The purpose of this memorandum is to summarise employment issues arising in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This note focuses on the UAE Federal Law No. 8 of 1980 (the Labour Law). It also describes the employment law that applies in the Dubai International Finance Centre (the DIFC) in Dubai.

IMMIGRATION ISSUES -

Prior to commencing any work in the UAE, all non-UAE nationals must obtain a work permit and residency visa which enables them to live and work in the country. These documents are obtained via sponsorship with an employer (or local sponsor) which is licensed and registered with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (the Ministry of Labour). A residency visa is usually tied to the employment visa application and will allow the employee the right to reside and work in the UAE for the duration of his/her employment only. The UAE has designated a number of Free Zone areas to provide exemption from many UAE laws to encourage foreign investment. If an employee is employed by an organisation which is based in a Free Zone, such as the DIFC, the free zone authority will be the sponsoring entity.