract on arrival. File with MOHRE — the original offer letter is evidence.
**Accommodation deductions beyond agreement:** If your contract includes accommodation, your employer cannot later deduct rent from your salary.
**Threat of deportation:** Only the UAE government can deport you. Your employer cannot deport you by threatening. If they cancel your visa without notice, you have a grace period to find new employment.
Know your rights. Use our [salary calculator](/tools/salary-calculator) to understand your package breakdown and the [cost of living calculator](/tools/cost-of-living) to plan your finances in the UAE.