The Pakistan Consulate in Dubai has shared an important awareness message for overseas workers, highlighting the rights and responsibilities of Pakistani employees in the United Arab Emirates under local labor laws.
The initiative aims to protect workers from exploitation and ensure that they understand their legal position before and during employment.
According to the advisory, no worker should begin a job without an official work permit. This permit is the responsibility of the employer who must also bear the full cost.
Employment contracts in the UAE usually last for two years, and both employer and employee must sign them. A probation period of up to six months may be included, during which specific notice rules apply.
The guidelines also explained working hours: employees cannot be asked to work more than eight hours a day or 48 hours a week. After five hours, a break must be provided while during Ramadan, daily hours are reduced to six. Overtime is compensated at higher rates, with additional pay for night shifts and public holidays.
Workers are also entitled to several types of leave, including annual leave, sick leave, maternity and paternity leave and compassionate leave. End-of-service benefits (gratuity) are granted based on years of service, but only after completing one year with the employer.
Employers have clear obligations as well, such as providing health insurance, accommodation, and return tickets for blue-collar workers. They are also prohibited from holding employees’ passports.
For disputes over wages, gratuity, or other issues, workers have the right to file complaints through Tasheel Centres, where cases are reviewed first by the Ministry of Human Resources and later by the courts if needed.
This step by the Pakistan Consulate is being seen as an effort to empower overseas Pakistanis with knowledge, ensuring they can work safely, confidently, and within the protection of the UAE law.
