United Arab Emirates

The Cabinet issued “Federal Law by Decree No. (19) of 2018 Regarding Foreign Direct Investment“, a new foreign investment law that allows more than 49 per cent ownership to foreigners in some businesses that could go up to 100 per cent in commercial companies in 13 economic sectors covering 122 economic activities (renewable energy, space, agriculture and manufacturing, transportation and storage, accommodation and food services, information and communication, and more.)

Ministerial Decision No. 31 establishes a new system for part-time contracts for migrant workers.

Federal Law No. 10 introduces measures for the protection of domestic workers such as outlining the role of recruitment agencies, setting standards for labour contracts, employer and employee obligations, inspections, penalties, time off, end of service indemnity, termination of contracts, and providing dispute settlement.

Ministerial Resolution No. 591 addresses the Commitment of Establishments to provide accommodation to their workers.

Resolution No. 33, passed by the UAE Council of Ministers, relates to the executive regulations of Federal Law No. 14 of 2014 and provides free health care to treat communicable and contagious diseases for all residents, although deportation rules remain in place if migrants are infected with specific diseases.

Decree No. 765 outlines the rules and conditions for the termination of employment relations, defines ways in which fixed-term and unlimited contracts can be terminated, and lists conditions that could end an employment relationship.

Decree No. 766 outlines the rules and conditions for granting work permits to migrants who are changing employers, thus allowing free internal labour market mobility.