Confused about UAE labour laws? Answers here

The new labour laws at a glance.

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Labour cards

They are now valid for two years, instead of the previous three years.

Skilled workers

No longer need to obtain a no-objection certificate from an employer before taking on a new position.

Companies

Will now fall into different categories, depending on the percentage of skilled and Emirati workers they employ. Businesses with a bigger mix will pay lower fees for labour cards.

Retirement age

For foreign workers this has been raised to 65 from 60.

Recruiting agencies

Agencies who hire foreign workers need to deposit Dh1 million (US$272,000) in a restricted account, while those with labourers for third-party firms need Dh2,000 a worker. The Ministry of Labour would tap these funds if an agency collapses or fails to pay its workers.