Can you work for two employers at one time in UAE?

An employee can have a part-time job along with a full-time one, but subject to certain conditions.

Is it possible for an employee in UAE to work for two companies at the same time? There are provisions in the UAE labour law explaining the entire procedure.
Let's take a look at the law to understand how it is possible for an employee to work for two companies at the same time in the country.

General provisions

According to the UAE's Labour Law, an employee can have a part-time job along with a full-time one - but subject to certain conditions. The employee can work part-time after getting a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
The fee for part-time work permit includes an application fee of Dh100 and an approval fee of Dh500.
Hefty fine for Illegal workers:  As per Federal Decree Law No. 2 of 2007, if an expatriate is caught working for another company without an official permit, then a fine of Dh50,000 will be applied to the hiring company, in addition to other penalties in case of repeating the offence.

For people on a work visa

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation allows employees - both Emiratis and foreign workers - to work for more than one employer without having to obtain an approval from their primary employer.
All they need to do is acquire a permit from the MoHRE which is valid for one year.  Part-time contract workers - defined as those who work less than eight hours a day - must be given a minimum of one off day per week. Non-competitor clauses do not apply to such employees even if the employer claims conflict of interest related to divulging trade secrets, unless a court issues an order to this effect.
The resolution obliges workers to perform their duties according to labour regulations applied by the ministry, except for the number of working hours.
The ministerial fee for the primary employer would range from Dh150 to Dh2,000, while the secondary employer would be required to pay Dh100 (equivalent to fees paid for temporary work permits).
Primary employers are responsible for annual leaves, end of service benefits, and other financial obligations in proportion to the number of actual working hours and wages stipulated in the contract.
The resolution stipulates that a part-time contract cannot be changed into a full-time one unless it is terminated.

For people on family visa

As per UAE law, those who live in the UAE on a family visa can take up a second job after getting a part-time work permit with an NOC from the sponsor. The work permits can be issued to men and women between 18 and 65 years of age.


Source: www.government.ae
 

• UAE