As it happens every year, the authorities just announced the Ramadan working hours for the public and private sectors. Hence, in 2023, the reductions of working hours during this important celebration is maintained.
In this article, you will learn about the probable date of Ramadan and what happens if an employer does not comply with this reduction in hours. Let us see:
- Authorities announce Ramadan working hours
- What happens to a company that does not respect the Ramadan working hours UAE labour law?
- Connect Staff keeps you informed about work in the UAE
1. Authorities announce Ramadan working hours
The UAE authorities recently announced Ramadan working hours for private sector. In addition, the same rule applies to companies and organizations in the public sector of the country this year. In this case, the announcement was made by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) of the United Arab Emirates.
This announcement appeared on the MOHRE Twitter account, in which it was announced that the schedule would be reduced by 2 hours. Therefore, companies in the public and private sectors must reduce working hours during this sacred month. Thus, the Ramadan working hours for government entities will be as follows:
- From Monday to Thursday, the hours will be from 9 am to 2:30 pm.
- Fridays will be from 9 am to 12 pm.
Furthermore, according to the Emirates Astronomical Society, the holy month of Ramadan will fall in April this year. More accurately, the date would fall on March 23, 2023, a Thursday. However, you must remember that the exact date depends on the observation of the moon, so in a few weeks, you will know the exact date.
2. What happens to a company that does not respect the Ramadan working hours UAE labour law?
Under UAE labor law, employers cannot discriminate against any worker under any circumstances, including religion. However, the law does not provide a specific fine for breaching UAE Ramadan working hours. However, the fines can range from AED 5,000 to AED 1,000,000 for violation of the UAE Labor Law.
Thus, if the employer does not comply with the reduction in hours, the affected employee(s) may file a complaint. The employee can do this at the MOHRE or the authority of the free zone corresponding to the business.
Similarly, in both the DIFC and the ADGM, there are regulations against discrimination on religious grounds. These provisions are in the DIFC Employment Law – No. 2 of 2019 and the ADGM Employment Regulation 2019. Therefore, if the employer violates Ramadan working hours Dubai, this could count as indirect discrimination.
Thus, if according to the DIFC Employment Law, there was discrimination, the employer may have to compensate the employee with up to 1 year of salary. In addition, the court may require the employer to take certain prescribed steps. Also, if the employer fails to comply with the recommendations, the court could increase the amount of compensation up to 2 years of salary.
Likewise, the ADGM Employment Regulation establishes that the company that breaks the law could have to pay compensation of 3 years of salary. Therefore, in any case, the employer must ensure that they adhere to the Ramadan working hours. You must also comply with other anti-discrimination rules and ensure fair treatment of your employees.
3. Connect Staff keeps you informed about work in the UAE
At Connect Staff, we inform you about labor issues and provide, among others, the next services:
To contact us, you just have to contact us at +971 43 316 688 or you can also send us an email at contact@connectstaff.ae. In this way, you will be able to know all our services in the different industries of the country.
