To stay out of any trouble while working abroad, it is important to know all the rules and regulations that apply to you. It's thus better to become aware of UAE labour law whenever you accept a job in UAE so that in the future if something wrong happens to you, you can take the appropriate actions.

Upon accepting a job in the UAE, a prospective employee must know that the employer is responsible for sponsoring and insuring the hired individual.

It is common for employers to charge us for visa costs. However, did you know that according to UAE Labour Law, employers must cover all recruitment expenses in the UAE?

I'm sure you're curious about the recruitment expenses in the UAE and how much employers will be responsible for. Here you will find all the answers to your questions.

UAE Recruitment Expenses: 
 
As part of the recruitment expenses, the employer should pay for the costs of recruiting an employee as well as the employment card fees. According to Article 6(a) of the Ministerial Order No. 52 of 1989 governing the rules and procedures to be adopted by labour permit sections when recruiting foreign workers for employment in the UAE: "An undertaking from the employer to the effect that he shall sponsor and be responsible for the recruited employee, the bearing of his recruitment expenses and his employment in accordance with the employment contract in a way not prejudicing the provision of the Federal Law No. 8 of 1980 referred to herein."

The cost of the housemaid visa is as follows:

All employees of household services, such as cleaners, housemaids, nannies, chauffeurs, etc, are covered by the law as well.

UAE Identification Card (Emirates ID) Expense:

Since there is no ministerial order or any kind of specific law that outlines the expenses associated with Emirates ID, it is clear from the above ministerial order No. 52 of 1989, that all the recruitment charges, including employment cards, should be borne by the employer (company).

Employee salary deduction is in violation of law:

Unless there is a valid reason, your employer (company) cannot deduct a portion of your salary as per the UAE employment Law.

Under Emirates Employment Law, Section 60 of the Federal Law No. 8 of 1980 that regulates Employment Relations in the UAE states:

It is prohibited to deduct from worker's remuneration any amount in relation to a private claim, except in the following cases:

1. The employer may deduct advance payments or amounts in excess of the employee's entitlement, as long as the deduction does not exceed 10 percent of the employee's periodical earnings. 
 
2. A worker's contribution to social security or other insurance schemes, which must be deducted from their wages.
 
3. Contributions to a savings fund or advance payments to a savings fund.
 
4. Contributions to a welfare program or any other favours or services provided by an employer with approval from the Department of Labour.
 
5. Penalties that may be imposed on the employee for committing any offense.
 
6. A deduction not to exceed one-fourth of the worker's salary must be made in order to enforce the judgment of a court of law. A maximum of half the worker's remuneration shall be attached, In the case of more than one debt. The sums attached shall be distributed pro-rata among the beneficiaries, after the payment of the worker's legal alimony at the rate of one-quarter of the worker's remuneration."

How would it be if an employer deducted Visa fees?

The worker may approach MOHRE (the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation) and file a complaint against the employer if the company refuses to pay recruitment expenses or deduct employment visa fees or employment card charges.