What You Need to Know about Working in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is a hub of economic growth and development. As a result, it offers a multitude of employment opportunities across various sectors, such as finance, construction, hospitality, and healthcare, among others. If you are considering working in Abu Dhabi, there are several things you need to know, such as the visa requirements, employment laws, cultural norms, and living expenses.

In this article, we will discuss the recent updates concerning work conditions and requirements that you need to consider before taking up a job in Abu Dhabi.

What You Need to Know about Working in Abu Dhabi
Credits: Beno Saradzic / Flickr

OFWs are highly sought-after in Abu Dhabi, UAE, due to the vast employment opportunities, attractive compensation packages, and favorable working conditions. Here are some of the reasons why OFWs prefer to work in Abu Dhabi:

  1. Higher salaries: OFWs working in Abu Dhabi receive higher salaries than they would in the Philippines. This is due to the country’s high demand for skilled workers and the favorable exchange rate of the UAE Dirham to the Philippine Peso.
  2. Tax-free income: OFWs working in Abu Dhabi are not required to pay income tax, which means they get to keep more of their hard-earned money.
  3. Better working conditions: The UAE has implemented strict labor laws that protect the rights of workers. This includes providing a safe working environment, minimum wage, and maximum working hours.
  4. Opportunities for career growth: Abu Dhabi is home to many international companies and industries, which offer OFWs the chance to develop their skills and advance their careers.
  5. Supportive Filipino community: There is a significant Filipino community in Abu Dhabi, which provides a support system for OFWs. This includes Filipino organizations, religious groups, and social events that help OFWs connect with their fellow Filipinos and make them feel at home.
  6. High-quality healthcare: Abu Dhabi has a world-class healthcare system, which is essential for OFWs who want to ensure the health and wellbeing of their families.
  7. Excellent standard of living: Abu Dhabi offers a high standard of living, with modern infrastructure, world-class amenities, and a safe environment for families.

OFWs prefer to work in Abu Dhabi due to the numerous benefits, including higher salaries, tax-free income, better working conditions, career growth opportunities, a supportive Filipino community, high-quality healthcare, and an excellent standard of living.

Latest Update on Work Requirements

If you are an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) planning to work in Dubai or the Northern Emirates, it’s important to take note of the updated requirements for Individual Contract Verification (ICV) from the Migrant Worker Office (MWO), which will be effective on February 1, 2023.

Domestic Workers

For domestic workers, the following requirements are needed:

  • Valid employment contract with a minimum wage of AED 1,500 (for contracts below the minimum wage, please contact your employer to have the contract amended at any Tadbeer center).
  • Addendum to the employment contract.
  • Valid passport of the worker.
  • Valid visa stamp (if issued prior to April 11, 2022) or Emirates ID (if issued from April 11, 2022 onwards) of the worker.
  • Additional requirements for OFWs without previous records with POEA and for registered BM with a change of employer:
    • Emirates ID of the employer.
  • Additional requirements for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain visa holders working in Dubai or the Northern Emirates:
    • Proof of work address (e.g., employer’s billing statement, tenancy agreement, etc.).

Skilled Workers

For skilled workers, the following requirements are needed:

  • Valid employment contract.
  • In case of a discrepancy in job title: a company letter or any acceptable documentary proof explaining the difference.
  • In case of a discrepancy in company name: a proof of relationship or any acceptable document showing the relationship between the company names (e.g., Old and New Trade Licenses, or Company/Employer Certification).
  • In case the basic wage is below AED 1,500, with the total wage being at least AED 1,500: Salary Certificate or last 3 months’ Pay Slips, duly stamped and signed by the employer, or Bank Statement showing receipt of salary; and a Salary Undertaking of the worker affirming that he/she is fully aware of the basic salary indicated in the contract which shall be the basis for his/her gratuity pay, and that he/she shall negotiate for the increase in basic wage upon contract renewal.
  • Valid passport of the worker.
  • Valid visa stamp (if issued prior to April 11, 2022) or Emirates ID (if issued from April 11, 2022 onwards) of the worker.
  • Additional requirements for OFWs without previous records with POEA and for registered BM with a change of employer:
    • Company business/trade license
    • Wage protection system record (if under MOHRE), or bank statement showing salary receipt.
    • Academic credentials.
  • Additional requirements for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain visa holders working in Dubai or the Northern Emirates:
    • Company certification or work address.

All documentary requirements must be submitted in two sets, along with a verification fee of AED 40.00. Make sure to arrange the documents according to their order in the list and provide an appropriate authorization letter and EID copy for representatives.

If you hold an Investor, Partner, or Husband/Wife/Dependent Visa, contract verification is not necessary. By keeping yourself informed of these updated requirements, you can ensure a smoother process for your Individual Contract Verification when working in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

Working Hours of OFWs in the UAE

According to UAE labour law, OFWs can work a maximum of 8 hours a day for a 48-hour workweek, except for commercial establishments where it can be extended to 9 hours a day. During Ramadan, reduced working hours apply. Additionally, no employee should work for five consecutive hours without rest and meals of at least one hour.

It is also essential for OFWs planning to work or return to the UAE to obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) before leaving the Philippines. The OEC serves as proof of being legally recruited for work overseas and is a requirement for OFWs leaving the Philippines.

Overtime and other regulations are covered by additional laws and regulations, and OFWs are advised to consult the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization website for more information.

It is vital for OFWs to be aware of these laws and regulations to ensure that their rights and welfare are protected. Adherence to these laws and regulations is necessary to maintain harmonious and productive working relationships between OFWs and their employers.

OFW Salary in the UAE

If you’re an OFW planning to work in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it’s important to have an idea about the salary and salary-related benefits you can expect to receive. According to the POEA online page, the range of salaries for OFWs in the UAE is from AED 2,000 to 5,000 (USD 545 to 1362), depending on the type of job.

It’s important to note that there is no minimum wage in the UAE, but overtime pay is 25% of the basic salary. If an employee works overtime between 9 PM to 4 AM, the overtime pay is 50% of the basic salary. However, overtime should not exceed 2 hours, except in emergency cases.

If you work on a rest day or a holiday, you are entitled to a substitute rest day with 50% of the basic salary, or you can choose to receive a regular day’s pay with an additional 50%. Your annual leave pay will be your basic salary plus your housing allowance only; other allowances will not be paid.

Another important benefit for OFWs in the UAE is the end-of-service gratuity, which is given to an employee who completes one year or more of continuous service with an employer. The amount of gratuity pay is calculated based on the length of service and the last basic salary received.

When it comes to payment of salary, OFWs should be paid in Dirhams at the place of work or through bank transfer, at least once a month. If salaries are delayed and not paid within 15 days from the wage cut-off date, they are considered delayed. However, daily wage earners are paid once every three weeks.

Finally, it’s worth noting that an employee should not be required to purchase food or other commodities from a particular shop.

Work Conditions in Abu Dhabi

Like in many other parts of the world, the work conditions in Abu Dhabi have been significantly impacted by the pandemic. The UAE has implemented various measures to contain the spread of the virus, including restrictions on movement, social distancing, and mask-wearing requirements.

One of the major changes in work conditions is the increase in remote work or work from home arrangements, where possible. Many companies in Abu Dhabi have implemented these measures to reduce the risk of transmission among their employees. This has resulted in a significant shift in the way work is done, with many workers having to adapt to new tools and technologies to work effectively from home.

For workers who are required to report to work physically, various precautionary measures have been implemented in workplaces to ensure their safety. These measures include temperature checks, mandatory mask-wearing, and social distancing in workspaces.

The pandemic has also resulted in the introduction of new laws and regulations regarding employment in Abu Dhabi. For example, workers who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate and may be entitled to sick leave benefits. Employers are also required to provide adequate health and safety equipment to their employees to ensure their safety in the workplace.

Video: Buhay OFW sa Abu Dhabi UAE sa gitna ng Pandemya| A day of a call center agent life abroad 2020

This video features a Pinay OFW who works as a call center agent in Abu Dhabi. Follow her as she takes you through her daily routine, from waking up early in the morning to commuting to work and dealing with various customer inquiries and concerns throughout the day.

In this video, you will also get a glimpse of the bustling city of Abu Dhabi and the diverse community of expats and locals that call it home. But a few years after the start of the pandemic, how is life in Abu Dhabi since? This is just one of the things that you’d be able to appreciate by watching this video before actually deciding to work here in Abu Dhabi.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the maximum number of working hours in Abu Dhabi?

According to UAE labor law, the maximum working hours in Abu Dhabi are eight hours a day for a 48-hour work week. It can be increased to 9 hours a day in commercial establishments.

2. Is there a minimum wage for OFWs in Abu Dhabi?

There is no minimum wage in Abu Dhabi or the UAE. The salary is based on the type of job, and the range of salaries for OFWs in Abu Dhabi is from AED 2,000 to 5,000.

3. What is an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), and why is it important for OFWs planning to work in Abu Dhabi?

An Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is a requirement for OFWs leaving the Philippines and serves as proof of being legally recruited for work overseas. It is essential for OFWs planning to work or return to the UAE as an OFW to obtain an OEC before leaving the Philippines.

4. What are the requirements for Individual Contract Verification for OFWs in Abu Dhabi and Northern Emirates?

The requirements for Individual Contract Verification for OFWs in Abu Dhabi and Northern Emirates include a valid employment contract, addendum to the employment contract, worker’s valid passport, worker’s valid visa stamp (if issued prior to 11 April 2022) or Emirates ID (if issued from 11 April 2022 onwards), and additional requirements depending on the type of worker.

5. What are the payment conditions for OFWs working in Abu Dhabi?

OFWs in Abu Dhabi will be paid in Dirhams, at the place of work or through bank transfer, at least once a month. Salaries are considered delayed if not paid within 15 days from the wage cut-off date, except for daily wage earners who are paid once every 3 weeks.

6. What are the common benefits provided by employers in Abu Dhabi?

Employers in Abu Dhabi typically provide end-of-service gratuity, annual leave pay (basic salary + housing allowance only), and health insurance. Some employers may also provide housing and transportation allowances.

7. What are the COVID-19 restrictions and protocols for OFWs working in Abu Dhabi?

OFWs in Abu Dhabi must follow the COVID-19 restrictions and protocols set by the UAE government, including wearing masks in public places, practicing social distancing, and getting vaccinated. Employers may also have additional protocols in place to ensure the safety of their employees.

8. Are there any additional laws and regulations concerning overtime for OFWs in Abu Dhabi?

Overtime pay for OFWs in Abu Dhabi is 25% of basic salary, and 50% of basic salary for overtime work done between 9 PM to 4 AM. Overtime should not exceed 2 hours, except in emergency cases. There are also additional laws and regulations concerning overtime, which OFWs can consult on the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization website.

Summary

Working in Abu Dhabi can be an exciting opportunity for those looking to expand their careers and experience a different culture. However, it is essential to be aware of the regulations and requirements for employment in Abu Dhabi, including visa requirements and employment laws.

It is also important to understand the cultural norms and living expenses to ensure a smooth transition. By doing thorough research and seeking guidance from official sources, you can prepare yourself for a successful and fulfilling experience working in Abu Dhabi.

READ NEXT: 10 Reasons Why Expats Choose to Work in Abu Dhabi