UAE prosecutor welcomes end of job freeze

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: UAE prosecutor welcomes end of job freeze The lifting of the six-month labour ban will reduce the number of disputes and lead to fewer employees walking out or absconding from their jobs, a top prosecutor has said. Mohammed Al Danhani, chief prosecutor for Abu Dhabi’s Baniyas district, was speaking after the Ministry of Labour this week said that, as of Friday, people who change jobs cannot be penalised by their employer. Al Danhani said: “The new regulation will help reduce the many labour disputes, mainly between employers and expat workers fighting work bans, that have been handled by courts. The easing of the ban will also curb the absconding of workers as many employees tend to run away after being prevented from changing jobs.” He added: “Employers not putting bans on workers will also curb joblessness and crimes associated with unemployment among the foreign labour in the country.” The ministry said the ban affected about 340,000 of the one million employees who cancelled work permits in 2014. Humaid bin Deemas Al Suwaidi, Assistant Undersecretary, this week said the move is intended to “attract and keep talent” in the UAE. At present, many employees can only switch jobs without being hit by the ban if they have completed two years’ work, though the regulations depend on salary and qualifications. The change is expected to help middle and lower income workers in particular. Among those already exempted are: university graduates on Dhs12,000 per month or more, diploma graduates on Dhs7,000 and secondary school graduates earning at least Dhs5,000. Lower-skilled employees who do not have a secondary school graduate certificate will not be exempted. They would have to have finish six months in their job to avoid the ban. ismail@7days.ae Read the original story at: UAE prosecutor welcomes end of job freeze