UAE reminds employees of their rights at work

The UAE has published guidance for employees on how to report their employer if wages are not paid in full on time, their identification documents are confiscated, or they are not prevented from leaving their job.

In a statement, the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) also said workers should not be expected to cover the costs of obtaining a work permit and should keep a signed copy of their job offer and employment contract. It said: “Your rights as a worker in the UAE are protected, and we prioritise your professional stability with a productive and innovative work environment.

“If you faced any of the explained processes, don’t hesitate to contact us through our official channels.”

According to the MOHRE, UAE workers can report their employer to the Ministry if they have experienced any of the following:

• they have not been allowed to keep their identification documents.
• they bear travel and work permit costs.
• they have signed a contract with different terms from the job offer.
• they have not been given a copy of their employment offer.
• they don’t receive full wages on time.
• the employer doesn’t provide the specified job as advertised.
• they are not able to leave their job when they want to.

 

Crack down on money laundering non compliance

Some 225 UAE companies have been hit with fines totalling Dh76.9 million (£16.5 million) this year for failing to comply with money laundering and counter terror financing regulations (AML/CFT), according to the UAE’s Ministry of Economy.

The ministry has also suspended 50 organisations for three months for failing to register for the anti-money laundering system (goAML) of the Financial Intelligence Unit. These firms were suspended in the third quarter of 2023.

The Financial Intelligence Unit receives reports of suspicious transactions through the (goAML) system. It analyses transactions and activities to check for money laundering and terror financing activities. The aim is to prevent financial criminal activities that may affect the UAE’s efforts to comply with the requirements of the International Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

In early August, the ministry announced it had imposed fines of Dh22.6 million on 29 companies operating in the UAE’s designated non-financial business or professions (DNFBP) sector for failure to comply with AML/CFT.

The ministry added that the supervision included “designated non-financial business and professions sector” in the mainland and free zones. This includes real estate brokers and agents; dealers in precious metals and stones; auditors; and corporate service providers.

The ministry said the firms would remain suspended until they registered for the goAML system. If they don’t rectify their status in three months, more severe penalties will apply, it added.

It called on companies to adhere to the relevant legislation, apply the highest levels of compliance, and communicate with the relevant authorities if there are any inquiries or if they want to request technical assistance.

Meanwhile, the UAE Ministry of Interior (MoI) also announced that more than Dh4 billion has been confiscated and 187 individuals apprehended in relation to global money laundering offences, thanks to the help of the emirates.

The MoI said the UAE assisted in the solving of 521 cases of money laundering as it successfully carried out parallel financial investigations – accounting to 55% of the reported cases – aimed at uncovering sources of illicit funds, their movement and beneficiaries. The investigations also contributed to exposing criminal networks.

Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, said the country was taking a strong stance on financial crime.

He said: “We are continuing to enhance a safe environment for living, working and investment in accordance with integrated participatory system so that the UAE remains at the forefront of international competitiveness, economic development, and protecting the integrity of the global financial system.”

The UAE has put in place plans and strategies based on national and institutional assessment of risks to reduce these crimes, he added.