Questions & Answers
What to do when the employer demands working hours above the limit of law
Does a 12 hours work shift in a free zone company violate the labour law?
Dear Questioner,
Most Free Zones follow the UAE Labour Law, and therefore, the normal working hours of private companies in the UAE are 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week as per Article 65 of the same law.
Some professions will be allowed to extend the normal hours, by obtaining approval, to 9 hours per day such as hotels and cafes.
Overtime might be required as per the job demands. If overtime is required, it is paid the same as the normal hours' pay plus 25% of that pay.
Good Luck.
As per Article 65 of the UAE Labour Law, the working time will be 8 hours (Except for some functions). If the labourer is working for more than 8 hours, he/she is entitled to overtime pay.
Overtime is considered if the nature of the job demands working beyond normal working hours and it will entitle the employee for a payment equal to normal working hours' remuneration plus 25 per cent of that pay.
It could increase to 50 per cent if the overtime is done between 9 pm and 4 am.
