Legal & Employment Rights Navigator
Interactive guide to labor laws, dispute resolution, and rights protection for Sri Lankans in Gulf countries
Your Employment Rights — UAE
Fundamental Rights
Right to Fair Treatment
Protection from discrimination based on nationality, religion, gender, or race.
Right to Safe Workplace
Employer must provide safe working conditions and necessary safety equipment.
Right to Timely Payment
Salary must be paid on agreed date. Delays are violations of labor law.
Right to Leave
Annual leave, sick leave, and emergency leave as per labor law and contract.
Right to End of Service Benefits
Gratuity payment based on years of service upon contract completion.
Right to Legal Recourse
Access to labor courts and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Salary & Payment Rights
Your employer must:
- Pay salary on the agreed date each month
- Use approved payment methods (bank transfer/WPS)
- Provide detailed salary slip showing deductions
- Pay overtime at 125% (normal hours) or 150% (night/holidays)
- Not make unauthorized deductions from salary
Leave Entitlements
Annual Leave
30 days paid leave per year after 1 year service
Pro-rated for periods less than 1 year
Sick Leave
90 days per year
First 15 days: Full pay
Next 30 days: Half pay
Remaining: Unpaid
Maternity Leave
60 days (varies by country)
Full pay for specified period
Termination Rights
Notice Period
Both employer and employee must provide notice (typically 30-90 days) unless:
- Probation period termination (shorter notice)
- Serious misconduct (immediate termination possible)
- Mutual agreement to waive notice
End of Service Benefits (Gratuity)
Calculation:
- 1-5 years: 21 days salary per year
- 5+ years: 30 days salary per year
- Maximum: 2 years total salary
Rights During Market Disruptions
Economic Crisis or Company Financial Issues:
- Employer cannot stop paying salary without legal process
- You have right to seek alternative employment if unpaid
- Company bankruptcy doesn't void your salary claims
- Labor courts can order payment from company assets